About Philadelphia
Philadelphia, located in Southeast Pennsylvania is the largest city in the state and also the county seat of Philadelphia County. Situated on the banks of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, the city has a population of 1,526,006 as of the 2010 US Census, making it the 5th largest city in the United States. Philly is the 3rd most densely populated major City in the US with over 11,400 people per square mile only behind New York City and San Francisco. The metro area which is referred to as the Delaware Valley is home to over 6 million people, which makes it the 5th most populated metro area in the US.
One of the oldest cities in the Unites States, Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn. The city has a couple nicknames such as “Philly” for obvious reasons and “The City of Brotherly Love” which is derived from its Greek translation of the words “Philos” and “Adelphos” which mean “loving” and “brother” respectively.
Philadelphia has always played a strong influence in American History and Culture. The City served as the Nation’s Capital from 1790 to 1800 while Washington, DC was under construction. The Founding Fathers of the United States of America signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The large role Philadelphia plays extends beyond the USA, in fact the area’s GDP ranks 4th in the United States and 9th in the world.
The area’s economy has changed over the past several decades like many older cities on the East Coast. Once a manufacturing powerhouse and shipping hub, the area’s economic focus has shifted to services and information. Financial services dominate the new job creation and the health and education research sectors are close behind and represent some of the largest centers in the United States.
There are 13 Fortune 500 Companies headquartered in the area with many other large companies operating in the area. Because of the presence of high-paying jobs within the city, Philadelphia has reversed the shrinking population trend and has seen a growth among young professionals moving back into the city. Neighborhoods are experiencing gentrification bringing new and remodeled buildings to areas which once were less desirable.
Tourism is also a vibrant sector of the local economy. Around 2 million people were reported to have visited the city in 2010 to see sights such sights as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and The Museum of Art to name a few. While there, many are sure to sample some of the famous local fare from Geno’s and/or Pat’s King of Steaks sandwiches.
Pro Sports Teams
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Nearby Cities & Towns
Springfield, Camden NJ, Collingswood NJ, Cherry Hill NJ, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Broomall, Drexel Hill, Landsdowne, Folsom, Ridley Park, Chester, Brookhaven, Swarthmore, Media, Downington, Radnor Township, Lima, Aston, Boothwyn, West Chester, West Goshen, Malvern, King of Prussia, Norristown, Trooper, Eagleville, Center City Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, Conshohocken, Oreland, Glenside, Horsham, Palmyra NJ, Moorestown NJ, Deptford NJ, Bellmawr NJ, Audubon, Ambler
