Do you get out an explore the city? How often do you leave your neighborhood for OTHER than work? (Philadelphia: to live in, garden)

[selhars]

^^ New York, I think is also like that...as it also is a city of "neighborhoods."
My friend who lived on the Upper East Side, said she rarely went south of Midtown.
If everything you want or need is in your own neighborhood, or at most two neighborhoods over -- other than something special taking you farther away -- why would you venture further? Just to explore? OK, sure, that can be reason enough.

But from the UES going to Soho -- just like from the Northeast to UC, or Whitman Plaza to Roxborough -- it'd likely be a definite reason to go...even if it is only to explore and enjoy certain stores or venues.

[ionlyused59]

I live on border of Graduate Hospital/Point Breeze.

CC- usually daily when I walk my dog/shopping/brunch/family visiting/Dr appts.
Northern Liberties- Hit up Heritage to listen to live jazz
Queen Village- explore as potential new neighborhood
East Passyunk- Groceries and festivals on the Ave.
Fishtown- Want to explore more.
University City- Rheumatologist/Therapist.

Never been to Northeast and Chestnut Hill maybe once per yr.

[JacksonPanther]

Everyone's is so free and unencumbered. No one has a family? That certainly impacts where and when you go to certain places.

[2e1m5a]

I live and work in the same neighborhood too but I'm all over the city on the weekend and on some weeknights--exploring new restaurants and places, going to concerts, meeting with friends, taking my dog to different parks, biking, etc.

[FrankInPhilly]

Maybe not 100% on topic, but ...

I've lived in Philly (E Mt Airy) for 10 years. The first couple of years were filled with "let's go to [wherever]," often just to see what [wherever] looked like (get the "look & feel" of a place). Often it was "been there, done that," never to be revisited.

Then, as my wife and I created our routine (rut?) that exploration tailed off. I suppose that's natural, but after a while it began to seem limiting, esp'ly when showing the same stuff to different out of town visitors. So about 3 years ago I made a Google Map of places that seemed interesting and were within a 1.5 hr driving radius. Literally 100s of them - in the PA mountains, in South Jersey (Del. Bay, Pinelands). There's seemingly no end to the list of places that appeal to historic, quirky, natural tastes. The day-to-day remains pretty much the same WRT work, shopping, entertainment. But at least one day a week I consult the Google Map and find somewhere interesting to visit. It's deepened my appreciation for the region and has had the unanticipated side effect of reducing my usually constant "big travel" itch. I'm not saying I'd rather go to Centralia than Hawaii, but will say the more "bite size" trips are terrific and do nothing but increase my love for the region.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by FrankInPhilly

Maybe not 100% on topic, but ...

I've lived in Philly (E Mt Airy) for 10 years. The first couple of years were filled with "let's go to [wherever]," often just to see what [wherever] looked like (get the "look & feel" of a place). Often it was "been there, done that," never to be revisited.

Then, as my wife and I created our routine (rut?) that exploration tailed off. I suppose that's natural, but after a while it began to seem limiting, esp'ly when showing the same stuff to different out of town visitors. So about 3 years ago I made a Google Map of places that seemed interesting and were within a 1.5 hr driving radius. Literally 100s of them - in the PA mountains, in South Jersey (Del. Bay, Pinelands). There's seemingly no end to the list of places that appeal to historic, quirky, natural tastes. The day-to-day remains pretty much the same WRT work, shopping, entertainment. But at least one day a week I consult the Google Map and find somewhere interesting to visit. It's deepened my appreciation for the region and has had the unanticipated side effect of reducing my usually constant "big travel" itch. I'm not saying I'd rather go to Centralia than Hawaii, but will say the more "bite size" trips are terrific and do nothing but increase my love for the region.

Great idea! I actually want to check out Centralia some day lol.

[ionlyused59]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Everyone's is so free and unencumbered. No one has a family? That certainly impacts where and when you go to certain places.

I have a husband and fur babies. That is a family. No children because I want to remain free and unemcumbered. Exactly.

[citygirl3133]

After raising my babies (now fully-functioning, tax paying grown ups), I moved up to complete a Master's 3 years ago and decided to stay. Work, live, & go to Farmer's Market in University City.

Love exploring to new neighborhoods:
-Hair in Queen Village
-Plants in NE or South Philly
-Take friends/family to Old City when in town
-Errands in CC
-Kitchen store in the Italian Market for everything ever needed (and somethings I don't) for the kitchen
-French bakery in South Philly
-Some shopping in the 'burbs - I like the space and manageable crowds
-Fishmonger in RTM
-Visit the main library sometimes

[MarketStEl]

You all know I live in an outlying neighborhood. And I'm sure you also all know that my work takes me to many different places not just in the city but in the region.

But even if I didn't do what I did, I'd still head into Center City on the subway to shop at the Reading Terminal Market, and I still pop into the Gayborhood bars on occasion.

But I will also confess to spending more time in Chestnut Hill than I used to simply because it has lots of interesting places to shop and dine and is up this way.

I am probably a rare soul in making the occasional trip from Germantown to Mayfair on the 26. But that's because Scoats' bar (the Grey Lodge Public House) is really all that.

Oh, yeah, and there is nothing like Fante's anywhere else in town, citygirl3133.

[Muinteoir]

I agree with what everyone has said about Philly being a neighborhood city, which I love. However, my advice to others is, despite your age or lifestyle, make a point to get into other parts of the city. There are so many distinct neighborhoods to enjoy the vibe/offerings of, it is a shame to live in such a dynamic city but only enjoy what your neighborhood offers.



I live in West Philly (Powelton/Mantua area). I go to Center City often, I'd say an average of 1-2 times/week. I like the nightlife there, and have friends who live in the area. Rittenhouse Square also has a very convenient and enjoyable shopping experience; KoP has more to offer but is much less enjoyable with all the traffic on 76. IMO, anyone who lives in Philly should make a point to go in at least a few times a month, because we have one of the best downtowns in the country. I do get that it is totally age/lifestyle/etc contingent.