Philadelphia vs. NYC, DC, and Boston (York, Washington: best city, real estate, 2014)

[Wordsmith12]

My wife and I have traveled to all four cities over the past five years. I'm a huge history buff, so I always try to check out places that are chock full of historic sites, monuments, etc.

We visited Philly last summer, and so far it has been the best trip we've ever had. We can't wait to go back.

It's not that we didn't enjoy DC, Boston, and NYC, but Philly felt different. We stayed in Old City/Historic District, so virtually all the attractions we wished to see were within easy walking distance.

We Ubered only once to check out the Rocky statue and Love sculpture one night.

I suppose the key difference is that with the other three destinations, the historic attractions are concentrated in the heart of the city. In Philly, they are mostly situated in a quiet neighborhood (Old City) that's away from downtown and those other busy spots.

I'm guessing that if I had spent more time in Center City, it would have felt more like New York, Boston, or DC. I'm glad we didn't, though.

I felt right at home in Old City. It's the only city where we've felt comfortable enough to wander around late at night. The other three cities, on the other hand, felt less homely and more touristy.

This summer, we're considering visiting Baltimore and Annapolis in Maryland. But Philly set such a high bar that now we fear we're going to be comparing every other city we visit to it.

Do you have the same impression of Philly -- in comparison to NY, Boston, and DC?

[eliza61nyc]

Actually one of the reason many of my friends enjoy Philadelphia is it's ease to get to all those other places.

My friends from the West Coast come to Philly and have an easy time getting to NYC and DC. Now I don't think it's a fair comparison to other cities. Come on, NYC has 8 million folks, that's almost the entire state of Pennsylvania. heck Manhattan has got 1.8 million residents squeezed onto 8 miles of real estate. lol "homey" ain't an adjective that goes with it.

I was born and raised in NYC so I'm a bit biased but just a bit, lol.

Basically I really don't compare the 4, they are just too different IMO. Extend your trip and do day/overnight trips to the other places. Each one has it's own flavor.

[Wordsmith12]

Originally Posted by eliza61nyc

Now I don't think it's a fair comparison to other cities. Come on, NYC has 8 million folks, that's almost the entire state of Pennsylvania. heck Manhattan has got 1.8 million residents squeezed onto 8 miles of real estate. lol "homey" ain't an adjective that goes with it.

That's a fair point. Old City only has about 6,000 residents. Philly itself has around 1.58 million residents.

I also loved all the parks in Old City/Society Hill-- so many lovely places to sit down and relax. We didn't have a chance to see Rittenhouse Square, unfortunately.

[Muinteoir]

From a history buff's standpoint, I think Philadelphia is actually the best city visit of the major four East Coast cities. All four have something distinct to offer for sure, and Boston is neck and neck with Philly, but you just can't beat the birthplace of the USA. I also agree Philadelphia feels the "least touristy" of the four, although I am not sure how the numbers actually stack up.

DC is also very concentrated in its historical markers and things to do around the Smithsonian. Center City, especially around Rittenhouse, does feel a bit like a small slice of Manhattan. However, the difference of scale and intensity is pretty apparent. I actually think Old City, Society Hill, etc. feel quite similar to Boston's historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill. I will agree Philly and DC really feel nothing alike, and I visit DC quite often.

I am glad you enjoy visiting Philly so much. I know you are a history buff, but I'd suggest checking out other fun parts of the city like the Italian Market, Gerrmantown (quite a bit of history to be had there too), Clark Park, etc. You can get a more full experience of the city that way.

[Wordsmith12]

Originally Posted by Muinteoir

I am glad you enjoy visiting Philly so much. I know you are a history buff, but I'd suggest checking out other fun parts of the city like the Italian Market, Gerrmantown (quite a bit of history to be had there too), Clark Park, etc. You can get a more full experience of the city that way.

Thanks for the suggestions. Next time we'll also be sure to check out The Franklin Institute and the University of Pennsylvania.

[Wordsmith12]

My wife and I have been debating where to go this summer.

We've considered the following:
- Maryland (Baltimore and Annapolis)
- New Jersey (maybe Trenton, Princeton, Morristown)
- Charleston, SC
- Massachusetts (maybe Quincy, Concord, Lexington)

Maryland is the frontrunner right now.

The original plan was to go to DC to celebrate our 5-year anniversary (we went for our honeymoon in 2014). Unfortunately, the reopening of the Washington monument has been pushed back again. It was closed for repairs the last time we went, and we don't want to miss it a second time, so that's why we scrapped plans for DC this year.

After visiting these four amazing cities (DC, NYC, Boston, Philly), I sense Maryland is going to feel like a downgrade. We haven't booked anything yet, so we still have time to decide. We could opt not to go on any major trip this summer and leave DC for later in the year.

Baltimore has their Washington monument, and Annapolis has the Maryland State House. Other than a few historic homes here and there, it seems we'd be spending most of our time in places like the Aquarium, Science Museum, and Maryland Historical Society.

I'm still debating whether it's worth it.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Wordsmith12

My wife and I have traveled to all four cities over the past five years. I'm a huge history buff, so I always try to check out places that are chock full of historic sites, monuments, etc.

We visited Philly last summer, and so far it has been the best trip we've ever had. We can't wait to go back.

It's not that we didn't enjoy DC, Boston, and NYC, but Philly felt different. We stayed in Old City/Historic District, so virtually all the attractions we wished to see were within easy walking distance.

We Ubered only once to check out the Rocky statue and Love sculpture one night.

I suppose the key difference is that with the other three destinations, the historic attractions are concentrated in the heart of the city. In Philly, they are mostly situated in a quiet neighborhood (Old City) that's away from downtown and those other busy spots.

I'm guessing that if I had spent more time in Center City, it would have felt more like New York, Boston, or DC. I'm glad we didn't, though.

I felt right at home in Old City. It's the only city where we've felt comfortable enough to wander around late at night. The other three cities, on the other hand, felt less homely and more touristy.

This summer, we're considering visiting Baltimore and Annapolis in Maryland. But Philly set such a high bar that now we fear we're going to be comparing every other city we visit to it.

Do you have the same impression of Philly -- in comparison to NY, Boston, and DC?

Btw, Old City is a neighborhood in Center City. So it is "downtown". But I know what you mean.

I like NY but I don't necessarily love it. I do visit pretty regularly though.

I actually like Cambridge a lot more than Boston proper.

DC? I'm pretty much "meh" about it. Other than the Smithsonian it's not a place, overall, that I make a big effort to see on a regular basis.

I was born in Philadelphia. I love the city. I will never live anywhere else. I hope it's my good fortune to die here.

You should check out Annapolis. I enjoyed it the time I visited.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Wordsmith12

My wife and I have been debating where to go this summer.

We've considered the following:
- Maryland (Baltimore and Annapolis)
- New Jersey (maybe Trenton, Princeton, Morristown)
- Charleston, SC
- Massachusetts (maybe Quincy, Concord, Lexington)

Maryland is the frontrunner right now.

The original plan was to go to DC to celebrate our 5-year anniversary (we went for our honeymoon in 2014). Unfortunately, the reopening of the Washington monument has been pushed back again. It was closed for repairs the last time we went, and we don't want to miss it a second time, so that's why we scrapped plans for DC this year.

After visiting these four amazing cities (DC, NYC, Boston, Philly), I sense Maryland is going to feel like a downgrade. We haven't booked anything yet, so we still have time to decide. We could opt not to go on any major trip this summer and leave DC for later in the year.

Baltimore has their Washington monument, and Annapolis has the Maryland State House. Other than a few historic homes here and there, it seems we'd be spending most of our time in places like the Aquarium, Science Museum, and Maryland Historical Society.

I'm still debating whether it's worth it.

Charlston! I was surprised about how much I liked it.

[Redddog]

I've lived in DC, NYC and now Philly. I've been to Boston a ton. We live in Old City.

So, the technicality first, Old City is technically considered Center City but for the most part, when one refers to CC, they are really talking about the area a few blocks radius in any direction from City Hall. Some have a more exact requirement to consider Center City as it's true dimensions - from river to river, south street to Spring Garden. It's your preference.

Old City is pretty darn touristy so the fact that you found that not to be the case is good. North of Market St., aside from a couple of sites (Elfreth's Alley and Betsy Ross' house) is relatively quiet. It's easily our favorite part of town for the same reasons you like it, but there are quaint, beautiful parts in all of Philly and that's due to the historical nature. The fact that you didn't get to see Rittenhouse is a bummer because that is one of, if not the nicest parts of town. It's a bit more Metropolitan and upscale and a really cool place to hang out for dinner and drinks.

Philly is by far, our favorite place we've ever lived.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Redddog

I've lived in DC, NYC and now Philly. I've been to Boston a ton. We live in Old City.

So, the technicality first, Old City is technically considered Center City but for the most part, when one refers to CC, they are really talking about the area a few blocks radius in any direction from City Hall. Some have a more exact requirement to consider Center City as it's true dimensions - from river to river, south street to Spring Garden. It's your preference.

Old City is pretty darn touristy so the fact that you found that not to be the case is good. North of Market St., aside from a couple of sites (Elfreth's Alley and Betsy Ross' house) is relatively quiet. It's easily our favorite part of town for the same reasons you like it, but there are quaint, beautiful parts in all of Philly and that's due to the historical nature. The fact that you didn't get to see Rittenhouse is a bummer because that is one of, if not the nicest parts of town. It's a bit more Metropolitan and upscale and a really cool place to hang out for dinner and drinks.

Philly is by far, our favorite place we've ever lived.

It's really simple. What we have decided to call "Center City" is the original Philadelphia before the 1854 consolidation with Phila. Co. And, no, Spring Garden St is not the northern border of CC. Vine St is.

But I'm not trying to start any arguments about it! Lol