Pennsylvania / Philadelphia County

Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Thinking of making a move to Philadelphia, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Considering a move to Philadelphia, PA? This welcoming community of 1,567,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $250,000 and average rents near $1,700. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Philadelphia's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia has a population of 1,567,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 38% White, 41% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 22% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,567,000
Density
11,900 per sq mi
Median Age
35.7
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
22.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
38.0%
Black
40.5%
Asian
7.8%
Others
13.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of living in Philadelphia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 101.8. Median home values are around $250,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$250,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 4.99%
Cost Of Living Index
101.8
Grocery
100.9
Housing
92.5
Utilities
108.4
Transportation
112.6
Health Care
103.2
Miscellaneous
97.8

Crime

Is Philadelphia, PA a safe place to live?

Philadelphia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,023 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,023
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,100
Crime Index
4,123
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 98
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Philadelphia, PA year-round?

Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 28°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
43°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,500 and a low poverty rate of 22.0%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 29% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$48,500
Household Income
$63,500
Family Income
$76,500
Per Capita Income
$32,300
Income Male
$52,000
Income Female
$47,000
Poverty Rate
22.0%
Non English Speakers
21.8%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
28.5%
Commute Time
32.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.8%
Bachelors or More
33.8%

Education

How are the schools in Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia offers quality education options, with public schools like Masterman School, Central High School, and Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Drexel University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Masterman School
Street
1699 Spring Garden St
Phone
215-400-8280
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6
Name
Central High School
Street
1700 W Olney Ave
Phone
215-400-4000
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Street
1699 Spring Garden St
Phone
215-400-8280
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6

Private Schools

Name
Germantown Friends School
Street
31 W Coulter St
Phone
215-951-2345
Students
900
Name
The Haverford School
Street
450 Lancaster Ave
Phone
215-253-1200
Students
1,100

Colleges

Name
University of Pennsylvania
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
28,000
Name
Temple University
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Distance
3 miles
Students
30,000
Name
Drexel University
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Distance
2 miles
Students
23,000

Healthcare

Philadelphia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.1 per 1,000 people and 93.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Address
3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone
(215) 662-4000
Type
Academic Medical Center
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Address
111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone
(215) 955-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Address
51 N 39th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone
(215) 662-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage
93.1%
Health Care Index
79.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Philadelphia, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $250,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Philadelphia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Philadelphia handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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.

FAQs About Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Philadelphia, review the core fields on this page: population 1,567,000, median home value $250,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,700, commute time 32.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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