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I think the median household income is around $61,000 and the population is 80% white. Typically, that would be considered working class (or a lot more favorable for the working class) in major east coast metro areas.
In any case, you get a lot for the money there in my opinion.
These numbers are slightly dated for both counties (2010ish), but a quick comparison.
Montgomery County, PA median income ~$76k, median household ~90k
Fairfield County, CT median income ~$81, median household ~$100k
Real estate for the most part is more affordable in Montgomery County, but I would hardly classify Montco. as working class, if that is the case, then Fairfield County, CT is working class as well. And considering both counties have close to 1M people, those are pretty high median numbers.
Montgomery County PA is a large county, once you get out to the far western edge, it is still quite rural compared to the communities closer to Philadelphia. Don't forget most of the Main Line is located in Montgomery County, some of the wealthiest communities in the country.
I am rather surprised by how the poll has turned out. I wouldn't have expected Philadelphia to receive so many votes, and Seattle and Denver to receive do few.
I am rather surprised by how the poll has turned out. I wouldn't have expected Philadelphia to receive so many votes, and Seattle and Denver to receive do few.
Why not? I am guessing you are unfamiliar with the Philadelphia suburbs?
Why not? I am guessing you are unfamiliar with the Philadelphia suburbs?
I'm more familiar with them than most of the other cities' suburbs. I just feel Philadelphia was more on the bottom half of the given options. In order, I would vote Washington, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis.
I'm more familiar with them than most of the other cities' suburbs. I just feel Philadelphia was more on the bottom half of the given options. In order, I would vote Washington, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis.
Washington's suburbs have always inspired me. You have a collection of historical sites, beautiful natural qualities, and continued growth. I am also more familiar with Washington's than any other city on the list. Boston comes in second for similar reasons, added one of my favorite features the New England coastline. Seattle has the access to nature that I love, the coastal/water aspect, and unique architecture IMO. San Francisco for scenery, architecture, history, and recent developments in technology. Atlanta simply has nice developments outside their city core, and I like the people there. Denver comes across as a city with newer built suburbs that are well planned. Philly has nice suburbs, but I also know that it has some that might as well be suburbs of Damascus. Dallas is obviously newer, but just to bland for my taste. Chicago's I have never visited (with the exception of O'Hare) and I don't know enough about them to rank them higher. Minneapolis is a place I've never visited, but I couldn't imagine that it would be above any of the other cities on the list.
Washington's suburbs have always inspired me. You have a collection of historical sites, beautiful natural qualities, and continued growth. I am also more familiar with Washington's than any other city on the list. Boston comes in second for similar reasons, added one of my favorite features the New England coastline. Seattle has the access to nature that I love, the coastal/water aspect, and unique architecture IMO. San Francisco for scenery, architecture, history, and recent developments in technology. Atlanta simply has nice developments outside their city core, and I like the people there. Denver comes across as a city with newer built suburbs that are well planned. Philly has nice suburbs, but I also know that it has some that might as well be suburbs of Damascus. Dallas is obviously newer, but just to bland for my taste. Chicago's I have never visited (with the exception of O'Hare) and I don't know enough about them to rank them higher. Minneapolis is a place I've never visited, but I couldn't imagine that it would be above any of the other cities on the list.
So there is my reasoning.
Thanks! Do both San Fran and Seattle have suburban architecture that's all that unique? More unique than Philly? I'm not familiar with their architecture at all outside of the city.
Also, what history is unique in San Fran that surpasses Philly's?
I am rather surprised by how the poll has turned out. I wouldn't have expected Philadelphia to receive so many votes, and Seattle and Denver to receive do few.
If you've been to all of these suburbs, it's not a surprise.
Philadelphia's really is one of the best. I love them. Perfect blend of lush green and colonial historic homes and stone too. They're absolutely awesome suburbs loaded with charm.
I do believe the Northeast is the best. New York's and Washington's are up there with Philadelphia's as well.
I think the West Coast ones lack the charm, even though I love them too, it's just different. And I know them quite well out West because I have family in Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
I'm more familiar with them than most of the other cities' suburbs. I just feel Philadelphia was more on the bottom half of the given options. In order, I would vote Washington, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis.
Every city you mentioned has its good and bad suburban areas. And the bad suburban areas of Philadelphia are very isolated and not widespread.
As for architecture, history, aesthetic appeal, I am very confused why you think Philadelphia lacks that? I have travelled around the area of every city you mentioned except Minneapolis, and I would rank Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago in the top for the reasons mentioned above.
The towns and villages you see scattered throughout Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties as well as the unique architecture that spans over centuries, rolling hills, protected park land, and dozens of historical sites are things you simply cannot find in a vast majority suburbs in other cities. Atlanta and Dallas may be shinier and newer, but they are bland and sterile.
Every city you mentioned has its good and bad suburban areas. And the bad suburban areas of Philadelphia are very isolated and not widespread.
As for architecture, history, aesthetic appeal, I am very confused why you think Philadelphia lacks that? I have travelled around the area of every city you mentioned except Minneapolis, and I would rank Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago in the top for the reasons mentioned above.
The towns and villages you see scattered throughout Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties as well as the unique architecture that spans over centuries, rolling hills, protected park land, and dozens of historical sites are things you simply cannot find in a vast majority suburbs in other cities. Atlanta and Dallas may be shinier and newer, but they are bland and sterile.
Spot on 100%.
Philadelphia can be beaten up by the media for their insane sports fans and being second fiddle to New York (much like Boston too), but when it comes to suburbs, they simply can't knock them.
Philadelphia is old money. Their suburbs are simply awesome.
Most others around the country don't compare.
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