A New Demographic Trend for Philly (and other cities)?

[toobusytoday]

The reason I think that many people stay out of the cities is because our towns are where our social and family ties are. Our house is not nearly as important as what we do with our time. Our friends are here, hopefully once all my kids are done college they will still want to come back and visit and eventually bring their own kids. I like the quiet here, I like to be able to open our door and let the dog out (electric fence), to sit out with our neighbors on pleasant evenings three seasons of the year, or have an impromptu barbeque. I really like taking a quick drive to wherever and not have to deal with traffic - longer drives would involve traffic. If I want to take a college class, I have six colleges within 20 minutes and all the other fringe benefits of colleges - lectures, plays and performances. Nothing except getting rid of the yardwork makes city living sound that great to me.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Thanks for the article, Duderino! Funny, I had just read it online not long before you posted it. It's not exactly news to me; I guess it only now reached enough critical mass to make it newsworthy.

Haha, what a coincidence, and yes, I guess this has been going on for years, but now it's gaining much more momentum now with all of the new luxury residential towers shooting up downtown.

Originally Posted by Tone509

I agree that it makes sense for older empty-nesters to consider a vibrant yet lower-maintenance lifestyle that Center City can offer. I also agree that it will be interesting to see what happens to new homeowners of all ages when the ten-year tax abatement subsides in the coming years.

Definitely. Maybe this will just breed a cycle of people moving in-and-out, but I'm sure many others will make roots and not think too much of paying taxes when the abatement subsides -- it's probably too early to tell. Nevertheless, at least this trend is drawing back affluent residents that the city lost over the past half-century, and while keeping housing fair for people of every social class may also become a new issue, this will also paint less of a lopsided socioeconomic picture for Philadelphia, as far too many city residents live below the poverty line.

[foeybear]

Originally Posted by maf763

Certainly the property taxes would be equivalent or better in the surrounding suburbs, but they might be lower in retirement areas, like lower Delaware for example. I wish the abatement had been structured so that it didn't go from 0-100% overnight. Phasing in the property taxes over the ten years would have acclimated people better.

I don't know, people should be aware. We bought this year with the clear understanding that the taxes will increase.

[gameguy56]

Here's the city-slicker's response to why the city is attractive!

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

The reason I think that many people stay out of the cities is because our towns are where our social and family ties are.

Can't argue with that.

Our house is not nearly as important as what we do with our time. Our friends are here, hopefully once all my kids are done college they will still want to come back and visit and eventually bring their own kids.

Yes, but what do they do when they get there? Go to a restaurant? Shop? Seems kind of bland. In the city there are many more activities to do and places to go! You could go see a play, an opera, check out new movies and cool arts and activities without ever needing to go very far.

I like the quiet here, I like to be able to open our door and let the dog out (electric fence), to sit out with our neighbors on pleasant evenings three seasons of the year, or have an impromptu barbeque.

Fair enough about the quiet. I (and many others I know) like the constant buzz of activity within cities. It's not too hard to walk your dog in the city's parks, you just need a leash.

I really like taking a quick drive to wherever and not have to deal with traffic - longer drives would involve traffic.

No need to deal with traffic when walking or taking the train. This is a huge issue for me and a lot of others I know who like cities. Walking keeps you healthy and active. Walking to most places is a great way to keep a decent level of physical activity. Cars are expensive, gas costs money, and so does insurance and maintenance. Why deal with all this if you don't have to!

If I want to take a college class, I have six colleges within 20 minutes and all the other fringe benefits of colleges - lectures, plays and performances. Nothing except getting rid of the yardwork makes city living sound that great to me.

Nothing more than a quick train ride away from Penn, Drexel, and Temple if in Philly. Heck, you can get to NYC on the train pretty quickly too!

These are the main reasons why some people really like city life.
(no suburbanites were harmed in the making of this document)