Trying to Understand Why Everyone Hates Philly? (Philadelphia, California: crimes, home)

[Soju]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

With all due respect this comment was somewhat elitist, don't you think? Since Center City has namely become a playground reserved for 95,000 of Philadelphia's wealthy socialites, it's to be expected that housing prices are now unattainable there for we in the middle-class. I'm an aspiring CPA, and my partner is an aspiring salon owner, and I don't even think our joint salaries would be able to afford us anything decent in Center City. As such if I'm forced to leave Scranton due to the fact that the locals think flipping burgers is suitable for those with Ph.D.'s, then I'll be searching for a neighborhood near downtown that I can help to gentrify in order to be a part of the city's impending renaissance. I'm truly very excited with your new mayor, Mr. Nutter, and I feel confident that he can help to finally bridge the socioeconomic gap in the city between the downtown elite and the "rest." You can't just let those neighborhoods all sit and rot forever.

ScranBarre, with due respect you sound like a bleeding heart liberal who never lived in major metropolitan city. I guess we all go through those stages in life particuarly when we're just starting out in the real world. I also went through this stage when I was was in college 13 years ago or so. I'm not a wealthy person, I do what I can to help those who truely needs it. But my priority is to feed my family and keep a roof over ourheads.What do you suggest middle class people to do? Higher taxes to subsidize these people? I think most middle class Americans are resentful of inner city citizens who they perceive as dysfunctional and unmotivated,yet they are entitled to free health care, gov't subsidized housing and other social welfare programs.Welcome to the real world living in urban America. You'll understand what I'm saying once you get here.
Center City isn't just reserved for the wealthy.You could easily own a nice little house in Center City with your CPA salary and your partner's salary together. Remember Center City has many differnt neighborhoods and its not over priced like NYC. A little place with two bedrooms in Queen Village area goes for $350,000 and up. I think you're thinking about Rittenhouse Square area, that's much more expensive. So don't fret my friend.
I hope Mr. Nutter does a better job than John Street, he was an embarrassment. I think Gov. Randell should run for mayor again after he's done. Can he do that?

[scguyinphilly]

I think the new description for Philadelphia has been Boston downtown with Detroit surrounding it. In some respects this is true. I've lived in Philly for the past 5 years and in Center City (Washington Square area for locals) for the past two and a half years.

However like all cities recently the borders for the "nice" area are growing. Center City (which used to be considered South to Arch St.) has grown recently. Likely for marketing purposes like Hell's Kitchen became known as Clinton.

Although negativity is a apparent trait for some Philadelphians, I believe its mostly those who left Philadelphia that are really down on the city. Check out Phillyblog and see the negatives about Philadelphia from those who don't live there.

Originally from South Carolina I love Philadelphia. While a little pricey (especially compared to home), it is way cheaper than NYC. Plus the neighborhood feel can change in a few blocks (sometimes good other times bad) but you feel the difference like the city is alive.

The suburbs are nice though they are what they are, suburbs. The schools easily beat Philadelphia's but other than that and the wage tax - I'll take Philly for all its grit

[Hobokenkitchen]

Originally Posted by scguyinphilly

I think the new description for Philadelphia has been Boston downtown with Detroit surrounding it.

That's actually a very good description!

[WriteThisDown]

I live in the graduate hospital area and i'm planning to move in the next year. I love the neighborhood - lots of great bars and cafes. Pretty clean. But, like most of Philly, it borders on not so nice neighborhoods. So, crime is an issue. I understand that every city had crime but Philly is in the top 10. Unlike NYC (where I grew up going to every wknd) many of the streets are practically empty by midnight. I just don't feel safe as a single woman living alone. But I'm sure many people feel differently. Besides that, Philly has a decent nightlife (it is what you make of it), GREAT food and was a wonderful starter city for me when I was fresh out of college. Now, it's time to move on.

[nclmulv]

not sure if you have children or not....but my personal opinion...and it is only my opinion and preference, is that I DO NOT like it at all.

It is dirty and very poor, even living in a nicer neighborhood you still see things and my children see things that I'd rather not have them see, eg; men obviously dressed as woman , loads and loads of tatoos people strung out on god knows what, I can go on and on. Maybe this is ok for some or ok if single and probably dont notice it as much, but this is my feelings on life with children in Philly.

Also I can not believe how they let this place go, the streets are a mess, when it snow they dont plow. You only get five good blocks then it gets scarey again. The schools are terrible, terrible, terrible and you must pay a fortune for them to to go to private schools then to only get some wierd "FRIENDS" teachings. There is no in the middle normal regular life.

As for the Mainline...it is gorgeous. You dont get much for your money though and you still have to watch for schools. Boat house Row is amazingly beautiful as are many other places too. But NOT a fan of Philly or much else surrounding it. If my husband didn't have a good job here I would be gone tomorrow.

Hope you enjoy you stay!

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by nclmulv

It is dirty and very poor, even living in a nicer neighborhood you still see things and my children see things that I'd rather not have them see, eg; men obviously dressed as woman , loads and loads of tatoos people strung out on god knows what, I can go on and on. Maybe this is ok for some or ok if single and probably dont notice it as much, but this is my feelings on life with children in Philly.

Also I can not believe how they let this place go, the streets are a mess, when it snow they dont plow. You only get five good blocks then it gets scarey again. The schools are terrible, terrible, terrible and you must pay a fortune for them to to go to private schools then to only get some wierd "FRIENDS" teachings. There is no in the middle normal regular life.

Philadephia definitely has a split personality and its not for everyone. Alot of what you say is correct although there are unique parts of Philly that cant be replicated and thats what still makes it a very special place. Even some of the faults you listed are what makes Philly such a unique experience with energy you just can't get in your normal US city and certainly not in the suburbs.

Unfortunately I tend to agree with your overall assumption, even as Center City,Manayunk,University city,Northern Liberties,South Philly-Packer Park) improve the majority of the city is still headed in the wrong direction.

[Lenses & Lights.]

I grew up in Philly (West Philly/South West) & it has made who I am today. I've been in LA for the past 12 years & when I mention Philly, people just love it & tell me of the great times they've had there & the awesome food & even....the people. (LOL) I love where I'm from but hate to visit some of the areas that I grew up in because they are sooo worn down. Philly has great potential & was moving in the right direction at one point until Street was put in office. and when Rendell was in office he was a great businessman & smchoozer but didn't do much for the school district. So now if businesses & new people were moving into Philly, they might work there but have to live in the burbs because the schools are messed up.

Philly has two rivers, a subway, an el, trolleys, buses, a vibrant downtown, sky scrapers, 4 sports teams, two stadiums, 2 sports arenas, a growing convention center, they film quite a few major motion pictures & independant films, each year, great resturants, churches, night clubs, theaters, nightlife (You'd be suprised at how early LA shuts down.. not the night clubs per' se but the things for the average family folks are done between 10 PM & 12 AM)

Philly is really close to NYC, DC, & B/More & you can get to all of those places in a couple of hours. One thing I think will change the city is to tear down a lot of the old housing in the city, not just the abandoned ones but the ocupied also, the homes around east river drive in North Philly, & the ones in the Parkside section of West Philly for starters should be rehabbed.
It's like gutting a sports team, it may be bad for a while but in the end you have a champion. I just cannnot stand those old ugly row homes that were kinda old & ugly 30 years ago today they are old & UGLY for sure!
I feel that the state & city should buy out the landlors, home owners & tenants for the better of the city & state. lots of people will have to leave Philly & head for greener pastures (read cheaper living) but it will give city planners a fresh start on housing, buildings, & new people to live & work in them....Any thoughts

[IAmAngieBowie]

<i>men obviously dressed as woman , loads and loads of tatoos people strung out on god knows what</i>

That is exactly why I wanna come. Not enough weirdos in Pittsburgh. Can see how it might not suit for kids, tho.

<i>As such if I'm forced to leave Scranton due to the fact that the locals think flipping burgers is suitable for those with Ph.D.'s.</i>

Scranton = Pittsburgh. It's just that Pittsburgh has more hospitals.

God, it'll be so exciting to be so close to New York! And yeah, I definitely had a bomb last time I was down. There were real punks and rockers! Fabric stores and crafty things! Clubs! Architecture! Friendly people (instead of insular little Pittsburgh cliques).

[Soju]

Originally Posted by IAmAngieBowie

<i>men obviously dressed as woman , loads and loads of tatoos people strung out on god knows what</i>

That is exactly why I wanna come. Not enough weirdos in Pittsburgh. Can see how it might not suit for kids, tho.

<i>As such if I'm forced to leave Scranton due to the fact that the locals think flipping burgers is suitable for those with Ph.D.'s.</i>

Scranton = Pittsburgh. It's just that Pittsburgh has more hospitals.

God, it'll be so exciting to be so close to New York! And yeah, I definitely had a bomb last time I was down. There were real punks and rockers! Fabric stores and crafty things! Clubs! Architecture! Friendly people (instead of insular little Pittsburgh cliques).

Then, you'll fit right in. i think Queen Village/South street area would be perfect for you. You missed all the punks/goth kids back in the 80's though.

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by Soju

Then, you'll fit right in. i think Queen Village/South street area would be perfect for you. You missed all the punks/goth kids back in the 80's though.

seriously

its more skate punk/hip hop culture now...

and tattoos are a way of life. its made my squeeky clean wife think of getting some