Philly as depressing as in the movies?

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Terrapin2212

Maybe its not something you'll understand how people off the East Coast are friendlier and more family-oriented and have better values and are less greedy and materialistic.

Greed and materialism definitely don't descriminate by location, and what you say about families and friendliness couldn't be further from the truth. Families couldn't be stronger here, as lineage is VERY deep-rooted, inter-connected, and long-standing in this part of the country. Also, friendliness is extremely relative, and I feel as though East-Coasters are the most authentic in terms of attitude. I'd much rather someone act their true self than the facade of "friendliness" and "community" that you often find in the Sun Belt or out West.

[Flute]

I have lived in Philadelphia, and I think that most of the city is a sprawling, beautiful, clean, and urban place. The only part of the city I would not recommend moving to would be West Philadelphia. That is the kind of place you were talking about, with run-down buildings.

[acenturi]

What I don't understand is that if your intent is genuinely asking for advice about the city, which is NOT obvious from the tenor of your original post and you live in the Baltimore area, why on earth are you not jumping on a train for the 1 hour trip and deciding for yourself whether Philadelphia "has a very depressing and hopeless feel to it". As far as weather, if you actually believe there is a noticeable difference between 2 cities 100 miles apart at nearly the same elevation, maybe Dental School is a bit of a stretch. I always have strong suspicions when someone starts a thread with unsupportable negative observations (other than 2 imaginary/fictional Hollywood flicks) and solicits comments in an attempt to stimulate a defensive environment of adversarial responses. Since if appears your life actions are significantly influenced by what you see in movies, suggest move to LA - you'll love the reality and sincerity of Hollywood.

[Deep77]

Originally Posted by Flute

I have lived in Philadelphia, and I think that most of the city is a sprawling, beautiful, clean, and urban place. The only part of the city I would not recommend moving to would be West Philadelphia. That is the kind of place you were talking about, with run-down buildings.

I live in West Philly and I wouldn't call it depressing by any streach of the imagination. Most of us here are pretty excited to live here. It is cheaper than most parts of the city, there is Clark Park, having Penn and Drexel provides excitment, easy SEPTA access, and there is almost a small town feel where you know your neighbors or at least. Most neighborhoods in West Philly are like the thriving urban neighborhoods described by Jane Jacobs.

[G Goo]

Originally Posted by Duderino

Greed and materialism definitely don't descriminate by location, and what you say about families and friendliness couldn't be further from the truth. Families couldn't be stronger here, as lineage is VERY deep-rooted, inter-connected, and long-standing in this part of the country. Also, friendliness is extremely relative, and I feel as though East-Coasters are the most authentic in terms of attitude. I'd much rather someone act their true self than the facade of "friendliness" and "community" that you often find in the Sun Belt or out West.

And I believe that the divorce rate in Northeastern states is far below that of all other regions of the country. Totally agree with your take on the lazy Northeasterners-aren't-friendly assessment we hear so much. So trite, boring, stupid.

[Deep77]

Originally Posted by Tom Lennox 70

How do people from the PHiladelphia area feel about living there. Is it one of those areas where most people are desperate to move to the Sunbelt? How much more unbearable are the winters compared to DC and Baltimore? Is there a lot of snowfall and very little sunshine? It is less snobby or elist compared to further northeast like Boston or NY?

As a Philadelphian, who has been living here for almost 3 years here is my opinion. One, moving to Philly is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. And I am not the only person to actually believe that. I know some people who have a desire to live in the Sunbelt, but they tend to want to move for personal reasons not because they hate Philly. I also know alot of people who have moved from the Sunbelt. If you like Philly then you really don't want to move to Phoenix or Atlanta, because they are too sprawled out. I personally don't want to live in the Sunbelt, I just don't see the logic in having to drive 20 minutes to get a gallon of milk.

Two, the winters in Philly are not as unbearable as the summers in Philly. Baltimore and Philly are not far apart and are on the same elevation and close to the ocean. You don't need to work for the Weather Channel that the two cities will have similar climates. I think Philly handled the last snow storm pretty well. When it comes to snow, it is better to be further north, because in the north people are better prepared for the snow.

Three, I get annoyed how those so-called "real Americans" think they're some how less elitist or more friendlier than those of us who live in the big bad city. Just because we don't bake a pie for a new neighbor or say "hi" to everyone on the street does not make us snobby or rude. We show our friendliness in other ways. We won't bake cookies for you but we will help you navigate SEPTA. If you need help moving a couch, your neighbor will help you.

[toobusytoday]

Anyone notice that this thread is from June 2007?