Philadelphia—the Birthplace of the Nation, the City of Brotherly Love, the home of the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell—was the location of many important historical events in our nation’s beginning and remains an economic and cultural hub on the east coast today. The city is walkable, offers many culinary wonders, and is relatively affordable, compared to other big cities, making it attractive to both families and young professionals.
The largest city in Pennsylvania with over one million inhabitants, it is the only city in the US on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and the home of many firsts in the nation, including the first capital, hospital, and zoo. With one of the greatest concentrations of historic sites in the nation, Philadelphia attracts over 35million visitors each year.
The Philadelphia metropolitan area is part of a larger metro area, known as the Delaware Valley, comprised of major cities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The city of Philadelphia is in Philadelphia County, but the Philadelphia Metro area also includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties within Pennsylvania.
Homes for Every Taste and Preference
While property values vary depending on the area, Philadelphia’s real estate market is on the rise. With rising rents, many are looking to buy. Luckily for buyers, many areas still have relatively affordable homes. Median home values in Philadelphia are around $136K, well below the Philadelphia Metro median of $216K. Sixty percent of Philadelphians commute by car, making car storage one of the biggest issues plaguing buyers in a city where parking spots come at a premium. Twenty-seven percent of commuters rely on public transportation, utilizing one of the largest public transportation systems in the nation.
At over 300 years old, Philadelphia is home to 15 historical districts and a wide range of architectural styles reflecting its long history. If a historical home is not your style, there are plenty of newer constructions to fit your tastes.
The closer you are to downtown, the more you will find condominiums, townhomes, apartments, rowhouses, and brownstones. Within city limits, houses were designed to fit within the narrow lots available, resulting in the construction of mostly attached, multi-story housing units. You’ll find more detached homes with yards as you enter the suburbs. Whatever you’re looking for, the Philadelphia area has something for you.
Home Improvement Services
Because the Philadelphia Metro and Delaware Valley region is so large, many of our A-Rated Best Pick contractors serve specific communities. A few may cover the entire region, but it’s important to make sure a contractor offers service in your specific community before scheduling any work.
Preparing your home for wintry weather is key to keeping your family warm and your energy costs down. To ensure that your home is winter ready, handle any roofing, window, door, insulation, HVAC system, chimney, fireplace, or plumbing maintenance during warmer weather. Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures; repair faulty heating units, boilers, and hot water heaters; and have chimneys and fireplaces inspected before use. Some repair work cannot be done during winter, so make sure your home is ready for the wind, snow, and cold weather headed your way.
Hire a Best Pick to ensure that your next home project is completed correctly. Our Best Pick companies must qualify each year and hold any required licenses and insurance. We’ve done the research for you, and we guarantee their work. If you’re one of those that likes to do-it-yourself, research your region’s laws concerning permits using the links in the section below.