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Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, colloquially referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the sixth-most populous city in the nation, with a population of 1,603,797 in the 2020 census. The city is the urban core of the larger Delaware Valley, also known as the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the nation's seventh-largest and one of the world's largest metropolitan regions with 6.245 million residents in its metropolitan statistical area and 7.366 million residents in its combined statistical area.

Philadelphia is known for its extensive contributions to United States history. The city served as the nation's capital until 1800. It maintains contemporary influence in business and industry, culture, sports, and music. Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate of religious freedom. The city served as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony during the British colonial era and went on to play a historic and vital role as the central meeting place for the nation's founding fathers. Philadelphia hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774, preserved the Liberty Bell, and hosted the Second Continental Congress during which the founders signed the Declaration of Independence. The U.S. Constitution was later ratified in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Philadelphia remained the nation's largest city until 1790, served as the nation's first capital from May 10, 1775, until December 12, 1776, and on four subsequent occasions during and following the American Revolutionary War, including from 1790 to 1800 during the construction of the new national capital of Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia's geographic center is about 40° 0′ 34″ north latitude and 75° 8′ 0″ west longitude. The 40th parallel north passes through neighborhoods in Northeast Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia including Fairmount Park. The city encompasses 142.71 square miles (369.62 km²), of which 134.18 square miles (347.52 km²) is land and 8.53 square miles (22.09 km²), or 6%, is water. Natural bodies of water include the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, lakes in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, and Cobbs, Wissahickon, and Pennypack creeks. The largest artificial body of water is East Park Reservoir in Fairmount Park.

The lowest point is sea level and the highest point is in Chestnut Hill, about 446 feet (136 m) above sea level on Summit Street near the intersection of Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike at: 40.07815 N, 75.20747 W. Philadelphia is located on the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line that separates the Atlantic Plain from the Piedmont. The Schuylkill River's rapids at East Falls were inundated by the completion of the dam at Fairmount Water Works.

Health and wellness are paramount in Philadelphia, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. Penn Medicine is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include City Fitness, Philly Dance Fitness, and Fitness Works Philadelphia. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Philadelphia, such as the Forbidden Drive and Andorra Meadow Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Philadelphia, PA are Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, and Eastern State Penitentiary.

Population: 1.574 million (2024). ZIP codes: 19092–19093, 19099. Area codes: 215, 267, 445. Elevation: 39 feet (12 meters).  Area: 142.70 sq mi (369.59 km²).

FAQs

What is Philadelphia, PA famous for?

Philadelphia is a city of many firsts, including the nation's first library (1731), hospital (1751), medical school (1765), national capital (1774), university (by some accounts) (1779), central bank (1781), stock exchange (1790), zoo (1874), and business school (1881). Philadelphia contains 67 National Historic Landmarks, including Independence Hall. From the city's 17th-century founding through the present, Philadelphia has been the birthplace or home to an extensive number of prominent and influential Americans.

What is the crime rate in Philadelphia, PA?

With a crime rate of 54 per one thousand residents, Philadelphia has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19. Within Pennsylvania, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Philadelphia. In fact, after researching dangerous places to live, NeighborhoodScout found Philadelphia to be one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.

Is Philadelphia, PA a good place to live?

Living in Philadelphia offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Philadelphia, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Philadelphia and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Philadelphia

Penn Medicine

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department 

City Fitness

Philly Dance Fitness 

Fitness Works Philadelphia

Forbidden Drive 

Andorra Meadow Trail

Philadelphia Museum of Art 

Independence Hall

Eastern State Penitentiary

Neighborhoodscout

Niche

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