Thinking of Moving from Texas to Philadelphia (York, Houston: 2014, apartment)

[NewJourney2014]

I am thinking of moving from Texas to Philadelphia. I would like to know what the job market is currently like? I currently work for a Legal Aid organization, but I am also thinking about switching fields. Should I start looking for employment now? I want to make sure I have a job before I move, but not sure if potential employers will look at my resume knowing I live in another state.

When considering places to live where should I look? I am in my early 30's. I would like to live somewhere quiet, and inexpensive. I plan to commute to NY sometimes to visit family and friends.

What is the nightlife like?


Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

[toobusytoday]

I would suggest filling out this: //www.city-data.com/forum/phila...some-maps.html and looking at the sticky posts at the top of this forum. The big question is what you consider inexpensive.

[MikeNigh]

In the software industry at least, expect up to 2 months to get a job after you start looking. The interview process is over a month long.

[NewJourney2014]

When are you moving? planning to move in by summer like August
Where are you coming from? Houston
Why are you moving? want change of scenery and want to be close to family in NYC
Where will you be working? not sure still looking
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? I plant to rent an apartment or a loft. I plan to spend $1,200 +
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? no preference

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? no

Are you married or single? Do you have children? single and no kiddos
Do you prefer public or private schools? no preference at this time
Do you have pets? no, but want to own a dog
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? both

What do you want to be closest to? work and/or train or subway stations
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? i prefer a diverse neighborhood

Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi : )

[criedman101]

I honestly think it will be fairly easy for you to get a job in Philly because of the great job market we have here. But I would look into jobs before I moved here because it does take about a month or two to get interviews.

Seems to me as if Center City would be more to your taste since you are looking at the whole convenience factor. There's plenty of transit taking you anywhere you need to go to the city and the surrounding suburbs, as well as Amtrak/Nj Transit trains/buses going to New York. On your budget it might be hard finding a place, but I think graduate hospital might be a good place to start since you're looking to keep a car with you. Center City is a booming neighborhood in Philly with a (slowly but surely) night life scene that has been resurrecting in recent years.

[SheHelps]

The job market for your industry is great. My dad is actually linked with lots of lawyers here and he connects people in positions.
Center City would definitely a good place to start but you can actually buy a property here, reasonably priced if you know where to look.
I am also a REALTOR and I recently moved here from AZ and this city has a feel of renewal. ...good time to come here.

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by NewJourney2014

When are you moving? planning to move in by summer like August
Where are you coming from? Houston
Why are you moving? want change of scenery and want to be close to family in NYC
Where will you be working? not sure still looking
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? I plant to rent an apartment or a loft. I plan to spend $1,200 +
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? no preference

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? no

Are you married or single? Do you have children? single and no kiddos
Do you prefer public or private schools? no preference at this time
Do you have pets? no, but want to own a dog
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? both

What do you want to be closest to? work and/or train or subway stations
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? i prefer a diverse neighborhood

Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi : )

Just be clear of one thing: Any neighborhood in Philly that's heavily "mixed" race has a pretty high crime rate and you'll be taking a chance with your safety.