Philadelphia, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the country's fifth-largest city. Often referred to as "Philly," the city's metropolitan area encompasses twelve counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. It is located on the southern fringe of the mid-Atlantic region. Philadelphia, often called the "Birthplace of America" and referred to as the "new Athens" early in it's existence, is the birthplace of America's modern democracy. Founded by William Penn in the late 17th century, the city's name translates to "City of Brotherly Love" and has been a seat of freedom since it's inception; originally founded by Quakers, the colony promoted religious freedom among its residents in stark contrast to the England of the time.

History

Perhaps best known for its role in the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia saw the convening of the Continental Congress as well as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Shortly after the nation's inception took place in Philadelphia, the city was named the nation's capital between 1790 and 1800 before it was relocated to it's present Washington, D.C. Benjamin Franklin, one of the city's most famous historical residents, if not the most famous, was responsible for the city's alternative title, the "new Athens." While Franklin's most famous experiment dealt with the conducting of electricity, he was also responsible for the country's first insurance company, the city's first public library and the first fire department; Franklin also played a great role in establishing the city's Postal system as well as inventing new conveniences such as bifocal lenses and the Franklin Stove. Philadelphia has seen it's skyline and it's name in lights throughout the years in such famous films as the "Rocky" series, as well as films like namesake "Philadelphia" and many of Philadelphia native M. Night Shyamalan's thrillers.

People

The Philadelphia area's 6.2 million inhabitants comprise a diverse group of almost every nationality. Philadelphia's primary cultural influences can be seen in it's plethora of Irish pubs, the city's Italian Market, the Chinatown District, and the Reading Terminal which plays host to a diverse crowd of merchants--from first-generation European and Asian immigrants to the area's local Amish and Mennonite farmers.

Economy

Philadelphia's economy is as diverse as the population that inhabits the city. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the oldest such exchange in America, has been in operation since 1790. The also hosts several major Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast (the nation's largest cable television provider), CIGNA insurance, and Lincoln Financial Group. Dating back to the city's roots as the nation's first capital city, government presence is also strong in Philadelphia. The United States Mint is located near Philadelphia's historic district and the Philadelphia division of the Federal Reserve Bank is not too far from the Mint. It is thanks to this Federal government presence that Philadelphia plays host to a large number of prestigious law firms and can call itself a national center of law. The Pennsylvania Railroad, once the largest railroad company in the world, continues to influence Philadelphia's economy under the Amtrak name. Amtrak's second-busiest station, 30th Street Station, is located west of the Schuylkill River and employs many Philadelphians in customer service and ticketing jobs.

Districts

 • Center City -- Home to LOVE Park, the Chestnut and Walnut shopping and dining districts, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia's beautiful city hall, and many museums and cultural attractions
 • Old City -- Features the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Independence Hall, as well as a burgeoning young artist and student community. This part of Philadelphia was also the location for MTV's The Real World: Philadelphia
 • South Philly -- Famous for its Italian heritage as well as being featured in Rocky, South Philly is also home to FDR Park
 • West Philly -- Hosts The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University (University City), Powelton Village, and the Philadelphia Zoo
 • Manayunk -- Known as the "city on a hill," Manayunk is home to many unique stores and shops as well as a thriving student and artist community
 • East Falls -- Home to Philadelphia University
 • Mt. Airy -- North By Northwest
 • Northern Liberties -- The latest trendy neighborhood in Philadelphia among students, young professionals and artists is also home to many galleries and shops worth seeing
 • Northeast Philadelphia -- For bargain shopping, Northeast Philadelphia is home to Franklin Mills Mall, with many popular brands having large outlet stores there

Work

Philadelphia's job market is ever-expanding both in the city and it it's suburbs. The 1,000' Comcast Center, currently under construction, is a constant reminder of the economic revitalization of Philadelphia and of Comcast's presence in the city. Comcast, a Philadelphia-founded company, plans to add between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs after the completion of it's new signature tower in 2008. Additionally, a Keystone Opportunity Zone over the Powelton Rail Yards adjacent to 30th Street Station promises a bright future for jobs and new office buildings in the city.

Links

 • Philly Fun Guide 
 • Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau 
 • GoPhila - Philadelphia Vacation and Travel Planning Guide