So it is not hard to meet people in Philly?

I'm originally from St Louis, where if you try to strike up a conversation with someone randomly they assume you have a brain disease.

I think there are plenty of friendly people in Philly, despite what some might say. I know for a fact you can start up a conversation based on local sports, though I guess that's no big surprise - the Phillies' latest meltdown, Donovan's performance last Sunday, what Iverson's up to.

I've said this before, but it bears repeating - I think the Blog itself is a pretty powerful tool for new residents to get connected to a social group. Take advantage of the happy hours!

That's exactly how I see it - and I know lots of people who feel the same way...in some ways it's comforting to know you'll always run into people you know, but then you also loose the anonimity that is typically associated with big cities. It also means that who you know becomes increasingly important and you develop a reputation (good or bad) fast!!

We moved here 4 years ago and were amazed at how easy it was, and how friendly everyone is. It happened gradually but steadily, and now we have a really wonderful network and group of friends. It definitely helps to live in a like-minded neighborhood and to find activities/organizations that matter to you, but I've found people here very friendly, even just ones I meet in passing. (For example - our UPS man teases me about our deliveries. The garbagemen go out of their way to find small bagged items like newspapers to let my 2 year old throw into the garbage truck. Almost every service person I've had to the house has been friendly and responsible.)