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City Cast Philly

Brittany Valentine

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

The Barnes Foundation is a must-visit in Logan Square. 

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

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

Laura Tsutsui

We’re two weeks out from Election Day so it’s time to start figuring out what the heck is on your ballot and how you’d like to vote. We’re weighing in on who to send to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., plus two local ballot measures — there are no City Council races this time around. Here are some resources to help you study up before you vote.

To get a preview of all the races and how they’ll look on the voting machine, type your home address into 

, select “Voting,” and then click “Preview Ballot.” The Committee of Seventy also has an 

Most Philly legislators are running unopposed for reelection, but here are competitive races to keep an eye on:

 Republican Rep. Martina White faces Democrat Rob Gurtcheff, an Army veteran. Democrats have a big registration edge here, but President Trump won the district by 15 points in 2024. That makes the race a test of where Northeast Philly stands politically right now.

Across the state, the parties are fighting it out for control of both the state legislature and Congress. Democrats are targeting four Senate seats — in Bucks, Montgomery, and Lancaster counties — while looking to maintain their 

 for the first time since 1993. If they win a trifecta, legalized recreational cannabis and a higher minimum wage could be on the horizon.

, who each represent part of the city, face Republican challengers Jessica Arriaga and Nicholas Manganaro, respectively. State Rep. Chris Rabb, the Democratic nominee for the 

, has no Republican opponent but independent Dennis Mahoney is on the ballot. They’re all considered to be safe Democratic seats. But keep an eye on these contests:

: You’ve probably seen the TV ads. Republican Congressman Ryan Fitzpatrick is attempting to hold onto his seat against 

In three other congressional districts, Pennsylvania voters could decide 

whether Democrats take control of the U.S. House.

Here are some resources to help you learn about the people and measures on your ballot.

Philadelphia Voter Guides for the November 2026 Election

Your Philly Guide to Voter Guides in November 2026

What's being decided in Philadelphia City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Philadelphia City Council. 

Philly Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

Are you ready for our news quiz? Let’s see if you’re an expert on Philly’s latest news and trivia.

 I Know The Answer!

🌀 Looking for a previous Hey Philly quiz? Find it here:

Sept. 27, 2024: Cheesesteak Trivia Edition

If you like what you see, subscribe to the 

 below. We’ll send local news, things to do, and other Philly essentials to your inbox every weekday morning — plus, a fresh news quiz every Friday. ⬇️

How well do you know Philly's latest headlines and historical facts? Try your hand at this quiz to find out!

Philadelphia News Quiz & Trivia: October 16, 2026

Prove Your Weekly Philly Knowledge

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

Philly, Explained

Siani Colón

We’re in the final stretch of our fall membership campaign, and a big theme we keep talking about is community. Here at City Cast Philly, we don’t want you to just read about the city. We want you to become curious and explore it! That’s why we created 

, so we can help you beat the FOMO and get out in the community with like-minded Philadelphians.

You have plenty of your own recommendations on where we should all be hanging out. Every time someone signs up for the City Cast Philly newsletter, they get a welcome message with the question, 

“What’s your favorite local spot to meet new people in Philly?”

 Here’s what you had to say. And who knows, maybe one of these will be the site for our next members-only event? Enjoy perks like exclusive gatherings, ad-free listening, and weekly event previews when you 

. “My favorite places to meet a friend for a coffee or a drink.”

 says the “best place in Philly” is Chestnut Hill’s 

. “There’s a weekly dance in Mt. Airy on Thursday nights, with a newcomer lesson at 7:30 p.m., and then there’s a monthly dance at the Ethical Society in Rittenhouse Square on a Saturday night about once a month. It’s the most IRL thing we can do. My face hurts from smiling at the end of the night. Live music and it’s easy to learn, and everyone is friendly.”

Want more recommendations? Listen to our conversation about third places on 

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts

Is Philly Food Becoming Kinda Mid? Plus: Philadelphians’ Inventions & Cheap Third Places

City Cast Philly readers shared their top spots to meet new friends around town. 


Readers Share Their Favorite Spots in Philadelphia

Philly’s Favorite Spots To Meet Neighbors

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

Marie Albiges

We've tracked down Philly’s witchiest, creepiest, and most delightfully eerie shops and bars to get you ready for the spookiest night of the year.

At this South Street shop, you’ll find everyday crystals, tarot decks, smudge sticks, and gemstone bracelets. The website offers guides on everything from using 

Owner Charlie Hess makes these witchy candles out of her South Philly home. Each candle features crystals that have been charged under a full moon on a 

 (known for its ethereal glow and ability to cleanse and purify energy). The candles are made with 100% soy wax and environmentally-friendly wicks. Grab a 

, including Hound-O-Ween at Liberty Lands Park and at East Passyunk Fall Fest.

The centerpiece of this metal bar is a giant spine chandelier made of 

, and that tells you everything you need to know about why this place made the list. After you’ve ordered an 

Unholy Word cocktail with whiskey and Sangre de Cristo

 (which literally means blood of Christ), and an order of bone marrow served with garlic bread, parsley, and pickled shallots, explore Doom’s small collection of metal vinyl and its 

 upstairs. If you’re looking to get down with the likes of zombies this weekend, join Doom’s 

The medical history museum, known for its vast collection of medical and anatomical oddities, is one of the creepiest and most fascinating museums I’ve ever been to, and its little gift shop has some of the coolest posters, jewelry, and apparel (think 3D 

). A special exhibition on the medical and scientific items that 

inspired Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

 will be on display Saturdays through Nov. 12.

Oddities abound at this shop, where you can find anything from a 

. It has a large collection of taxidermy and medical collectors' items. Owner Adam Hutter is also the owner and operator of the 

Looking for witchy, creepy, and delightfully eerie goods around Philadelphia? We've tracked down the witchiest, creepiest, and most delightfully eerie shops and bars to get you ready for the spookiest night of the year.

Where To Find Philly's Witchiest Candles, Crystals, and Curiosities

Where To Find Philly's Witchiest Candles, Crystals & Curiosities 

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Philly

Keep It Local

If you have a taste for the gothic lifestyle, horror, or the macabre, stepping foot inside 

 will bring you joy. The South Street shop is packed with gothic furniture, vintage artwork, jewelry, clutches, parasols, and 

 for people whose taste runs a little darker than the average home goods store.

, a longtime member of Philly’s goth scene, opened The DreamEerie in 2023 as a passion project. He brought on manager Jess Cyphers, whose knowledge of vintage pieces helps keep the store stocked.

Cyphers said The DreamEerie’s clientele includes anyone who has “a taste for the strange and unusual.”

“You don’t have to be gothic to come in; you just have to be open-minded and curious,” he said.

 is a specialty here, from coffee tables to bookshelves. There’s even a 

. The shop also carries taxidermy, including bugs prepared in-house, alongside 

And while the shop might feel especially appropriate in October, Halloween isn’t a seasonal affair here. “Every day is Halloween for us,” Cyphers said.

If you have a taste for the gothic lifestyle, horror, or the macabre, step inside The DreamEerie on South Street in Philadelphia.

Every Day Is Halloween at This South Street Shop

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

If you're looking for a little controlled terror this Halloween — whether that's getting chased through an old warehouse, wandering a former prison after dark, or investigating alleged paranormal activity along the canal — here are four places around Philly worth getting scared at.

Lincoln Mill Haunted House and Ghost Tours

This deeply story-driven, actor-heavy, immersive experience begins in a historic Main Street textile mill. As the story goes, flood damage from Hurricane Ida 

 and revealed a history of tormented workers. Co-founder Jared Bilsak told me he and fellow co-founder Brian Corcodilos created new rooms, characters, and scenes for this season.

 this year, working with paranormal investigators and psychic mediums to uncover dark stories along the Manayunk Canal and Towpath. Every guest gets an electromagnetic frequency reader to detect unusual activity on the 75-minute tour.

This 120-year-old South Philly warehouse is so scary that the director of “Terrifier 2” and “Terrifier 3” 

. The 25,000-square-foot attraction is divided into three distinct themes: Industrial Nightmare, South Side Sanatorium, and Fright Factory Unholy. I’m scared just 

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

The Halloween Nights immersive experience takes over Eastern State with 

 — The Crypt, Machine Shop, Big Top Terror, Nightmares, and Dark Tides — plus historic tours, bars, lounges, and live entertainment. Of course, you can always take a 

daytime guided tour of the historic prison

, which comes with some goosebump-inducing stories of its own.

The memory of walking through this creepy former hospital as a teenager will haunt me forever. And if the 

 is any indication, the theatrics, acting, makeup, sets, and props have advanced to max spooky in the last two decades. The current experience includes four attractions — Pennhurst Asylum, Pennhurst Tunnels, The Morgue, and The Catacombs — spread across the sprawling property outside of Pottstown.

Get chased through a “Terrifier” filming site, wander a former prison after dark, or hunt ghosts along the Manayunk Canal at these four frightful spots.

Best Haunted Houses in Philadelphia for Halloween 2026

4 Places To Get Very, Very Scared in Philly 

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

Summer Guide

Free Things To Do In Philly Summer 2023

Brittany Valentine

Movies:

Music:

Date Night Spots:

Groups:

Museums:

Parks and Trails:

Roller Skating Groups:

Wellness Events:

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