Philadelphia vs. New York: Beauty and Urban Appeal in Two Iconic Cities
When it comes to which city is more beautiful, opinions tend to be quite subjective. Both Philadelphia and New York City have their unique charm, challenges, and attractions. From the perspective of locals and newcomers alike, each city offers a distinct experience, making it difficult to make a definitive choice. Let's explore the comparative aspects of these two major urban centers.
Subjective Viewpoints and Challenges
One commentator pointed out that New York is arguably more beautiful than Philadelphia. However, the same person also admitted that Philadelphia is a "shithole" due to crime, drugs, graffiti, potholes, high taxes, and expensive houses. For instance, driving off the Platt Bridge into South Philadelphia, they observed predominantly new townhouses and rowhouses with minimal yards and prices starting in the mid-600s. Additionally, traffic in Philadelphia is described as a nightmare due to extensive construction that could last until 2030.
Another perspective from a New Yorker who also loves Philadelphia argues that no city is inherently better than another. They suggest that New York is bigger and more world-renowned due to its rich history and diverse cultural offerings, including arts, entertainment, and sports. Additionally, New York is noted for its more extensive nightlife and variety of cultural attractions.
Living in Both Cities
A third commentator has lived close to both cities for the past 10 years and remains undecided, suggesting that while Philadelphia and New York have their best and worst aspects, they are both decent places for families to live. They highlight issues such as parking, high taxes, crowds, crime, dirty smells, and high prices.
Yet another perspective from a midwesterner who has lived in various regions of the United States emphasizes the similarities between the two cities. They note that both Philadelphia and New York have similar architecture with narrow streets and a lack of space. The commentator compares neighborhoods in both cities, such as Brooklyn to South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia to Queens, and Central Park to Fairmount Park. They also mention that both cities are situated near New Jersey, with South Jersey serving as the Philadelphia suburbs and North Jersey serving as the New York suburbs.
This perspective further notes that accents in both cities are indistinguishable to someone not from the Northeast, adding to the similarity between the two metropolises.
Practical Considerations and Accessibility
According to the midwesterner, the main deciding factor between the two cities might be the crime rate, with Philadelphia's crime often over-exaggerated. Another practical consideration is the accessibility of New York City from Philadelphia, as trains and buses leave frequently, allowing easy commuting. The city is also described as a 1982 version of New York, with smaller high rises and fewer socioeconomic disparities.
While the commentator loves New York, they mention that it is not a primary reason to choose it over Philadelphia, as one can easily visit and enjoy New York for a weekend with relatively low travel costs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between Philadelphia and New York comes down to personal preference, as each city has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Both offer a rich cultural heritage, diverse neighborhoods, and numerous attractions, making them compelling choices for residents and visitors alike. Whether one values the larger scale and variety found in New York or the charm and smaller scale of Philadelphia, both cities have something to offer that makes them beautiful in their own way.