- I spent a decade in Los Angeles before moving to Philadelphia three years ago, and I absolutely love it here.
- Although I miss my friends and community in LA, I find the changing weather in Philly much more preferable.
- The relatively low cost of living and the abundance of small businesses contribute to Philly’s appeal.
After spending seven years in Los Angeles, I was more than ready to leave.
I had been interviewing for jobs and searching for housing in other cities until I met my now-husband. One night, after a particularly enjoyable date, I realized I was falling in love with him, which was contrary to my plans.
I burst into tears and exclaimed, “You’re an actor! You’ll never leave LA! I’m going to be stuck here forever!” To my surprise, he gently responded, “Oh no, this place is terrible. I’m ready to leave.”
Fast forward to December 2020, we packed up our belongings and our beloved dog into a moving truck and headed to our newly purchased home in Philadelphia.
After nearly three years here and one visit back to Los Angeles, I can confidently say that I’m happy with my decision for several reasons.
I love experiencing all four seasons in Philly
I despise the heat. It triggers my anxiety and makes me feel irritable. Living in LA, where the climate crisis has led to soaring temperatures, was far from ideal for me. However, in Philadelphia, I get to enjoy the beauty of all four distinct seasons.
Having grown up on the East Coast in Toronto, I am accustomed to these changes. The sound of leaves crunching in the fall, the scent of the first snow, the blossoming of flowers in spring, and the refreshing experience of public pools in summer – I adore it all. These seasonal transitions remind me that change is inevitable and encourage me to keep moving forward.
My ten years in LA flew by because every day felt the same, weather-wise. Having seasons in my life brings a sense of impermanence, and that’s perfectly okay because life is all about progression.
Getting around in Philly is much easier
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As the Missing Persons song suggests, “Nobody walks in LA,” and it’s true. Nobody walks in LA, not because they’re lazy, but because the city is too vast to navigate by foot. If you attempt to walk, you’ll find yourself trekking miles (in the scorching heat!) past parking lots and empty, monotonous spaces. It’s not exactly a picturesque stroll.
In contrast, Philadelphia is wonderfully compact, with diverse neighborhoods that each have their own unique character. There are no endless stretches of concrete flatland separating these neighborhoods.
Additionally, public transportation in Philly is decent, renting a bike is convenient, and rideshares and cabs are readily available if you need a car. Moreover, the city is adorned with beautiful murals, transforming every walk into a street-art tour.
We were able to accomplish homeownership in Philly, a feat impossible in LA
I have always dreamed of owning a home, but I knew it would be impossible for me in LA, where the median home price is $1 million. However, in Philadelphia, with a median home price of $275,000, owning a home became within reach.
When the pandemic struck in March 2020, I did the math and realized that saving enough for a down payment in LA would be an insurmountable challenge due to the exorbitant prices. However, by living off a single income and saving the other while we were confined to our homes during the lockdown, we managed to accumulate enough funds to purchase a house in Philly. And let me tell you, it’s been amazing.
Supporting small businesses in Philly gives me a sense of community
In LA, the high cost of living and operating a business makes it difficult for individuals to start their own ventures. Of course, many creatives and entrepreneurs manage to succeed in LA, running studios, boutique wellness shops, and more.
However, in LA, there is also a prevalence of chain businesses and large corporate-run establishments. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, especially if you embrace capitalism. Nevertheless, it’s refreshing to see local individuals running small businesses, and Philadelphia is teeming with them.
I purchase my vegetables from a woman who transformed an empty residential lot into a flourishing half-acre farm. I get my bread from another woman who operates a bakery out of her basement. Furthermore, I have a trusted bike repair person, a talented hairdresser, and several secondhand clothing stores all within walking distance of my home.Follow Google News
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