The second largest city in the North-eastern United States (behind New York City). Although culturally we are also behind Boston and Washington DC.
Cons: Blight and urban decay. Horrible infrastructure, underdeveloped public transit system. NASTY subways, litter, double parking, raggedy streets. Clean streets at 5am and a mess by noon! Graffiti, public urination... It's as if the City residents say "WE DON'T LIKE NICE THINGS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!" Too many residents are proud of being ghetto and stupid. People rarely renovate their properties. Our schools were built in the early 20th Century. Ugly downtown, low-class mall (The Gallery) and Chinatown always smells of rotten meat. We have a LOT of dollar stores and abandoned properties in our DOWNTOWN! Our City's population is generally older, poorer, and less educated than other large cities. There are a few pockets that attract young people like Fairmount, Northern Liberties, University City, and Queen Village but they are so small and exclusive that they are vastly overpriced and many of those neighbourhoods are within walking distance of a local GHETTO!
Pros: Crime seems to be steadily declining. We have GREAT hospitals and Universities! The City attracts students from all over who obtain a higher education here but few stay upon graduation. People who succeed often flock to our suburbs where they ostracize the city and be pretentious.
Outsider: Why does Philadelphia have such a negative reputation?
Philadelphian: We have a "Crown Fried Chicken" in our downtown.
Outsider: But I thought "Crown Fried Chicken" was only found in city slums?
Philadelphian: This is Philadelphia, our downtown is a slum, too!
By RazorSharp215