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I live in Philadelphia right now, and I am just getting used to using SEPTA. Some days I feel like I could live without a car here...however, whenever going far off the El lines, I always feel like it's quicker and more convenient to drive.
How extensive is SEPTA in comparison to Chicago's subway/rail lines?
Try learning the bus routes and schedules in Philly. The rapid transit lines are great, but not extensive enough to use exclusively. If you also use the buses and streetcars you can get anywhere. It will be slower than driving (since you have to wait maybe 10min for the bus) but you won't need a car. I've been carless in Philly for three years and haven't had any real issues getting around.
I live in Philadelphia right now, and I am just getting used to using SEPTA. Some days I feel like I could live without a car here...however, whenever going far off the El lines, I always feel like it's quicker and more convenient to drive.
How extensive is SEPTA in comparison to Chicago's subway/rail lines?
Depends on the neighborhood or what side of the city you're in. Chicago's lakefront northside is very dense and is serve by the redline, brownline, and purple line.
I've been to Philly a half dozen times or so but I've only taken SEPTA a few times and it seems okay. As a Chicagoan however, I can say that for the most part you don't need a car but it depends on where you live. Like the poster above me, the northside along the lake is served by several train lines and buses that are 24/7. If you live on the south side, south of 95th street and more than a few blocks east or west of the red line, then your screwed after about 9pm because there are very few buses that operate further than that during the late night. It's frustrating if you live in the "wild hunnits" (those triple digit streets on the south side) because you have to walk or catch a cab to your house in some pretty shady areas.
I've been to Philly a half dozen times or so but I've only taken SEPTA a few times and it seems okay. As a Chicagoan however, I can say that for the most part you don't need a car but it depends on where you live. Like the poster above me, the northside along the lake is served by several train lines and buses that are 24/7. If you live on the south side, south of 95th street and more than a few blocks east or west of the red line, then your screwed after about 9pm because there are very few buses that operate further than that during the late night. It's frustrating if you live in the "wild hunnits" (those triple digit streets on the south side) because you have to walk or catch a cab to your house in some pretty shady areas.
That is how they do black areas. They often lack amenities like the white ones.
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