Center City's newest residents are not local to Philadelphia, but rather transplants from other major East Coast cities. A recent survey conducted by the Center City District has revealed that nearly half of respondents had moved to the area from outside Southeastern Pennsylvania, with many coming from states as far-flung as California and Texas.
According to Clint Randall, the CCD's vice president of economic development, a significant share of these newcomers are drawn to Philadelphia for its unique blend of work-life balance. Many residents have reported that their office job can be just a block away from shopping streets, which in turn are only a few blocks from where they live. This "scale" to Philadelphia, Randall believes, is a major draw for outsiders.
The survey found that the most common cities of origin were New York City, Boston, and Chicago, with Cherry Hill also making an appearance. However, it's worth noting that people from as far west as Texas and as far south as Florida are also choosing to call Center City home.
One such transplant is Nicole Anderson, who made the move from Cincinnati in 2021 for a new job. She says her experience has been far from what she expected, with many locals being friendly and welcoming. "I had not spent much time in the Northeast at all before moving here," Anderson recalls. "All I knew about Philadelphia was that their sports fans were intense... I found that my personality jives very well with the culture."
Anderson's story is part of a larger trend unfolding in Center City, one that suggests there may be more to Philadelphia than its often-received reputation. The survey's results are likely to have implications for planning and policy decisions, as city officials seek to make the most of this influx of new residents.
On the surface, it seems counterintuitive that people would choose to move to a major East Coast city like Philadelphia when smaller, more affordable options exist in other parts of the country. However, Randall believes there's something special about Philadelphia that makes it an attractive destination for outsiders. "People love the fact that your office job can be a block from your shopping street," he says. "There's a scale to Philadelphia that's really special and hard to get elsewhere."
According to Clint Randall, the CCD's vice president of economic development, a significant share of these newcomers are drawn to Philadelphia for its unique blend of work-life balance. Many residents have reported that their office job can be just a block away from shopping streets, which in turn are only a few blocks from where they live. This "scale" to Philadelphia, Randall believes, is a major draw for outsiders.
The survey found that the most common cities of origin were New York City, Boston, and Chicago, with Cherry Hill also making an appearance. However, it's worth noting that people from as far west as Texas and as far south as Florida are also choosing to call Center City home.
One such transplant is Nicole Anderson, who made the move from Cincinnati in 2021 for a new job. She says her experience has been far from what she expected, with many locals being friendly and welcoming. "I had not spent much time in the Northeast at all before moving here," Anderson recalls. "All I knew about Philadelphia was that their sports fans were intense... I found that my personality jives very well with the culture."
Anderson's story is part of a larger trend unfolding in Center City, one that suggests there may be more to Philadelphia than its often-received reputation. The survey's results are likely to have implications for planning and policy decisions, as city officials seek to make the most of this influx of new residents.
On the surface, it seems counterintuitive that people would choose to move to a major East Coast city like Philadelphia when smaller, more affordable options exist in other parts of the country. However, Randall believes there's something special about Philadelphia that makes it an attractive destination for outsiders. "People love the fact that your office job can be a block from your shopping street," he says. "There's a scale to Philadelphia that's really special and hard to get elsewhere."
, and I gotta say it's interesting. So basically, most of these new residents aren't from around here, but rather came from other major East Coast cities like NYC, Boston, and Chicago 
️. And what's drawing them in? Well, according to the folks at Center City District, it's that sweet work-life balance thing 
️. Like, they can walk just a few blocks to get their shopping fix or grab lunch with colleagues... sounds like a dream come true to me 
. But what really gets me is how this trend might change things for city planners and policy-makers 
. It's not as obvious as you'd think why someone would choose Philly over, say, a smaller city in the Midwest 
. Could it be that Philly just has something special going on? Maybe its unique scale 
is winning some hearts and minds? Only time will tell 
.
but for real tho ppl r moving here from all over the country cuz they love the vibe of philly just as much as i do 
its so cool that people are finding their own little slice of heaven here whether it's fishtown, fitzwater, or center city 
. Im not surprised that people are moving there from places like Texas and Florida, those folks must be looking for something more than just sunshine 
. Anyway, its great to see Philly getting the love it deserves! 