So my husband and I just returned from an overnight trip to Philadelphia to visit our son and his fiance. They purchased a home there in the city, where all the action is. We must admit, if we could afford to do the same, we would!

The city of “brotherly love”, is all but a two-hour drive north of where we live now. We have become very familiar with its history and love of food and people. Our son went to school up there back in 2004, and fell in love with it.

Philadelphia is a city for its people. Like many cities on the east coast, it has seen a renaissance of sorts, except they are doing it right. Sure it has its issues, what big city doesn’t. What I see when I am there is a bustling metropolis of old days, that my birth city once experienced.

The city just draws you in when you start to look at the history surrounding it. I’m not just referring to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but the many old homes on the historical register and neighborhoods in the city such as Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill. Older surrounding neighborhoods are seeing a new generation coming in and fixing up or restoring old homes, giving new life to what once were rundown neighborhoods. Local businesses are thriving and if you live in the city, walking is a way of life!

Living where you can walk to everything in Central Philly is the primary reason of locating there to begin with. Parking, as we found out, is not at a premium. Streets are narrow and unless you are lucky to afford a garage or a spot in one, good luck! My husband decided that is a drawback to be considered. He and I also enjoy the fact that in a single standing home, you don’t have to necessarily deal with the neighbors. Most of the homes in Philly, are townhouse style, or row homes if that’s what you want to call them.

Many of them are restored, and quite expensive. But the character is what makes them as charming as they are. For all intents and purposes, I could still see myself residing in one. Walking around last night and seeing hoards of people out after midnight, just brought to our attention, how much Philadelphians love their city.

Since moving there now, is not an option, we will enjoy our trips up there to visit the kids. However, suffice it to say, Philly has become a special place in our lives!