I just got back from a weeklong scouting trip to Philly. I was quite impressed! It is definitely a place I could call home some day. Here are some outsider impressions if you are interested:

Architecture: There is so much varied and interesting architecture to be seen. Charming colonial rowhouses, pre-war and modern skyscrapers, and best of all--Victorian style homes in UCity. It is just a shame that so many beautiful and detailed older buildings, which many newer cities would die for to call their own, sit in states of disrepair.

SEPTA: It was pretty easy to get around, but there should be more subways and subway/surface lines, and less dependence on the bus. Lines going under South Street and maybe 5th and 21st or so would be awesome. Some gripes: Why is the area around the 46th Street el station so run down? It has great access to CC. And why doesn't the el make any CC stops west of City Hall?

People: I don't care what impressions I may have gotten on PhillyBlog--everyone I met was courteous and friendly, and willing to help out to give directions. They weren't as rushed and dismissive as in New York, or as haughty as in Boston. There were definitely quite a few people I wouldn't strike up conversations with, but that element is in every city. What was disappointing is that I felt that a lot of people there don't appreciate the fact that they live in a vibrant, interesting city and choose to trash it. I was so sad to see so many people just throw their wrappers on the ground-- even people who were right next to trash cans!

Parks: On my first afternoon I hiked on the Wissahickon. It was so beautiful that I couldn't believe I was within Philly's city limits. What got to me were the graffiti tags on basically every tree that lined the walk-- really uncalled for. I went to Clark Park for the People's Flea Market, and took in all of the energy. That place is a great asset to the community. Rittenhouse was great too, a wonderful living room for the city. I love parks and squares where you can just hang out, listen to music and watch people doing whatever they are doing. No place like Rittenhouse has been built for a very long time.

Wawa: I'm in love. Who wouldn't love a place where you can make your own milkshake and adjust the thickness, order a sandwich on a touchscreen, take money out of an ATM for free and purchase twin packs of pre-boiled hard-boiled eggs?