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City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly staff

✏️ Find past crossword puzzles below:

Taras Kim

You can move to Philadelphia successfully if you learn about the city ahead of time, not after the truck is stopped on a narrow one-way street. Philly is crowded, old, and very different from one neighborhood to the next. In some areas you can walk, but in others you need a car. Moving a few blocks can change your rent, your commute, where you can park, the noise level, how easy it is to get to the store, and how hard it is to get your furniture through the front door.

With this guide, you can move to Philadelphia, move from another place to Philadelphia, or just see if living in Philadelphia fits your daily life. You won't be sold a perfect picture of the city. Before you sign a lease, you should be able to see where you will live, if you will bring a car, how you will park, what the move-in rules are, and what you need to do to get ready before the crew comes.

If you want to live in a city with strong neighborhood identities, good restaurants, history, parks, colleges, hospitals, and easy access to the rest of the Northeast, Philadelphia is a good choice. People who work in hospitals, universities, public service, restaurants, Center City, University City, or from home in jobs where the neighborhood is more important than the office address may find this especially useful.

It's not as easy if you need to park on the street every night, want a newer apartment with few maintenance problems, or want the city to feel the same from block to block. There are not just four different listings for a rowhome in South Philadelphia, an apartment near Rittenhouse, a house in West Philadelphia, and a twin in Northeast Philadelphia. They make their own daily schedules.

Ask yourself, "What do I need within 15 minutes of my front door?" before you choose a place. That answer, not just any "best neighborhood" list, should guide your search.

What locals wish newcomers checked earlier

First, you should know that Philadelphia works by neighborhood. People don't just use zip codes to talk about cities. People talk about neighborhoods like Fishtown, Fairmount, Point Breeze, West Philly, Queen Village, Manayunk, University City, and Northeast Philly. The names of these neighborhoods often tell you something about the type of housing, parking, public transportation, cost, and how the block feels.

Housing age is the second thing. Philadelphia has a lot of older rowhomes and buildings that have been turned into homes. That could mean a good spot, character, and more room than a brand-new apartment building. That word can also mean narrow doors, old windows, steep stairs, radiator heat, wet basements, or moving furniture that is hard to do. Before you sign, find out about the heating, cooling, water flow, bugs, laundry, trash storage, and who is in charge of repairs.

The third thing is getting to it. If you forget to do something small, like park the truck close to the door, reserve the elevator, make sure the sofa fits through the stairs, or get the building to sign off on your insurance, it makes moving harder. Not very often, these issues come up. They are normal things that happen on moving day. Checking them before the move day is a good idea.

Best neighborhoods in Philadelphia to rent: choose by lifestyle, not hype

There isn't a single answer that works for all of Philadelphia's areas. Which neighborhood is best for you relies on how much money you have, how far you need to commute, how noisy you can handle, and how much space you need.

 are helpful for learning more about how different parts of the city really feel than just reading about them in real estate listings.

A smart move is to look at your top neighborhood three times before signing. Go during the week, in the evening, and on the weekend. Before you agree, you will see how parking, noise, foot traffic, and public transit really work.

In Philadelphia, you might be able to live without a car if you know where to go and where to live. You don't need one to get around Center City, University City, parts of South Philly, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and some areas in Northwest Philly. You may depend more on buses, Regional Rail, bikes, carpooling, or your own car for running errands in other places.

A lot of people use SEPTA every day. There are buses, Metro lines, trolleys, and Regional Rail in the system. For Bus and Metro, the pay-per-ride price is $2.90 per trip, but the fare for Regional Rail changes based on the zone. SEPTA also says that people who pay with a contactless card or SEPTA Key card can make up to two free transfers in two hours. Before you move, go to SEPTA's official 

 page to see the most up-to-date prices and rules.

Don't just look at a map to see how far something is. Find out the exact route, how many transfers there are, if there is late-night service, and how often the bus or train goes. A place that is "20 minutes from Center City" by car might not be on the bus or train in 20 minutes.

Bringing a car? Check parking before you sign

If you bring a car, parking should be a factor in where you choose to live. Some blocks let you park with a permit. A few have meters. Some are only good for two hours. Some are simple during the day and tough at night.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority says that residential parking permits help people who live in certain places park closer to their homes, especially on blocks that are close to schools, businesses, or public transportation. In most cases, your car needs Pennsylvania license plates and registration at your home address in the permit district, along with proof that you live there. The PPA says that annual residential permits cost $75 per car, and each household can only have three vehicles. Before you sign a lease or change your registration, check the 

A residential permit doesn't let you break all the rules about parking. PPA says that people with permits still have to follow signs that say "No Parking," "No Stopping," "Loading Zone," and other rules. That's also important on moving day.

Philadelphia moving permit: what to know before move-in day

If you are moving with a truck to Philadelphia, don't think you can just park in front of your building. In a lot of areas, that assumption is what makes things worse.

People who need to move trucks, store containers or pods, temporary dumpsters, or load things use a Temporary No Parking permit, often called a TNP permit, in the city of Philadelphia. You have to apply for the permit at least four business days before you need it, according to the Department of Streets. In Center City or University City, it costs $50 per 40 feet of space per day for a moving truck. In all other places, it costs $25 per 40 feet per day. The city also says that 40 feet is about the same as two parking spots. The official 

It takes more than one step to get a permit. When everything is okay, you print out the permit and bring it to a Philadelphia police district headquarters. The police district gives you temporary signs that say "do not park." You should put them up as soon as you get them or at least 24 hours before you need the space.

In Center City, South Philly, Queen Village, Fairmount, Fishtown, West Philly, and any other block where cars already have to fight for curb room, that detail is important. A legal spot near the entrance can cut down on the time it takes to move, the number of long carries, and the chance of delays.

A do-it-yourself move might work for a small studio. 

 with a lot of experience can help you plan truck access, inventory, timing, and building rules before the crew comes. This is especially helpful if you have a rowhome with narrow stairs, a third-floor walk-up, heavy furniture, or a block with a lot of permits.

What you are responsible for before the movers arrive

The move will still depend on things that only you can confirm, even if you hire movers. It's part of the job for the company to move, protect, carry, load, and transfer things. You still need to check the details that make up the work.

A lot of people wait too long to do this. Before you call movers or confirm a move date, make sure you have your inventory, entry notes, permit plan, and building rules ready. Everyone can see the plan better, and shocks are less likely to happen.

In Philadelphia, moving in is often about the little things. Can the couch fit through the door to the rowhouse? Is it okay for the truck to stop? Does the apartment building limit move-in hours? Does the street only go one way? Are there overhead wires? Is work, school pick-up, eating outside, or trash day going to affect your block?

Ask your landlord or property manager these things before you move in:

When can I move into the building? Do I need to book an elevator? Is there a place to load? Do I need a temporary permit to park here? Does the building need movers to show proof of insurance? What place should the truck go in? Could I get to the back, the stairs, or the small halls? When do the trash and recycling get picked up?

Check the city's rules before you use a storage pod or container. On the city's TNP permit page, storage containers and pods are mentioned as a permit use. A moving container or pod can be used for up to five days.

Everyday life shows the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has real neighborhoods, a strong food culture, historic streets, parks, museums, colleges, hospitals, sports, and it's easy to get to New York, D.C., the Shore, and the Poconos. You can walk to coffee shops, grocery stores, bars, restaurants, parks, and public transportation in many areas. The city has a strong idea of who it is too. It's important to people to know the name of their block, corner shop, park, and neighborhood.

The cons make sense. Parking can be hard work. Streets and trash are not always clean. Some blocks feel very different from blocks that are close by. Public transportation is helpful, but it's not strong everywhere. People who are moving into older homes may need more repairs than they think. There are real safety issues that should be looked into on a block and routine level, not just based on the reputation of the neighborhood.

Being honest about your own habits is the best thing to do. If you don't like driving, pick an area with lots of public transportation. Don't forget to park if you need your car every day. If you work late, test your way home at night. There was a nice apartment above a bar, but if you want peace and quiet, don't rent there.

First-week checklist after moving to Philly

Take care of the basics when you get there before you try to learn everything about the city. You should set up internet, utilities, renters insurance, and mail forwarding. Find out when your trash and recycling day are. Check to see if your block is in an area where residents can get parking permits. Keep track of SEPTA routes you will use, not just the closest stop.

Take a practical walk around your neighborhood, stopping at the grocery store, pharmacy, nearby bus or Metro stop, park, hardware store, laundromat if you need one, and package delivery area. Philly is easy to get around once you know your way around the next few blocks.

Simple things to ask your neighbors. Which corner gets flooded? Where do you usually put packages? It's easier to park on which side of the street? When does the trash get picked up? These things don't show up very often in apartment listings, but they have a big impact on people's lives.

You might want to move to Philadelphia if you want to live on the East Coast in a city with a lot of culture, real neighborhoods, places you can walk to, and space to make your own daily routine. People who like local food, public space, history, and a place that feels lived-in rather than polished will like it here.

If you need to move and need to make sure of things like easy parking, school boundaries, a quiet block, a short commute, or a certain rent range, you should do more study. Specifics like these can quickly change from one area or block to another.

If you want to move to Philadelphia, you should think of it as a local move, not just a city move. Pick an area that is close to where you live. Before you sign, check the parking. Find out how to get a moving permit. You should check the building's inventory, entry, and rules before the move day. After that, it gets easier to control the move, but it's still hard work.

What should I know before moving to Philadelphia?

Before you sign, learn about the area. Philadelphia is different from block to block. Before making a decision, find out about the building's rules, transportation, parking, rent, trash pickup, shopping access, and how to move in.

If you want to reserve curb space for a moving truck, storage pod, or container, you might need a Temporary No Parking permit. The city says you should apply for the permit at least four business days ahead of time.

To be sure, but the renter experience relies on the area, the age of the building, the commute, and the need for parking. There isn't a single best neighborhood in Philadelphia to rent based on lifestyle or price. Instead, each person should use their own criteria.

Can I live in Philadelphia without a car?

To be exact, mostly in Center City, University City, parts of South Philadelphia, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and a few areas in Northwest Philadelphia. It may still be helpful to have a car if your work, school, or family activities are not close to good transit lines.

What are the biggest downsides of living in Philadelphia?

Some problems that people often have are trouble parking, older homes, uneven transit access, trash on some blocks, complicated local taxes, and differences in safety from one place to the next. Most of these are easier to deal with if you find out about the exact block, route, and parking situation before you move.

Moving to Philadelphia? What to Check Before You Pick a Neighborhood, Book a Truck, and Sign a Lease

Siani Colón

The first day of fall may be Sept. 22, but Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer. If you’re not ready just yet to say goodbye to the season, here’s how to enjoy what’s left of it in the Philly region.

Chase the thrill of summer on a roller coaster. If you’re willing to take a trip outside the city, you can visit the region’s amusement parks at a discounted price. Several are offering discounts up to 50% off on tickets, as some parks remain open until Labor Day and others until Halloween. You can also grab season passes for next year at a lower rate. The sales are running through Labor Day, so secure them now. Here are some parks to add to your itinerary:

 ends Sept. 26. Want to listen to other genres? FDR Park’s “

 is putting on shows through Sept. 22. And finally, 

 doesn't wrap up until October, with several shows in the coming weeks featuring performances from Boyz II Men, Willie Nelson, and MUNA.

Most Philly pools have closed for the season, but it’s still hot! You could 

 for the day before hosts drain them. You could also go to an indoor water park like 

 in West Berlin, NJ. After Labor Day, most beaches at the Jersey Shore will no longer require 

 until the following season. Lifeguards are usually 

 after that weekend, however, so swim with caution. You can also still go 

 in Philly if you’d like to be along and on the water, but not 

It isn’t a Philly summer without some scoops of water ice. 

, a South Philly staple, serves the sweet treat until the end of September before reopening in April.

Speaking of eating, if you’d like to dine al fresco, several Philly restaurants still offer 

 continues at the Homies Helping Homies Garage tonight and wraps up at Sloan Street Community Garden on Sept. 12, so make sure to catch a film under the stars. 

 is also screening movies at Penn Treaty Park throughout the month.

 ends on Sept. 27 against the Tampa Bay Rays, which also happens to be a home game. While we hope to get another Red October, we’re still waiting to see who lands in the playoffs. Head down to Citizens Bank Park before the end of the month (and hopefully you’ll be back for the postseason!).

There’s still time to ride rollercoasters, take a dip, or see a ball game. Embrace the sliver of summer that’s still left with these activities in the Philly area. 

Check These Activities off Your End-of-Summer Bucket List

Make the Most of the Last Summer Days in Philly

Tips and tricks for living your best Philadelphia life, by locals, for locals.

Philly Life Hacks

Marie Albiges

There’s no one-size-fits-all version of 

, specifically. AKA don’t force yourself to join pilates or be a runner if you hate it (but if you’re curious, 

). Maybe your version of wellness looks like sitting in a dark room by yourself (honestly, relatable) or dripping sweat in a sauna for 45 minutes. These Philly businesses offer plenty of ways to reset, whether you’re looking for something restorative, a little woo-woo, or just an excuse to slow down.  

, it was the middle of winter and I was getting over a serious sinus infection that I knew I needed to 

. dtXfy offers infrared sauna, red light therapy, exclusion zone water therapy, 

, massage pods, and cold plunge. Your first visit is $35, no matter which wellness therapy you select. Make detoxifying a 

 or girls’ night by booking the largest sauna and sweating it out together.

 of public sound healing meditations and yoga workshops. Her practice is rooted in traditional Korean Buddhist yoga philosophy with some modern techniques. Private and group 

 are available, with some fun add-ons like a candle making session or

free all-level yoga class in Fairmount Park

You know what weird body part might need a cleanse? Your colon. Also known as colonics or colonic irrigation, 

 cleans the large intestine using purified water, and it’s offered at Center City Cleanse. Other services include acupuncture, massage, yoga, IV vitamin therapy, lymphatic therapy, and infrared sauna.

Infrared sauna not your thing? Formation Sauna + Wellness offers 

, cold plunge, and cupping. Formation also holds workshops, like this 

There’s no one-size-fits-all version of wellness. Maybe your version of wellness looks like sitting in a dark room by yourself (honestly, relatable) or dripping sweat in a sauna for 45 minutes. Philly has some amazing ways to quiet the noise, get healthy, and relax.

Ways To Be Well in Philly This Fall

Ways To Be Well This Fall

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Philly

Keep It Local

Halcyon Floats was offering sensory deprivation and

founded the Fishtown business in 2014 after learning about the 

of float therapy. In a floating room or deprivation tank, stimulus to the senses is almost completely cut off, which 

gives your body a chance to relax and recover

. Here are three therapeutic and relaxing wellness services offered at Halcyon Floats:

Filled with 10 inches of highly concentrated Epsom salt water solutions so your body stays buoyant, Halcyon’s 

are sound-proof and lights can be turned off. You’ll need to shower before and after getting into the sensory deprivation tank, and then you’re free to relax and float for 90 minutes.

, or dry salt therapy, dates back to medieval times when people used to hang out in salt caves for fun. Halcyon says

 can be used to treat upper and lower respiratory problems, sinus infections, hay fever, allergies, sleep apnea, and cystic fibrosis.

3 - Experience a full spectrum infrared sauna

Get the relaxation without the unbearable heat. 

 use light panels instead of hot stones and water to heat the air around you. The infrared light penetrates your skin to warm you from within without making the air uncomfortably hot. Halcyon has saunas that can fit up to three people for 40 minutes.

Want to learn more? Halcyon has easy-to-read explainers about each of these services on its 

Halcyon Floats in Philadelphia was offering sensory deprivation and floatation therapy before it was cool. Owner Keri McGinn founded the Fishtown business in 2014 after learning about the health benefits of float therapy. In a floating room or deprivation tank, stimulus to the senses is almost completely cut off, which gives your body a chance to relax and recover. Here are three therapeutic and relaxing wellness services offered at Halcyon Floats.

Try Float Therapy with Halcyon Floats

Abby Fritz

Happy fall! Both meteorologists and astronomers agree that September marks the beginning of the fall season.

Whether or not Philly's weather will chill out is TBD.

Your Guide to September 2026 in Philly

Hispanic heritage and culture are honored across the country with a month-long celebration starting Sept. 15, and Philly is getting the party started early. Kick off the festivities on Sept. 13 with the largest Latino arts and culture festival in the city, 

. And that's just the beginning: Throughout the month, you can also go to the 

Concilio’s Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade

Philly tends to get a bit sleepy over Labor Day weekend, with folks flocking to the Jersey shore for the three-day weekend. If you stick around, celebrate Philly's history as a loud and proud union town with the city's 

Every September, the city celebrates artists creating out-of-the-box performances with the 

. From Sept. 8 through 27, you'll be able to choose from more than 350 shows happening across the city. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, creative producer Siani Colón wrote 

 breaking down this year's festivities by cost, location, and vibes.

Don't just see art this month, learn to make it! At 

 on Sept. 9, local film connoisseurs and animators from the movie club 

 will be your guides through an animation workshop at Fireball Printing in East Kensington. For a suggested donation of $10, both experienced and brand-new animators can learn about the lighting techniques, materials, and creative juices that go into producing stop-motion works.

You may be surprised to learn that Oktoberfest isn't just in October. The 16-day German festival starts at the end of September and was originally a celebration of the love of two Bavarian royals. It has evolved into one of the 

. While I won't be catching a flight to Munich, I will be grabbing some pints at 

 for an eight-hour beer-extravaganza on Sept. 26. The event is free, but if you want indoor seating, a buffet, seven beers, and private bathrooms, Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street is offering just that 

Raise a glass or a sax to the late and great jazz genius, John Coltrane. While he wasn't born here, he made Philly his home for over a decade and grew his musical practice in his Strawberry Mansion house. To celebrate what would've been his 100th birthday on Sept. 23, local jazz presenter Ars Nova Workshop is hosting iconic jazz composer 

 in West Philly. This kicks off a week of events honoring Coltrane and his legacy.

Summer may be ending, but the party continues with festivals, John Coltrane's 100th, and local farm boxes.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in September 2026

How to Spend September 2026 in Philly

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

September is set to be the busiest month for performing arts in the city thanks to the return of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Inspired by the historic Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, Philly has been putting its own spin on the international “Fringe” movement for 30 years. To celebrate this major milestone, 2026’s lineup consists of roughly 330 performances. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Philadelphia hosts one of the largest Fringe Festivals in the country. What sets the annual event apart is its dedication to pushing the boundaries of what constitutes art by delivering performances in a variety of genres, from dance to puppetry. It even pushes the boundaries of where to host said performances, ranging from theaters to yoga studios to the 

Once concentrated solely in Old City, Philly Fringe takes place across the city in various neighborhoods. 

 are hosting performances throughout the event at one or more locations. 

 is the largest hub, with a third of Fringe performances at the Asian Arts Initiative, Icebox Project Space, and Box Spring Gallery.

Unless you’ve figured out how to clone yourself, teleport, or time travel, it’s impossible to see all 300+ shows. To narrow down your picks, you can browse through Philly Fringe’s 

 at a neighborhood partner. You can also 

 (Do you like circus arts? Cabaret? Magic?) or search keywords.

Some performances run for several days so if you can’t catch it one night, pencil in the next showing! With performances happening all over the city, choose what’s closest to you or explore a new neighborhood. If you find a cluster of back-to-back performances, why not turn it into a theater crawl?

If price is a factor, some events are free or pay-what-you-can. 

 are offered for students, industry workers, and FringeArts members. If you participate in 

, a curated experience of multiple shows in one day, that’s $250. Check individual event listings for exact pricing.

If you need someone to tell you what to see, here’s what’s on my Fringe Festival lineup.

“A Murder Most Felt; or It’s Not Easy Bleeding Green”

: A dramatization of a clash between Dr. Anthony Fauci and playwright Larry Kramer during the AIDS crisis

 An exploration of fractured memory through dance and spoken word

: A gathering of Philly’s clown community, complete with improv, comedy, and plenty of hijinks

The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an expanded lineup of performances. 

Your Insider’s Guide to Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2026

What To See at 2026 Philly Fringe 

 six years ago, he envisioned a place where cyclists could stop for an espresso, fix a flat tire, grab a cookie, and spend some time talking to the person behind the counter. The small shop is a convenient stop — at least for cyclists and pedestrians — inside 

, just steps from Forbidden Drive and the Orange trail, occupying a historic barn in 

“I wanted a high-impact business with community and with customers who I could have a relationship with,” Daniels said.

It was the perfect place to chat about Philly’s cycling culture and the 

 after 10 years. Daniels, who grew up racing BMX and motocross before moving into road cycling and triathlons, has been riding for nearly four decades. But these days he’s less interested in being at the front of the pack than helping the person at the back — in line with his approach at the shop to slow down and get to know the cycling community.

“I went from literally the tip of the spear trying to win stuff to opening a shop and telling any rider the best place to be is back with me,” Daniels said.

In addition to bike repairs and services, Daniels offers 

 and sells some bikes, accessories and parts. 

 offers a variety of espresso-based hot and cold drinks, baked goods and packaged snacks.

, including a Wednesday gravel ride and Saturday mountain bike ride. Both end back at the shop, where riders get free espresso. Daniels also supports a 

 whose tagline is “create the community you want to be a part of.”

For Daniels, that's the larger appeal of cycling in Philly. “They're the antithesis of a lot of other bike communities or bike cultures in towns in that Philly cyclists are really proud about being cyclists in Philly.”

When Paul Daniels opened PAPERtrail Bike Cafe six years ago, he envisioned a place where cyclists could stop for an espresso, fix a flat tire, grab a cookie, and spend some time talking to the person behind the counter.

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