Philadelphia has an important role in the history of the United States. It is the sixth largest city in the United States and home to over 1.5 million people, with over 4 million people in the large Philadelphia metro area.
There are so many factors that go into determining if a certain place might be a good place for you and your family to live. We find that reviewing statistics such as safety, employment, cost of living and schools is helpful for decision making. Below, we give you a brief overview of how Philadelphia rates on several quality of life factors.
Employment in Philadelphia
Manufacturing and distribution have historically been the key players in Philadelphia’s economy. Today, Philadelphia boasts a more diverse economy that is focused in the information and service-based sectors. Programs are in place at the city and state level to encourage new and existing businesses.
The largest public sector employers in Philadelphia include the Federal Government, the City of Philadelphia, and the School District of Philadelphia. The largest private sector employers in Philadelphia include the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Temple University, and US Airways.
The unemployment rate in the Camden-Philadelphia-Wilmington metropolitan area is about 8.7 percent. The unemployment rate is dropping, as it was at 9.4 percent a year ago for the same area.
Cost of Living in Philadelphia
According to Sperling’s Best Places, Philadelphia is average when it comes to the national cost of living. Philadelphia has a composite index of 101, where 100 is the national average. For some specific factors, such as food and utility costs, Philadelphia is higher than the national average at 119 and 122, respectively.
Education and School Quality
Philadelphia has a wealth of educational resources for all age groups. For public K-12 schools there are a variety of formats available, including charter and magnet schools. The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth largest school district in the United States with 163 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, and 56 high schools serving approximately 150,000 students. In addition to public schools, there are also several private, college preparation, and parochial schools for the K-12 level.
Higher education opportunities abound, with dozens of colleges and universities in the city and surrounding area. There is also a community college system. University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, and St. Joseph’s University are all located in the Philadelphia area.
Safety in Philadelphia
According to 2011 data, Philadelphia had a violent crime rate of 1,193 per 100,000 people. Compared to other cities in the nation with populations over 250,000, this is the 12th highest crime rate. However, current news reports indicate a reduction in year-to-date murder rates in 2013 compared to 2012 statistics.
Philadelphia’s Parks and Open Space
Philadelphia has abundant park, recreation, and open space with over 10,000 acres of park and recreation facilities in the city. These parks are complimented by over 215 miles of trails. In addition to these park spaces, the city has a rich network of historic attractions and public squares. So, whether you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Philadelphia will certainly keep you entertained.
