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I've spent a very limited time in Philly, so I'm not voting in the poll, but I'm curious as to why Philly's metro is so favorable?
The burbs of Philly are some of the best in the country, great schools, lots of towns with character and history, similar to the greater boston area, maybe a wash really outside of them being more affordable
This is a really tough question about two truly great cities. Gun to my head, I guess I'll go with Philly, just because it feels a bit more fun (despite Boston's college vibe). But this is close enough that I could change my mind tomorrow, or with another visit to Boston.
Having visited the Boston area once again this past week, I always come away impressed, which makes me look forward to my next visit every time. As much as I love Philly, I will definitely concede that Boston is a bit more polished/gentrified over a larger area of its city proper (particularly if you account for Cambridge). However, I think both cities actually have a ton of similarities (as some have already noted), and I like to put it as Boston and Philadelphia being the New England and Mid-Atlantic versions of each other, respectively. Historically, Boston has been able to reinvent itself into a knowledge-based economy quicker from its earlier decline in manufacturing, whereas Philly is undergoing a later but very comparable transition from an economy also heavily based in manufacturing.
Again, in terms of the metro areas, both are actually remarkably similar in a lot of ways. Both are easily the most historical areas in the country with a superb network of very established, independent suburbs. I love how both areas have placed a premium on maintaining historical charm and open space preservation, which creates a very unique sense of place. Both cities/regions definitely suit my living preferences.
In fairness to Philadelphia, Boston had their fall from grace a couple of decades earlier than Philadelphia did, so they've had more time to rebound. Manufacturing declined in Boston during the 1950's and 1960's primarily, while in Philadelphia it was during the 1970's and 1980's. This could be why Boston is more "polished" than Philadelphia -- because they've had more time to polish.
*City of Philadelphia appeals to me more than Boston*
I don't like Philly much more than Boston, just to a slight degree... Maybe it's because I rather deal with Philly/Eagles/Flyer fans than those damn Red Sox fans.
Gimme a break.. Center city is an armpit compared to Manhattan!!!!
I didn't know Manhattan was even the topic of discussion. Either way, Center City is historic and beautifully constructed.
You NY trolls run rampant on this forum- You do know you have NY has its own forum right?
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