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I've lived in all three and none of them are as good as Chicago. (Or even New York.)
Best thing about Philly is that it's not that far from NYC.
Although traffic is horrendous in all three, Boston and DC both at least have decent public transportation. What passes for public transportation is appallingly inadequate in Philadelphia. And the major E/W expressway into the city is 2 lanes not all that far out from the city. 2 LANES!!! This ties up traffic for scores of miles. I really think that portions of the Philly metro region are going to suffer economically from the terrible transportation infrastructure (or, more accurately, the lack thereof.) Long term economic growth is going to be limited due to this factor in the west/northwest suburbs.
Boston is so much more provincial than the other two, and way less friendly than the others.
Philadelphia has top notch high end dining, although DC has its fare share, too. Housing and general COL is cheapest in Philadelphia.
It's a toss-up for me. All three have positive and negative things about them. None are my favorite. I could live in any of them (and have). I'm actually moving from one to another in a few months.
Philadelphia has history from every period, but by far its most significant is its colonial and revolutionary history. Its not even a question, and its dubious to include one and not the other.
Philadelphia probably has the most impressive range of 18th and 19th century American architecture in the country. You can find great examples of old architectural styles in Philly. That counts as history IMO. Like Manhattan, Boston had to destroy much of its old architecture to make room as it expanded. Philadelphia didn't have any geographical limitations and so it just built outward. As such, Philadelphia feels very historic and with its narrow streets and alleys, feels very Old World too.
Philadelphia definitely played a major role in the Civil War. Just look up the history about it.
Other than the industrial might the city possessed, the Union commander at Gettysburg, George Meade was from Phila. He's buried in Laurel Hill cemetery. Phila. was also a "stagings station" for union troops going south
Many crossed the Delaware, on ferrys or barges, at the foot of Washington Ave. and Columbus Blvd. There were refreshment stands right where there is car intersection today. Troops marched west along Washington Ave for trains to take them south at the NW corner of Broad and Washington.
The Sanitation Movement(it grew into the Red Cross) had a huge fair on the grounds of what was then Logan Sq in 1864. They were a benevalent organization focused on troop welfare. The only nearby building that existed in the drawings I've seen of the time is the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul. If you go to Logan Circle today there a big historical sign describing the fair.
The Union League, at Broad and Sansom, is called that because of its obvious involvement in the war.
The Satterlee Field Hospital was hugely important in caring for union troops. It was located, pretty much, where Spruce Hill is today in W. Phila.
Best thing about Philly is that it's not that far from NYC.
No its not. Thats the bottom of the list regarding the best thing about Philly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chicagoliz
Boston and DC both at least have decent public transportation. What passes for public transportation is appallingly inadequate in Philadelphia.
Absurd. Septa has 246 regional rail stops on a dozen or more seperate lines. Patco + NJ transit have another 35 stops from Princeton SW to Philly.And Amtrak. Public Transit in Philly region is routinely ranked in the top 5 USA.
Quote:
I really think that portions of the Philly metro region are going to suffer economically from the terrible transportation infrastructure (or, more accurately, the lack thereof.) Long term economic growth is going to be limited due to this factor in the west/northwest suburbs.
No it won't .I beleieve Philly is the 4th largest Media market, 5th largest city, 5th or 6th largest MSA in the USA. Its doing fine.
Absurd. Septa has 246 regional rail stops on a dozen or more seperate lines. Patco + NJ transit have another 35 stops from Princeton SW to Philly.And Amtrak. Public Transit in Philly region is routinely ranked in the top 5 USA.
i think amtrack is technically a private company. its hard to move around in philly via subway. regional rail/nj transit is not really rapid transit and many of the stops are outdoors (and less cozy in the winter).
What I appreciate about Philadelphia is its authenticity. Its the last of the three to get all whored up commercially and is still very much homegrown at the largest levels.
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