Many people consider moving to Philadelphia from New Jersey. When planning to make the move, there are a lot of questions. One of the biggest questions is how Philadelphia’s daily life and culture are different from New Jersey.
Perhaps the biggest shift in relocating to Philadelphia from New Jersey is trading a suburban New Jersey area for a connected, walkable, neighborhood-oriented city lifestyle.
Moving to Philadelphia From New Jersey: What are the Major Differences?
You Might Not Need Your Car So Much
In many spaces in New Jersey, getting in the car is an unexpected part of everyday life. Living in the suburbs means a drive to work, a drive to dinner, a drive to the grocery store, and a drive to meet friends. In Philadelphia, living inside the city proper, your neighborhood can become the area where you mostly hang out. And if you need to go somewhere outside of the neighborhood, you hop on the very convenient public transportation system.
Parking is very different
Parking can be more challenging in Philadelphia than it is in New Jersey. Bringing your car and planning to use it frequently, it may be a little harder to find someplace to keep your car when you are not in it. 60% of Philadelphia consists of row houses. This creates a different streetscape for many people used to being in the New Jersey suburbs. Many homes have no driveway and no garage, and residents utilize street parking.
Philadelphia has more about neighborhoods than towns
Philadelphia does have surrounding suburbs in separate towns, but living in Philadelphia itself means it is more about different neighborhoods than it is about different towns. Two areas very close to each other can feel incredibly different from one another, and they are both inside the city. There could be a neighborhood that is popular for restaurants and nightlife, and the neighboring area is dominated by residential streets and feels more resident-driven.
There’s more urban energy
Philadelphia is one of America’s largest cities, and it is noticeable when you live there. There’s more foot traffic, more noise, more people out late at night, more construction, and more activity at all times of day, even on residential streets. We will definitely notice it is more of a typical urban city than they realize, rather than the suburban atmosphere that Jersey is known and famous for. But it also means that there is much more to see and experience right at your fingertips.
The Things Some People Miss About Jersey
A positive relocation guide shouldn’t pretend there aren’t trade-offs.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you may miss:
- Having a driveway
- Easier parking
- More space
- Quieter residential streets
- Larger homes
- Certain suburban shopping conveniences
- The feeling of having everything organized around your car
Philadelphia is extremely neighborhood-specific. The experience of living on one block can be very different from living a mile away. That means prospective residents should spend time in the actual neighborhood they’re considering, ideally at different times of day and on different days of the week.
What People Relocating to Philadelphia Start to Love
For many people making the move, the positives eventually outweigh the adjustments. You may love being able to walk out your front door and immediately have somewhere to go. You may love having a favorite neighborhood restaurant instead of always driving to a shopping center. You may love the architecture, the history, and the character of the older neighborhoods.
Philadelphia can feel like a neighborhood and a major city at the same time. That’s a big part of its appeal.
So, Is Philadelphia Better Than New Jersey?
That’s probably the wrong question. Philadelphia isn’t simply a cheaper, denser version of New Jersey—and New Jersey isn’t simply a quieter version of Philadelphia. They’re different lifestyles.
If you want more space, easier parking, quieter streets, and a suburban environment, parts of New Jersey may feel more comfortable. If you want walkability, neighborhood energy, restaurants and entertainment close to home, public transportation and the feeling of being surrounded by a city, Philadelphia may be a great fit.
And if you’re moving from New Jersey, you’re starting with an advantage: you already understand the region. You know the weather. You know the sports rivalries. You know the food. You know that crossing the river isn’t actually traveling to another planet.
FAQ: Moving to Philadelphia from New Jersey
Is Philadelphia Cheaper Than New Jersey?
In several areas, Philadelphia can have a lower cost than New Jersey. Housing costs can be significantly cheaper. It is a good idea to compare all costs of living to get the best picture.
What is Important to Know About Taxes in Philadelphia?
The local wage tax is a big difference from living in New Jersey.
Do New Residents Need to Update Their Driver’s License?
Yes, if you plan to be in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future and not temporarily, you will want to establish residency, and this is one of the ways to do so.
Should I Keep my New Jersey Health Care Providers?
Some people who move to Philadelphia choose to keep seeing doctors, dentists, eye care physicians, etc in New Jersey, especially if their care providers are located close to the state border. It is good to check with insurance coverage what might be the best option.
If you are ready to begin searching for homes in Philadelphia, I am happy to help. The team at Victory Real Estate and I are highly experienced. We are a boutique Philadelphia real estate agency dedicated to the specific needs of every client.
“Leron is by far the best realtor I had ever worked with, he is very experienced, knowledgeable, and a true professional, he did great from the minute he listed two of my properties all the way thru the closings, if you want to buy or sell or manage your properties, talk to Leeon, and it will be done in the most professional manner“.-Review of Victory Real Estate