Dankeschoen for Philly Info! - PhillyBlog

Swiss Miss · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 01:00 PM

Hello everyone,

I am writing a paper for school (Uni Bern in Switzerland) and was wondering if someone could give me some insight about Philadelphia. I read that the city has changed tremendously in the last 10 years and will continue to do so. I gathered a lot of statistics and numbers but it's kind of difficult to find information and write about culture and true Philadelphians and what they think of their city. It would be great if someone can help me with that...

Dankeschoen! Ich wuerde mich ueber eine Antwort freuen

Dave · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 01:47 PM

"True" Philadelphians think their city sucks. Most of them have to move somewhere else for a few years and come back before they're able to objectively appreciate what they've got.

Swiss Miss · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 02:02 PM

Thanks Dave,
So what do "true" Philadelphians who moved away for a while appreciate the most when they move back to the city then? The historic value, the cheesestake I heard is famous for the city, the Universities...? What makes them proud to be Philadelphians?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

"True" Philadelphians think their city sucks. Most of them have to move somewhere else for a few years and come back before they're able to objectively appreciate what they've got.

phillyaggie · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 02:18 PM

Hi SwissMiss,

I'm not from Philadelphia (I'm currently in Dallas, Texas). But I want to move to that city, even after knowing about its bad crime and generally lackluster economy. Why? Because it is a really good place to live overall; it has a unique charm. It is old and has a lot of history, and unlike many other American cities, it has saved a lot of its original old architecture. It is also one of the most walkable cities in America; in Dallas, for example, if you do not have a car, you are stuck! Philadelphia also has the most universities of any other city in America (even more than Boston). Also, Philadelphia is located in a nice part of the country where they get all 4 seasons (Dallas doesn't enjoy any snow, nor any Autumn/Fall colors when leaves change). Philadelphia also has a rich and lively cultural scene, both high-brow (one of the top-4 symphony orchestras in America--others being NY, Chicago, and Cleveland) and low-brow such as the latest hiphop music. And if one gets bored with Philly some days, then D.C. and NYC are not even 2 hours away by train!--As is the beach in southern New Jersey and the mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania.

So as you can see, there are many things to like about Philly. This is just a partial list and what I can come up with before I have to leave.

Good luck with you paper!

Swiss Miss · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 02:34 PM

Thanks phillyaggie for all the information. That is very helpful. You seem to know a lot about Philadelphia. The city seems to have a lot more to offer than I originally expected.
If you don't mind me asking this question: what would you say is the difference between a Philadelphian and a New Yorker in how they value their city? I mean NYC seems to be the place happening. A lot of my friends and I have been in NYC for vacation or shopping... Philadelphia has never really crossed my mind before reading about it. Why is the city so invisible to foreigners and maybe even the "hip" crowd?

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyaggie

Hi SwissMiss,

I'm not from Philadelphia (I'm currently in Dallas, Texas). But I want to move to that city, even after knowing about its bad crime and generally lackluster economy. Why? Because it is a really good place to live overall; it has a unique charm. It is old and has a lot of history, and unlike many other American cities, it has saved a lot of its original old architecture. It is also one of the most walkable cities in America; in Dallas, for example, if you do not have a car, you are stuck! Philadelphia also has the most universities of any other city in America (even more than Boston). Also, Philadelphia is located in a nice part of the country where they get all 4 seasons (Dallas doesn't enjoy any snow, nor any Autumn/Fall colors when leaves change). Philadelphia also has a rich and lively cultural scene, both high-brow (one of the top-4 symphony orchestras in America--others being NY, Chicago, and Cleveland) and low-brow such as the latest hiphop music. And if one gets bored with Philly some days, then D.C. and NYC are not even 2 hours away by train!--As is the beach in southern New Jersey and the mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania.

So as you can see, there are many things to like about Philly. This is just a partial list and what I can come up with before I have to leave.

Good luck with you paper!

Shosh · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Miss

Thanks phillyaggie for all the information. That is very helpful. You seem to know a lot about Philadelphia. The city seems to have a lot more to offer than I originally expected.
If you don't mind me asking this question: what would you say is the difference between a Philadelphian and a New Yorker in how they value their city? I mean NYC seems to be the place happening. A lot of my friends and I have been in NYC for vacation or shopping... Philadelphia has never really crossed my mind before reading about it. Why is the city so invisible to foreigners and maybe even the "hip" crowd?

I moved to Philadelphia from Los Angeles 16 years ago for a job. Even though I didn't stick with the job, I stuck with Philadelphia because I love it so much.

New Yorkers like to be in the center of the universe, and they are. There's no "down time" in New York -- any time of day or night, things are happening, thousands of things, everywhere. For some, like my brother, the constant motion is exciting, and it gets his creative juices flowing. But for me, it is sensory overload -- there's very little sense of quiet or peace there.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, is full of quiet neighborhoods -- beautiful brick houses on tree-lined streets, with a neighborhood restaurant on each corner. Neighbors gather at coffee houses that aren't stuffed to the gills with people. We can walk by the Liberty Bell -- a true symbol of what's good about America -- and simply be happy at "being" and thankful of what we have -- not what we want, not the "next big thing."

Another great thing about Philadelphia is it's location. In most large cities, such as Los Angeles or New York, if you want to get away, it is difficult. Get in your car and 1-1/2 hours later, you're probably still stuck in traffic in the same city that you started in, maybe the outskirts if you are lucky. In Philadelphia, get in your car or on a train, and in 1-1/2 hours you could be caught up in the excitement of New York, immersed in the politics of Washington, D.C., skiing in the Poconos, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, riding horses in Bucks County, sitting on the beach at the New Jersey shore, or perusing hand-made Amish quilts in Lancaster County. And be back by dinner.

Swiss Miss · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shosh

I moved to Philadelphia from Los Angeles 16 years ago for a job. Even though I didn't stick with the job, I stuck with Philadelphia because I love it so much.

New Yorkers like to be in the center of the universe, and they are. There's no "down time" in New York -- any time of day or night, things are happening, thousands of things, everywhere. For some, like my brother, the constant motion is exciting, and it gets his creative juices flowing. But for me, it is sensory overload -- there's very little sense of quiet or peace there.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, is full of quiet neighborhoods -- beautiful brick houses on tree-lined streets, with a neighborhood restaurant on each corner. Neighbors gather at coffee houses that aren't stuffed to the gills with people. We can walk by the Liberty Bell -- a true symbol of what's good about America -- and simply be happy at "being" and thankful of what we have -- not what we want, not the "next big thing."

Another great thing about Philadelphia is it's location. In most large cities, such as Los Angeles or New York, if you want to get away, it is difficult. Get in your car and 1-1/2 hours later, you're probably still stuck in traffic in the same city that you started in, maybe the outskirts if you are lucky. In Philadelphia, get in your car or on a train, and in 1-1/2 hours you could be caught up in the excitement of New York, immersed in the politics of Washington, D.C., skiing in the Poconos, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, riding horses in Bucks County, sitting on the beach at the New Jersey shore, or perusing hand-made Amish quilts in Lancaster County. And be back by dinner.

Thanks Sosh. You have some interesting points about location and being able to just take off and go for a ride... I am sure it's not fun to be stuck in traffic in a major city such as NYC. My cab rides in NYC were pretty exciting but I could not imagine driving around there myself... I am originally form a city of less than 1000 people... so NYC sounds very overwhelming to me to live in. I prefer the small town feel in a big city with small restaurants where you can drink a coffee outside and meet up with friends (kind of like Rome or Paris)... It sounds like Philadelphia can offer that.

When I look at pictures from Philadelphia I see some very old, traditional buildings, historic places, cable stones, etc. Is that the whole feel of the city or are there some more modern sections in the city?
If I had to describe NYC (since I've been there) I would describe it as hip, new-fashioned, the place happening, young, successful, crowded, never sleeping, restless, expensive, chic? I am still trying to figure out the description for Philadelphia... is it the calm place, the oasis of the east coast, the enduring city (since it's so old)?

Darth Nihilius · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 04:27 PM

Just wanted to add my 2 cents detailing what I love about living in Philly.
Philly is geographically flat so it makes it an easy place to bike. I ride my bike to work everyday and have not owned a car since 1995 along with biking the city has a pretty good mass transit system and center city I would desribe as very walkable. The growing creative class resulting in a thriving arts scene. From the awe-inspiring collections at the Philadelphia museum of Art to the wackiness of the street performers at the Philadelphia Fringe festival and monthly First Friday events, arts and culture in Philly is alive and well. Gentrification has pushed north and south resulting in rising property values in most of the city, but still undervalued in comparison with other big east coast cities. Fairmount Park is a gigantic green oasis (I believe it is the largest park in any U.S. city) with miles and miles of bike paths as well as a number of historic homes including revolutionary era mansions and a replica Japanese Tea House. Dining and nightlife has taken off in the last ten years or so. Le Bec Fin is consistently listed as the best or one of the best restaurants in the U.S. Music venues such as Electric Factory, Khyber, Johnny Brendas, TLA, Starlight Ballroom all host national and international touring music acts as well as local up and comers. The proximity (as mentioned in other posts) to regional attractions such as the NJ beaches aka "Da Shore", Pocono resorts for skiing,fishing etc. NYC, and DC all within a couple of hours drive.
As far as our "invisibility" I think of it more like a little brother complex , NYC is the biggest and "If you make it there you can make it ..." and DC is the seat of Polictical power in the U.S. and Philly is just that other big city on the east coast. I really prefer it that way. It is kind of like our little secret.Well SwissMiss I hope this helps with your paper.

phillyaggie · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Miss

Thanks phillyaggie for all the information. That is very helpful. You seem to know a lot about Philadelphia. The city seems to have a lot more to offer than I originally expected.
If you don't mind me asking this question: what would you say is the difference between a Philadelphian and a New Yorker in how they value their city? I mean NYC seems to be the place happening. A lot of my friends and I have been in NYC for vacation or shopping... Philadelphia has never really crossed my mind before reading about it. Why is the city so invisible to foreigners and maybe even the "hip" crowd?

Foreigners coming to America want to hit the highlights and certainly I would recommend Philly for it being the birthplace of American republic and its first capital. But NYC has the glamor that is known worldwide...it is truly a global city. People might visit Orlando for Disneyworld and perhaps LA because of Hollywood. Philadelphia is a "second-tier" city as it were, so I can understand that you missed visiting it. Perhaps you should come there next time you're in America!

Philadelphians would probably value their city based on the neighborhood they live in; it is a city of small neighborhoods put together. I'm not sure how NYCers would value their city versus how Philly folks value theirs...they must like it where they live otherwise they would not live there, right?!

As for Philly being old and having cobble stone streets, yes, that is true. But Philly is also young and has modern architecture in its main business district (Market West). A new building being built there, Comcast Centre, is the tallest in the city and tallest on the U.S. East Coast, outside of NYC. The "twin towers" of Liberty Place are also quite tall and beautiful.

If you like Paris and Rome, I think you will like Philly very much. It is the second largest city on East Coast and while it is not as busy and glamorous as NYC, it still has all the big-city conveniences, best shopping, local food which is famous all over, and just its own special charm. It is indeed called Paris of America.

Take a look at the buildings and pictures at this web site...all modern skyscrapers, some old as well such as City Hall.
http://www.phillyskyline.com/

Swiss Miss · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth Nihilius

Just wanted to add my 2 cents detailing what I love about living in Philly.
Philly is geographically flat so it makes it an easy place to bike. I ride my bike to work everyday and have not owned a car since 1995 along with biking the city has a pretty good mass transit system and center city I would desribe as very walkable. The growing creative class resulting in a thriving arts scene. From the awe-inspiring collections at the Philadelphia museum of Art to the wackiness of the street performers at the Philadelphia Fringe festival and monthly First Friday events, arts and culture in Philly is alive and well. Gentrification has pushed north and south resulting in rising property values in most of the city, but still undervalued in comparison with other big east coast cities. Fairmount Park is a gigantic green oasis (I believe it is the largest park in any U.S. city) with miles and miles of bike paths as well as a number of historic homes including revolutionary era mansions and a replica Japanese Tea House. Dining and nightlife has taken off in the last ten years or so. Le Bec Fin is consistently listed as the best or one of the best restaurants in the U.S. Music venues such as Electric Factory, Khyber, Johnny Brendas, TLA, Starlight Ballroom all host national and international touring music acts as well as local up and comers. The proximity (as mentioned in other posts) to regional attractions such as the NJ beaches aka "Da Shore", Pocono resorts for skiing,fishing etc. NYC, and DC all within a couple of hours drive.
As far as our "invisibility" I think of it more like a little brother complex , NYC is the biggest and "If you make it there you can make it ..." and DC is the seat of Polictical power in the U.S. and Philly is just that other big city on the east coast. I really prefer it that way. It is kind of like our little secret.Well SwissMiss I hope this helps with your paper.

Thanks a bunch Darth Nihilius. Everyone is so informative with their answers. The underlying theme seems to be that Philadelphia is the little secret on the East Coast. Busy but not yet overcrowded and unpersonal, artsy, easy to get around, and a knot point (in Switzerland we refer to cities as know points when they are in the middle of everything and easy to get to major attractions). Do you think Philly will be still a "secret" in 10 years? In what direction is the city going?