Why is Philadelphia a great place to live? (Pittsburgh, Reading: renting, home)

[Philly-bound]

I have a job interview at a law firm in Philadelphia in a few weeks. I have been to the city a few times and always enjoyed it. My wife and I (both 30 years old, no children) really want to relocate there, both for career reasons (much larger companies etc. than Pittsburgh) and because we think it would be a good place to start a family (we want to be in a larger, more diverse, cosmopolitan city and think that will be an important experience for children). That being said, I don't feel like I know enough about the city to really sell this potential employer on my desire to live there since I have no real ties to the city other than family and friends close by in the Poconos and New Jersey. Also, my wife is in healthcare communications (particulary med devices), and I've heard that Philadelphia/New Jersey region has strong career opportunities in healthcare in pharma, so that is another potential tie (for my wife at least).

Does anyone have any suggestions on things to mention as reasons why I think Philly is so spectacular that I would like to live there and raise a family for the foreseeable future?

I'm also looking for recommendations for northern/northeastern suburbs as my wife's job opportunity is a little more than an hour north in New Jersey. We will be renting for at least the first year (with no children and one small dog, we will be looking for something smaller and preferably modern).

Thanks!

[skylinez]

As for what to say to your employer?

-Tell him your whole life you have been a Philly sports fans. Read up on the latest happenings of the Eagles offseason moves - enough that you can shoot the **** and give some valid statements.

[frankgn87]

she is going to be an hour north in Jersey? Where specifically??

[Summersm343]

You want to live in a large metro and a large city that is diverse and on a strong upswing?

[acenturi]

You're looking to live in an affordable, walkable, large city, with a diverse population, world class education institutions, medical facilities, museums, entertainment/sports venues and restaurants.

NYC is too large, expensive and impersonal. Philly seems to have most of what NYC has, but in a smaller, more manageable package. Mention how your wife enjoys shopping at Macy's, along Walnut Street, the Reading Terminal Market and relaxing in and around Rittenhouse and Washington Square and how the drive and atmosphere along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the most spectacular urban drive you've experienced. Don't forget to hit hard the benefit of living in the city with the most physical presence of colonial history in America. If you're going with a large law firm, also expound on how your wife and you are excited about the potential of frequent visits to theatre, concerts, ballet and opera on the Avenue of the Arts (South Broad Street).

[acenturi]

Originally Posted by acenturi

You're looking to live in an affordable, walkable, large city, with a diverse population, world class education institutions, medical facilities, museums, entertainment/sports venues and restaurants.........

NYC is too large, expensive and impersonal. Philly seems to have most of what NYC has, but in a smaller, more manageable package. Mention how your wife enjoys shopping at Macy's, along Walnut Street, the Reading Terminal Market and relaxing in and around Rittenhouse and Washington Square and how the drive and atmosphere along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the most spectacular urban drive you've experienced. Don't forget to hit hard the benefit of living in the city with the most physical presence of colonial history in America. If you're going with a large law firm, also expound on how your wife and you are excited about the potential of frequent visits to theatre, concerts, ballet and opera on the Avenue of the Arts (South Broad Street).

Incidentally, I would estimate that at least 90% of my professional associates and friends have never been to Pittsburgh or know anything about it. Some have mentioned that it's a small city in the "Wild West" part of the State. Consider not presenting Pittsburgh in anything but a favorable light (which IMO, it deserves), with cultural, entertainment and medical facilities far exceeding the offerings of cties twice its size. Consider mentioning that you and your wife feel the need to experience all of that, but in a larger, more cosmopolitan, yet affordable environment. Also, consider mentioning (if approached) that you 2 understand and are not overly concerned with the not so positive aspects of a big city (e.g., Crime, congestion, etc..) and feel that you can easily adapt and create a comfortable lifestyle here. That is, don't come across as country bumpkins afraid of their own shadow. ...

[pman]

Originally Posted by Philly-bound

I have a job interview at a law firm in Philadelphia in a few weeks. I have been to the city a few times and always enjoyed it. My wife and I (both 30 years old, no children) really want to relocate there, both for career reasons (much larger companies etc. than Pittsburgh) and because we think it would be a good place to start a family (we want to be in a larger, more diverse, cosmopolitan city and think that will be an important experience for children)....my wife is in healthcare communications (particulary med devices), and I've heard that Philadelphia/New Jersey region has strong career opportunities in healthcare in pharma, so that is another potential tie (for my wife at least).

sounds like you have the basics down. maybe you're looking forward watching a phils game or enjoying the vitality in center city. if you have family in pittsburgh, well, it's different but it's not that far from home when you want to visit family (there are a lot of people from the pittsburgh area).

[Clark Park]

For me, Philly is a great place to live because:

1. It has all the wonderful aspects of big city life like museums, galleries, cultural institutions, symphony, opera, ballet, live theater, night clubs, a vast array of restaurants, film festivals, ethnic street fairs, brew pubs, historic districts, universities, etc.

2. It is so much CHEAPER to live here than in New York, Boston or Washington!!!

[mancat100]

To the OP. You could mention that you are drawn to the high quality of many of our suburban school districts - among the best America has to offer. You could also mention the huge talent pool provided by our fine universities. You could mention that you're drawn to the central location of the metro area.

[skihikeclimb]

Originally Posted by Philly-bound

I have a job interview at a law firm in Philadelphia in a few weeks. I have been to the city a few times and always enjoyed it. My wife and I (both 30 years old, no children) really want to relocate there, both for career reasons (much larger companies etc. than Pittsburgh) and because we think it would be a good place to start a family (we want to be in a larger, more diverse, cosmopolitan city and think that will be an important experience for children). That being said, I don't feel like I know enough about the city to really sell this potential employer on my desire to live there since I have no real ties to the city other than family and friends close by in the Poconos and New Jersey. Also, my wife is in healthcare communications (particulary med devices), and I've heard that Philadelphia/New Jersey region has strong career opportunities in healthcare in pharma, so that is another potential tie (for my wife at least).

Does anyone have any suggestions on things to mention as reasons why I think Philly is so spectacular that I would like to live there and raise a family for the foreseeable future?

I'm also looking for recommendations for northern/northeastern suburbs as my wife's job opportunity is a little more than an hour north in New Jersey. We will be renting for at least the first year (with no children and one small dog, we will be looking for something smaller and preferably modern).

Thanks!

Its not a great place to live. Filled with thugs and violence.