Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Philadelphia, PA
Thinking of moving to Philadelphia, PA? With a vibrant population of over 1.5 million, Philly offers urban excitement, diverse communities, and a relatively affordable median home price of $221,000. The city features a robust public transit system, average rents around $1,400, and a commute time of about 34 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, residents benefit from top-tier hospitals, major universities, and four-season weather with 56% sunny days. Explore the city’s historic charm, cultural scene, and practical living details to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Philadelphia, PA
Demographics - Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a densely populated city of over 1.5 million people, with a median age of just under 35, making it youthful and dynamic. The city features a diverse mix of residents, including significant Black (38.6%), White (33.9%), and Asian (8.3%) communities, and nearly a quarter of the population speaks a language other than English at home. This rich blend of cultures contributes to Philadelphia's vibrant urban character.
Population:
1,567,258
Density:
11,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
33.9%
Black:
38.6%
Asian:
8.3%
Others:
19.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia offers a cost of living slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $221,000 and average rents around $1,400 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are higher than average, but housing remains relatively affordable for a major city. Residents benefit from moderate state income taxes and manageable homeowner expenses.
Median House Value:
$221,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.6
Grocery:
105.2
Housing:
75.8
Utilities:
108.1
Transportation:
116.3
Health Care:
102.9
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Philadelphia, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Philadelphia are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,133 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,440 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing a property crime are about 1 in 29, making it important for newcomers to research neighborhoods carefully. Despite these challenges, many residents enjoy vibrant communities and active neighborhood associations focused on safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,133
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,440
Crime Index:
4,573
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 88
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Philadelphia, PA year-round?
Philadelphia experiences all four seasons, with hot summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The city enjoys 56% sunny days and receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually. This climate supports outdoor activities year-round, from summer festivals to crisp autumn walks.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Philadelphia’s neighborhoods are socioeconomically diverse, with a median household income of $54,800 and a poverty rate of 23.3%. About 26% of residents rely on public transportation, and average commute times are around 34 minutes. Educational attainment is strong, with over 85% having at least a high school diploma and nearly a third holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$61,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
23.3%
Non English Speakers:
22.5%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
26.0%
Commute Time:
34 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.7%
Bachelors or More:
30.4%
Education
How are the schools in Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia is home to a broad range of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools such as Julia R. Masterman Secondary School and Central High School. The city also hosts top-ranked universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, providing higher education options within city limits. Private schooling is available as well, making Philadelphia attractive for families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Street:
1699 Spring Garden St
Phone:
215-299-4661
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Central High School
Street:
1700 W Olney Ave
Phone:
215-276-5262
Students:
2,370
Student Teacher Ratio:
26.3
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Joseph's Preparatory School
Street:
1733 W Girard Ave
Phone:
215-978-1950
Students:
900
Colleges
Name:
University of Pennsylvania
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,000
Name:
Temple University
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
37,400
Healthcare
Philadelphia boasts excellent healthcare access, anchored by major hospitals like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, quality medical care is widely available. The city is recognized for its robust network of teaching hospitals and comprehensive emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Address:
3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone:
(215) 662-4000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Address:
111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone:
(215) 955-6000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Philadelphia, PA?
The housing market in Philadelphia offers affordability compared to other East Coast cities, with a median home price of $221,000 and about 53% of residents owning their homes. Rental options are plentiful, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,400. Home values have shown steady appreciation, and vacancy rates remain moderate, making the city appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$221,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Philadelphia residents are served by PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, located conveniently within the city. Services like licensing, registration, and title transfers are accessible both in-person and online. The DMV's central location and comprehensive website make handling transportation needs straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.