austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Philly

Brittany Valentine

Dog parents and dog enthusiasts alike: This one's for you. Here’s a roundup of some of the best things to do with your furry friends this summer.

Sip and snack while you paint portraits of your pet at 

 on Tuesday, June 27. Materials and instructions will be provided. If you plan to bring your pup, 

 for a “yappy” brunch on July 9. Sip on mimosas while your dogs enjoy treats. No pup, no problem: All are welcome! [$15, Penn’s Landing]

 and the Young Friends of PAWS, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, on Wednesday, July 26  for a “yappy” hour and raffle prizes. Ten percent of all proceeds will benefit PAWS' mission to make Philadelphia a no-kill city. [pay-as-you-go, South Philly]

 on Saturday, Aug. 19 for an afternoon of pet-friendly vendors and activities. [pay-as-you-go, Manayunk]

Treat your pup to some maple bacon, pumpkin, or peanut butter ice cream at 

Enjoy dinner on the pet-friendly patio at 

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

Marie Albiges

Ariel Censor once told her mother her passion for bookselling came from the thrill of getting to know someone’s reading taste and matching them with the right books. Her mother responded that Ariel was a 

 — Yiddish for busybody, often used to describe a matchmaker — and the name stuck.

Ariel and her husband Simon Censor opened used bookshop Little Yenta Books on 

in February in the back of a children’s dressmaking shop, cramming over 1,500 titles into a lofted 150-square-foot space. When a 700-square-foot storefront became available next door, the Censors gave Little Yenta Books a 

“We still have to think very carefully about what books would be a fit for our store and our customers versus what would work better for another shop,” Ariel said, adding that 

 has a wide variety of books covering most genres, with a special focus on contemporary and classic literary fiction, science fiction, and philosophy. Most of the books are under $10.

“We source inventory from all over, all the time. We buy books from our customers for cash or store credit, we do house calls for big collections, we attend library fundraisers, we go to estate sales — pretty much wherever you can find books, we'll be there,“ she said.

A tiny room in the shop — which used to be a shower — is now known as the Museum of Bookmarks, where the Censors have bulletin boards covered with things people used as bookmarks. “We've found very sweet handwritten notes, pressed flowers, recipes, newspaper clippings, Pokemon cards, family photos, the list goes on,” Ariel said.

Ariel is now truly a book yenta, offering a 

where for $35, you’ll get three hand-picked books based on your preferences, plus a bookmark, a sticker, and a note explaining Ariel’s picks.

 Little Yenta is the southernmost bookstore in the city, so Ariel suggests starting there (the shop 

Ariel and her husband Simon Censor opened used bookshop Little Yenta Books on East Passyunk Avenue in February in the back of a children’s dressmaking shop, cramming over 1,500 titles into a lofted 150-square-foot space. When a 700-square-foot storefront became available next door, the Censors gave Little Yenta Books a bigger, more permanent space in June.

Philadelphia's Little Yenta Books Will Match You With A Good Used Book

Get Matched With a Good Used Book at Little Yenta Books

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Philly

Keep It Local

The American Booksellers Association says 

more than 600 bookstores opened across the country last year

, double the number of new shops from the year before, and membership in the association is the 

Philly is no stranger to independent, niche bookstores. Here are six of our favorites.

Philly’s first horror, thriller, and true crime bookstore, Thrillerdelphia, is stocked with stories that invoke fear, terror, dread, tension and curiosity — and the store decor reflects that, with homages to everyone’s favorite horror stories like Scream and It. 

 of her psychological thrillers “The Writing Retreat” and “The Last Session” Saturday from 5-7 p.m.

Known locally as H&H, this nonprofit is both community bookstore and publisher. H&H has published more than 100 authors, and it hosts 

writing workshops and hybrid arts programming 

 — 90 minutes alone in the bookstore with dinner or drinks — is definitely going on my Christmas list.

, Book Corner is run by the Friends of the Free Library, and all profits support the Philly library system. Book Corner accepts gently-used books, records and CDs, and most items are priced under $4. Follow the shop on Instagram to hear about 

Philly’s only cookbook shop is rightfully placed among the pasta and cheese shops of the Italian Market. Find culinary titles for all levels, plus author talks and signings every month. The first 50 people through the door during this weekend’s book crawl 

Serving Mt. Airy since 2005, Big Blue Marble Books is a woman-owned shop that aims to have its bookshelves reflect the neighborhood: diverse, politically engaged, and family oriented. A renovated second floor reading room offers a quiet place to read and drink tea, and the shop often has 

Independent, Niche Bookstores on the Rise in Philadelphia

Independent, Niche Bookstores on the Rise

City Cast Philly staff

✏️ Find past crossword puzzles below:

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines. 

Can You Solve This Philly-Themed Crossword?

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

When Jen Kinka was in the throes of motherhood, she was looking to solve a few issues.

First, she needed a solution to the perpetual kid problem of constantly outgrowing clothes and toys.

Second, she was looking for a more sustainable way to raise children without breaking the bank.

Third, she was looking for a community — a support system for parents.

“I wanted to build a place where people feel like they can walk in, with no judgment, everyone doing their best,” Kinka said.

 was born in 2010: A local baby and children’s marketplace where parents can buy and sell gently used clothing, shoes, toys, books, and baby gear; and a 

where new parents meet, where mothers receive breastfeeding support, and where parents of neurodivergent children make connections.

Sixteen years later, Nesting House has two locations, in Mount Airy and Queen Village. It also has two showrooms for larger baby gear items such as strollers and cribs, and a

that lets you add used gifts from Nesting House.

The business is diligent in its quality care checks, only accepting items that can last through multiple families before they are considered “hand-me-downs” and are no longer sellable.

 stocked, including everything you need for your backpack and everything you need to pack a lunch without having to use plastic.

New parents can also test-drive strollers, wagons, car seats, and nursery furniture in both 

. Kinka said customers’ opinions toward thrifting have changed dramatically since Nesting House first opened.

“I remember people not really responding super well to it in the beginning. We had to explain ourselves,” she said.

Today, the stigma of buying used is long gone. Online clothing platform ThredUp projects that U.S. online resale will 

“Now people are hungry for it,” Kinka said.

The Nesting House is diligent in its quality care checks, only accepting items that can last through multiple families before they are considered “hand-me-downs” and are no longer sellable. 

The Philly Shop Making Back-to-School Shopping More Sustainable 

If you’re looking for unique places to upgrade your writing supplies or stock up on children’s books, these local businesses make back-to-school shopping a little more fun.

This boutique stationery-and-gifts store has a collection of journals, notebooks, pens, notecard sets, greeting cards, and Philly-themed gifts. Paper on Pine collaborates with local Philadelphia printing companies and offers 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, OMOI is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle shop known for its beautifully designed stationery, planners, notebooks, pens, books, bags, and home goods. Inspired by Japanese retail culture, the Old City store is the perfect place to find back-to-school supplies that are as functional as they are beautiful. If you’re a handwritten-planner kind of person, OMOI 

A youth-focused independent book store serving children up to 18 years old, Midsummer Books began as a pop-up in 2025 inside the shared retail space 

on Frankford Avenue. The store features a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, and educational books. It also has a 

The woman-owned stationery store opened in February and carries everything for planners, crafters, and writers. Picture walls of stickers, pens, and notebooks of all colors and sizes. Open Friday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Notes from Neko also has a 

 where you can test various fountain pens.

If you’re looking for unique places to upgrade your writing supplies or stock up on children’s books, these local businesses make back-to-school shopping a little more fun. 


4 Places to Shop for Back-to-School

If your ideal Saturday includes drinking espresso and inspecting monsteras, congratulations: You've found your people. Here are our favorite Philly spots where you can get your caffeine fix and your plant fix in one trip.

Sitting at the busy intersection of Main Street and Green Lane in Manayunk underneath the iconic Green Lane Bridge, Artesano has an expansive space distinguished by its iron and metalworks interspersed among the plants and coffee. Starting Aug. 8, Artesano will be offering 

weekend breakfast and brunch table service

. Artesano also recently transformed a section of its space into a bar, open on weekends and serving signature cocktails and small plates.

Founded by a mother-daughter duo in 2020, this West Philly boutique shop has everything from low maintenance and pet-friendly plants to seeds and supplies. On the coffee side, I highly recommend the 

, a creamy, sweet latte made with chaga mushrooms that is packed with antioxidants. Plant and People also offers 

temporary plant rentals, plantscaping, and plant consultations

The women-owned coffee, gifts, and plant store has a collaborative, community feel, with an entire second floor of open seating and a children’s play area. In addition to plants and coffee, the shop sells locally-made jewelry, soaps, candles, art, stationery, drinkware, and honey. Vault + Vine carries beans from 

Yes, Manayunk has not one but two plant stores that also sell hot beverages, although they are on the opposite ends of Main Street. This boutique nursery carries a variety of houseplants, ceramics, and home decor, and its café offers a wide selection of loose leaf tea and pastries. Its 

has a selection of exotic, hard-to-find plants that can be purchased online or in-store.

Billed as an outdoor lifestyle garden center and café, Terrain has several locations in the suburbs worth the drive. Started by Urban Outfitters co-founder Dick Hayne (and still owned by its parent company URBN), each sprawling Terrain location also serves as a 

 that can be used for gorgeous, nature-inspired celebrations.

Here are our favorite Philly spots where you can get your caffeine fix and your plant fix in one trip. 


The Only Thing Better Than Coffee? Coffee With Plants

Long before she owned two plant-and-coffee shops, 

co-founder Michelle Miller had more than 100 houseplants at home and was a self-proclaimed “serious plant enthusiast.”

Miller said the same thing of her co-founder Molly Kiriacoulacos. Miller, who was consulting for the owners of a multi-use brick building on North Second Street in Norris Square during COVID-19, thought that a plant-and-coffee shop would be perfect for its corner unit. Then she and Kiriacoulacos decided they should be the ones to open it.

The Ground was born in 2022, and the two entrepreneurs opened their second location on 18th Street in Rittenhouse in 2023.

The plants are mostly sourced from small, independent growers located within 100 miles of Philadelphia, which tends to result in healthier plants. Inside both locations, you’ll find a variety of tropical houseplants with diverse light options.

On the coffee and restaurant side, The Ground’s beans are from 

 in South Philly. Signature drinks include a chocolate-covered strawberry latte made with Ghirardelli cocoa and a rose pistachio latte topped with dried rose petals.

But what Miller is especially proud of is The Ground’s

. Almost every dish is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Miller, who is half-Korean, has added Korean influences to some of The Ground’s newest menu items, including a Bulgogi cheesesteak quesadilla made with thin-sliced beef ribeye, Cooper Sharp cheese, and a charred scallion crema.

The Ground also has an in-house baking program with rotating pastries, including a gochujang banana bread made with a Korean fermented red pepper paste that mixes saltiness, heat, and sweetness.

“Bringing some of those flavors to our menu has been really big for me, and I think it’s resonated well with a lot of our clients,” Miller said.

Inside both locations of The Ground, you’ll find a variety of tropical houseplants with diverse light options.


This Plant and Coffee Shop Serves One of Philly's Most Unexpected Menus 

Bring your pup to Cavanaugh’s River Deck for a “yappy” brunch on July 9.

Dog-Friendly Philadelphia Summer Events

Summer’s finally here. Here's how to make the most of it.

Summer’s finally here. Here's how to make the most of it in Philadelphia.

Philly Summer Guide

Summer Guide

Free movie nights in parks across the city

Free daily recitals on the Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s

 on Thursday, July 6, along the 1200-1400 blocks of Point Breeze Ave

Woodmere Art Museum is also free on Sundays

The Fabric Workshop and Museum is free with a $5 suggested donation

 is happening now until July 4, and includes 35 cultural institutions

From outdoor movie screenings to various events, there are plenty of free options to celebrate Philadelphia summer.

Free Things To Do In Philadelphia Summer 2023 

Free Things To Do In Philly Summer 2023 

School is ending soon and it’s time to dive into a season of family fun. So, we're continuing our month-long summer entertainment guide series with a few events to get your adventures started.

 on Monday, June 19 with a day of Juneteenth programming that celebrates the Black experience. Enjoy art workshops, storytimes, music, activities, and performances. [$19, West Philly]

Summer Guide

Dog-Friendly Philadelphia Summer Events

Brittany Valentine

Share article

Summer Guide

Free Things To Do In Philly Summer 2023

Best Philadelphia Family Friendly Events for Summer 2023

Philly Summer Entertainment Guide

The latest in Philly

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

Get Matched With a Good Used Book at Little Yenta Books

Independent, Niche Bookstores on the Rise

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

The Philly Shop Making Back-to-School Shopping More Sustainable

4 Places to Shop for Back-to-School

The Only Thing Better Than Coffee? Coffee With Plants

This Plant and Coffee Shop Serves One of Philly's Most Unexpected Menus