Best City in the United States (house, landscaping, neighborhoods)

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

How the heck is natural scenery an utter failure for The Delaware Valley?
Especially the city of Philadelphia itself, having one of the largest park systems in the country.

Personally, I find living with a distinct 4 season climate in a lush green valley between two rivers, with the mountains and beach nearby quite beautiful in the natural scenery department.

I guess everyone has their preferences though.

Personally, I prefer a spectacularly hilly peninsula between an ocean and a bay, with a climate that almost never precludes outdoor activities. But to each their own.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by pch1013

Personally, I prefer a spectacularly hilly peninsula between an ocean and a bay, with a climate that almost never precludes outdoor activities. But to each their own.

LOL, I'm not about to put Philly in a natural scenery competition with San Francisco but we do hold our own just fine. "Utter failure" is the furthest from the truth. SF is probably tops in the country though.

The weather on the other hand, ehh not the biggest fan. Maybe because I went during the early Summer and I am used to 80+ but it was just way too cold, especially at night. I like to be able to go in the ocean without a wetsuit in the Summer Months.
The only months in Philly where outdoor activities are somewhat precluded would be January and February, but even then The Poconos make do just fine for skiing and other snow activities, although not like what is available out West.

It's supposed to get above 60 degrees next week in Philly though. Not bad for the first week of December .

[pch1013]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

The only months in Philly where outdoor activities are somewhat precluded would be January and February

Having grown up in Washington, DC, whose climate is not all that different from Philly's, I'd add July and August to that list. I don't miss that hot muggy weather one bit.

[ktaadin]

Given the OP's criteria, 3 come immediately to mind: San Francisco, Boston, and Honolulu. You might also like San Diego.

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by pch1013

Having grown up in Washington, DC, whose climate is not all that different from Philly's, I'd add July and August to that list. I don't miss that hot muggy weather one bit.

Depends on what you're into. July and August on the East Coast are exception months for beach/swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking in the mountains (where it's cooler), etc. Plus, the evenings and mornings are pretty nice for walking, cycling, etc.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

"Safe" and "Friendly" are very subjective. If you have money and you like direct communication, Philly is a good choice. If you're poor and you prefer "southern charm", then I agree with you. Same goes for every city (SF, Boston, NYC, etc.).

Philly is not welcoming of newcomers and a difficult place to make new friends if one isn't from there. The city's status as "provincial" is legendary and it cracks me up to hear friendly used as a descriptive, particularly after living there for 8 years. Also, there are many variables between "direct communication" and "southern charm" so it's not a case of one or another. I (along with many others I'm sure) find the "direct communication" end of the spectrum not all that friendly.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

How the heck is natural scenery an utter failure for The Delaware Valley?
Especially the city of Philadelphia itself, having one of the largest park systems in the country.

The topic/thread refers to best city, not best region. I realize you're a Philly homer but face it, the city by and large is butt-ugly.

[kidphilly]

Why We Love Philly: Being a Philadelphian | Philadelphia magazine


Oddly Kyle not everyone had your experience

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

The topic/thread refers to best city, not best region. I realize you're a Philly homer but face it, the city by and large is butt-ugly.

I have enjoyed Philly when visiting. Not ugly at all.

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Philly is not welcoming of newcomers and a difficult place to make new friends if one isn't from there. The city's status as "provincial" is legendary and it cracks me up to hear friendly used as a descriptive, particularly after living there for 8 years. Also, there are many variables between "direct communication" and "southern charm" so it's not a case of one or another. I (along with many others I'm sure) find the "direct communication" end of the spectrum not all that friendly.

I've heard the same about Richmond, but I've yet to experience it. I've also made some friends in Philly on some trips I've made there and they've even come down to visit me here. I always have a hard time believing that a city with millions of people is not welcoming of newcomers; more accurately, everyone has different communication styles and experiences.