About Philadelphia

Philadelphia Pennsylvania is located in Southeastern Pa. It borders on Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware Counties. Across the Delaware River is New Jersey with Camden, Gloucester,  and Burlington Counties across from Philadelphia.

Population:

Philadelphia is a large city with a population of about 1.4 million people in an area of 135 square miles. The population density is a little over 11,000 people per square mile. Almost 23% of those people are below the poverty level.

Climate

Philadelphia's temperatures range from an average high in the 80's in July and August to average lows in the low 20's in January.

Center City

The original city was between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers from South to Vine Streets. The city was laid out in a grid plan unlike other cities such as Boston with it's circles. The grid layout continues through South and West Philadelphia. However other neighborhoods such as the Far Northeast were laid out with a less rigid system. Much of this was due to the advent of widespread automobile ownership and a desire to reduce traffic on the side streets.

History

Philadelphia is known for it's part in the War of Independence and subsequent founding of the United States Government. The British occupied a good part of the city and there was a battle in Germantown. Today, there are a number of museums and artifacts such as the original Liberty Bell. See our Famous Philadelphians page for just some of the personalities who were born in Philadelphia

Transportation

See our transportation page for information about getting around in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.

Unique to Philly

There are some things that are unique to Philadelphia:

• Cheese Steaks - There are a couple of places in South Philadelphia where you can get an original Philly cheese steak.
  • Pat's King of Steaks. at the intersection of 9th Street  Wharton & Passyunk Ave. which has been serving customers since 1930. They are open 24 hours. You can go to Pat's Steaks webpage to learn more including how to order a genuine Philly Cheese Steak 
  • Geno's Steaks1219 South 9th St -
• Soft Pretzels.  - A Philly favorite slathered in yellow mustard. The pretzels at the convienence stores are usually not up to par. There are a number of pretzel bakeries where you can buy fresh soft pretzels.
• The Mummer's Day Parade - The Mummer's Day parade is a march up Broad Street from South Philadelphia to City Hall with string bands, comics and other participants. It is usually held on January 1st if weather permits.