Philadelphia, PA Community Information

Today, Philadelphia displays its affinity for history making, carrying on the tradition as a city of many firsts. It is the site of the first U.S. stock exchange, the first 'planned' city, the first hospital, and of course, the first cheese steak sandwich. Its economy relies mainly on manufacturing, finance and food, but tourism plays a major role in helping to finance the city.

Independence Hall garners most of the tourist traffic, as people flock to see where the founding fathers first championed liberty and signed the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Formally designated the Pennsylvania State House, this historic landmark was built between 1732 and 1753. The bell tower hovering over Independence Hall once housed the famed Liberty Bell, which now resides in the Liberty Bell Center at Independence National Historic Park.

Historic and affordable housing

Amid a wealth of historic landmarks, Philadelphia real estate remains surprisingly affordable. The median home price in the city is about $182,000. Home buyers can choose from Federalist row houses, Georgian single family homes and Colonial duplexes. At the heart of the city's historical district in Center City is the 120-acre community of Society Hill bordered by the Delaware River. Society Hill refers to the Society of Free Traders, which had its offices at the crown of a hill. Forefathers George Washington and James Madison once lived here, and their regal estates are now a part of the neighborhood's charm. This luxury neighborhood fetches an average selling price of about $350,000.

As Philadelphia's downtown area experiences a recent urban renewal, the Northern Liberties neighborhood has expanded with more affordable homes. This once industrial area was known for its red light district, but has since cleaned up its reputation, and is attracting more young families. Northern Liberties, which is bounded by Girard Avenue, Vine Street and 6th Street, is a hotspot for new home owners and land developers alike. Brick-lined row houses abound here, habited by those seeking an urban lifestyle outside city limits.

History does not get much older than Old City, where William Penn and his Quakers first broke ground. It contains Elfreth's Alley, the oldest occupied residential street in the country. With views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and proximity to Independence National Historic Park, this neighborhood is by no means stuck in the past. Despite its historic legacy, it comes alive at dusk with a vibrant nightlife that National Geographic magazine famously described as being 'the liveliest urban neighborhood between SoHo in New York and South Beach in Miami.' For this blend of historic and contemporary appeal, expect to pay an average $320,000. So share in the nation's heritage and invest in Philadelphia real estate today!

'''Sources and more information:'''
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia
http://www.ushistory.org/tour/tour_indhall.htm
http://www.ushistory.org/philadelphia/philadelphiafirsts.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Hall
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Bell
http://www.forbes.com/2004/07/02/cx_bs_0702home.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_Hill,_Philadelphia
http://www1.move.com/Cities/Philadelphia/SocietyHillGN.asp?poe=homestore
http://www.forbes.com/realestate/2006/03/09/home-price-appreciation-cx_sc_0310home_ls.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Liberties
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_City,_Philadelphia,_Pennsylvania
http://www.4wallsinphilly.com/neighborhoods/oldcity.htm
http://www.gophila.com/C/Things_to_Do/211/Dining_and_Nightlife/223/Dining_and_Restaurants/221/Old_City/405.html