from pittsburgh to philadelphia (Reading: apartment, violent crime, how much)

[loudpainting]

I visited philly last weekend and I really really missed pittsburgh.

What I like about PGH is how it's easy to get around to everywhere, like my current apartment is 5 minutes to the university of pittsburgh and 5 minutes to great grocery stores. Philly seems to be more spread out, more expensive.

but if I did move...well, what's the best analogy to the strip district of pittsburgh in philadelphia?

Also, weather in philly? I might have just been cranky b/c I had to walk/take public transit everywhere, while I'm used to bicycling.

[mattjd]

Originally Posted by loudpainting

I visited philly last weekend and I really really missed pittsburgh.

What I like about PGH is how it's easy to get around to everywhere, like my current apartment is 5 minutes to the university of pittsburgh and 5 minutes to great grocery stores. Philly seems to be more spread out, more expensive.

but if I did move...well, what's the best analogy to the strip district of pittsburgh in philadelphia?

Also, weather in philly? I might have just been cranky b/c I had to walk/take public transit everywhere, while I'm used to bicycling.

Philadelphia doesn't have anything like the strip district in one place that I know of. However, they do have Reading Terminal Market which is an awesome place to get fresh baked food, just like you'd find at the strip. As for the dance clubs, I'd say South St. South st. is very similar to Carson St. in Pittsburgh. Philadelphia is a lot more expensive than Pittsburgh and it also has a severe crime problem. Live in the city of Philadelphia at your own risk, unless you are wealthy and can live in Center City. But, after dark I'd really suggest taking a taxi or the subway rather than taking your bike or walking. This place isn't like Pittsburgh. It's a much bigger city and the violent crime there is out of control. Years ago I lived in south philly and it was a dump. I can only imagine how much worse things have gotten.

The big thing I hated in Philly was how flat it was. If you're in North Philly, West Philly, or South Philly it all looks the same. I kind of like Pittsburgh with its crazy hills, steps that go on forever, etc. I think Pittsburgh's neighborhoods have a lot more character than Philly's, but that's just my opinion.

[pman]

Originally Posted by loudpainting

What I like about PGH is how it's easy to get around to everywhere, like my current apartment is 5 minutes to the university of pittsburgh and 5 minutes to great grocery stores. Philly seems to be more spread out, more expensive.

it's bigger and more expensive.

Originally Posted by loudpainting

but if I did move...well, what's the best analogy to the strip district of pittsburgh in philadelphia?

if you mean in terms of food, the Italian Market (aka 9th St Market) which runs on 9th St from christian to federal. while no store is as encompassing as pennmac, you can get everything you need from the market as a whole. froma shopping perspective, it's the equal of the strip district if not its superior...claudio's fresh mozz will make you forget about penn mac's.

there is a crime problem but this area is pretty safe. you can walk many, many places even at night. the hilliest part of the city is the NW which is comprised of Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, and Germantown. Center city is extremely walkable, it's just bigger than pittsburgh's downtown. It is harder to get around driving because there is more traffic.

Originally Posted by loudpainting

Also, weather in philly? I might have just been cranky b/c I had to walk/take public transit everywhere, while I'm used to bicycling.

weather is slightly warmer in winter and summer and more sun. mind you, it's not a dramatic difference, just a marginal one. you can walk, bike, or take public transit. if you want to visit, try this place
Philadelphia Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast
which is near the Italian Market

[loudpainting]

did visit. stayed in apple hostels. I will admit that my perspective was very likely shaped by the fact that I suck at navigating mass transit and I didn't have a bicycle, so I had to hump everywhere.

So for a lower-middle class person, why would he move to philly as opposed to PGH? PGH seems to be cheaper and more creative, actually. Seems like people in PGH are more entrepeneurial, while the Philly people are more corporate.