How to Move from NYC to Philadelphia

a moving van driving along a road

New York City is brimming with opportunities for work and play. It’s why the city is reaching almost 9 million residents as of 2023 (according to World Population Review). However, life in the Big Apple comes at a cost. A dollar in NYC (New York City) doesn’t go as far as it does in most states.

In fact, life in New York City is more expensive than anywhere else in the country. New York is a consistent customer on the global annual list of the Top 10 most expensive cities in the world, jostling for spots with the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, and Paris.

The high cost of living is one of the top reasons why more people moved out of New York than into it in 2022 (with 62% of moves being outbound, according to Fox 5 New York). Once a long-time favored destination for many Americans, the rising cost of living has seen a surge in the number of people moving out of the city in recent years, a trend that has continued well past COVID-19.

Instead of sticking around in New York City, most people are moving outwards into other states, namely Philadelphia.

Keep reading to learn more about moving from New York to Philadelphia, including why people are leaving New York for Philadelphia and how to move between the states.

Why Are People Moving From New York to Philadelphia?

a crowd in new york city times square

In Philadelphia, there’s a variety of choices when it comes to housing. Unlike the small apartment flats of NYC, Philly has the choice of apartments, condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. Plus, rents are cheaper compared with the high costs in NYC and other utilities are even more favorable, like home heating, electricity, grocery costs, and other charges.

Philly’s proximity to NYC (around 98 miles) also makes it an obvious and convenient choice if you have relatives in either city. Or if you want access to the city for social or leisure reasons, but don’t want to live in the city.

In terms of employment opportunities, Philadelphia has its fair share of international and Fortune 500 companies. Alongside regular 9-5 employment, remote work is popular in the city. With better housing available, this makes Philly an ideal choice for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads.

Additionally, Philadelphia has its fair share of cool and trendy neighborhoods, like Fairmount and Fishtown, with good transport links connecting the towns.

How to Move From to Philadelphia

a moving van full of boxes outside a property

First, before moving to Philadelphia, you need to choose the right neighborhood for you. Philly is endowed with many great neighborhoods, so it is incumbent upon you to do your homework and settle on one that speaks to you.

Some areas to consider include Northern Philadelphia (historic and big on shopping and cuisine), Northeast Philadelphia (excellent for families), and North Philadelphia, where lies the city’s largest university, Temple University. Others include West Philadelphia (more of a college town), South Philadelphia (home of sports), and of course – the history-steeped Downtown.

If you’re planning a move from NYC to Philly, one of the top things you need to do is find a reliable NYC moving company. Make sure you choose an interstate mover that is licensed to move between states, has experience, and offers a fair price for the move.

With the moving company and neighborhood decisions made, you need to work closely with your mover to plan for the trip. This process should ideally start at least 2 months before moving day. If possible, give yourself three months to plan the entire process in case delays happen.

The least stressful way to move from NYC to Philly is to opt for a full-service move. These types of interstate movers do everything for you, including packing your belongings, loading up the moving van, unloading at the other end, connecting appliances, and everything else in between.

As expected, a full-service move is more expensive than a partial-service or labor-only type of move. But it can be well worth the extra dollars to ensure the interstate move runs smoothly, with no hiccups.

Thinking About Moving to Philadelphia?

You’re not alone! Every year, many Americans are choosing to move outwards from New York City and into the surrounding states – with Philadelphia being a top choice of destination.

If you’re thinking about moving to Philadelphia or investing in the area, Brotherly Love Real Estate are your local property experts. Give us a call today at (215) 326-9208 or contact us online. We’re happy to chat about where is best to buy and sell houses in Philadelphia.