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Philadelphia is pretty grimy and has bad urban decay and crime, but it has a much better location by virtue of being East Coast. Chicago has a lot of crime, but appearance-wise looks a lot cleaner. Unfortunately, you're stuck in the boring Midwest with Chicago really being the only place of interest. Denver doesn't have the problems with crime and urban decay that Philly or Chicago have, but like Chicago, Denver is pretty isolated. Great if you like outdoor activities.
All three cities get very cold, though. Chicago has brutal winters.
Lol, this post couldn't be more stereotypical.
Philadelphia's downtown used to have that history, of being grimy and rundown, in the lats 10 years or so they have done a lot of work. Downtown Philadelphia is beautiful and for the most part very well maintained. Obviously, it's the most historic of all the cities and in terms of density and other nearby cities it offers the most being close to Baltimore, D.C., and NYC is a huge plus.
Chicago will be the cheapest on this list, yes it's cheaper than Denver even. Chicago also has the best public transit. I know Chicago gets a bad rap for its crime, but it really is not what people make it out to be. If you don't live in the hoods of the south or west side then there is a 99% chance you aren't going to get murdered. Honestly, murder and violent crime is extremely rare in central and north Chicago. Chicago will offer the most in terms of entertainment, variety, shopping, and employment. Oh, and "boring" midwest? Chicago is obviously the crowned jewel of the midwest, but there are several large metros only a few hours drive away, each that are very unique cities.
Madison, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and even Minneapolis isn't too awfully far. So don't give me that crap about the midwest being dull or boring.
Denver is probably the most unique and the most isolated. It's the largest metro for hundreds of miles around, and you won't find many other large cities out there. Denver probably has the best outdoorsy kind of stuff. You'll obviously find more in the way of snow sports in Denver. However, the mile-high city is known to have a higher cost of living, maybe not as bad as Philadelphia, but definitely higher than Chicago.
Well out of these Philadelphia is definitely the most affordable. And Chicago has the best public transit. As for the singles scene I would guess Denver may be the best because there seem to be a lot of young, well-educated individuals. Now overall relaxing-ness depends on what you like to do for fun. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, then by far you will be most satisfied in Denver. Chicago will give you that big city feel if you enjoy that and the parks along Lake Michigan are great for relaxing. Philadelphia has good parks (especially Fairmount) as well, but on the weekends the draw would be a short train/car ride to NYC or DC. Personally I'd go to Philadelphia. If the main thing you're worried about is not wanting to have to move back in with your folks then you may want to avoid Denver.
Don't forget that Philly also has Atlantic City just 45-50 minutes away. It also has Baltimore, beaches and mountains just a short drive away.
A $90k salary in Philadelphia would be a $77k salary in Denver.
Groceries in Philadelphia are 21% more expensive than Denver. Housing is 18% more expensive. Utilities are 27% more expensive. Transportation is 6% more expensive... and Healthcare is 7% less expensive in Philadelphia than in Denver. Cost of Living Calculator: Compare the Cost of Living in Two Cities - CNNMoney
A $90k salary in Philadelphia would be an $85k salary in Chicago.
Groceries in Philadelphia are 11% more expensive. Housing is 5% more expensive. Utilities are 20% more expensive. Transportation 18% less expensive than Chicago.. and healthcare is 2% more expensive Cost of Living Calculator: Compare the Cost of Living in Two Cities - CNNMoney
So Philadelphia is much more expensive than Denver and slightly more expensive than Chicago. Philadelphia is however, the cheapest large city in the Northeast.
Philly also has a great singles scene, especially in Center City and the surrounding area and in Manayunk.
Philadelphia is pretty grimy and has bad urban decay and crime,
Ahh yes. Gotta love the the infamous grime of Philadelphia. Not saying Philadlephia doesn't have its bad sections but its no more grimey than one of its peer cities. IMO Philadlephia peer cities are older post industrial based cities- NYC, Chicago,Baltimore,Pitt,Detroit, St Louis,Cle etc...
Philadelphia's downtown used to have that history, of being grimy and rundown, in the lats 10 years or so they have done a lot of work. Downtown Philadelphia is beautiful and for the most part very well maintained. Obviously, it's the most historic of all the cities and in terms of density and other nearby cities it offers the most being close to Baltimore, D.C., and NYC is a huge plus.
There is actually a documentary on the transformation and redevelopment of Center City.
So Denver's the cheapest? Because people say otherwise in this thread.
I don't understand what all goes into the cost of living calculators. When you go to more than one, you find they have data all over the place, some directly contradicting the other sites.
Looking at average housing prices, Denver is the most expensive, then Philadelphia, then Chicago.
Ok, according to most posts Chicago seems to be the cheapest
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