Classic Towns News

There was a day when “I’d rather be in Philadelphia” was a token jest of comedians, albeit in somewhat bad taste. Based on the results of several recent studies, though, it’s something that the city and its suburbs can expect to hear much more often. In the midst of the recession, several generations of Americans are re-thinking where they want to live and work, and Greater Philadelphia is delivering on their desires. 

Wanting Walkability
One of the most dramatic real estate market shifts of the past decade has been the shift from isolated, car-dependent suburbs to walkable surburban towns and city centers. Today’s buyers and renters — mostly baby boomers and millenials — favor locations with more intrinsic value: walkable neighborhoods, historic commercial corridors, and proximity to a variety of transportation options. The Philadelphia region — and the Classic Towns in particular — have plenty of what consumers are demanding including walkable main streets, connections to extensive public transit systems, and access to the nation’s fifth-largest city.

Health, Wealth, and Happiness
Healthcare is also at the heart of one of Greater Philadelphia’s longtime economic strengths and another reason it’s a popular destination for many baby boomers. While many industries felt their growth stunted during the recession, the region’s science, research, and development activities allowed it to weather the downturn relatively well. Calling these sectors a “key to economic growth,” new studies by Select Greater Philadelphia (SGP) found that the region counted “among the greatest life science cities in the United States” and “among the nation’s top five R&D hubs.”

So, regardless of what people may have joked about it the past, the newest figures are in, and they’re pointing upward. With a resilient regional economy, amenities favored by baby boomers and millennials, and a ready supply of walkable communities, there’s never been a better time to be in Greater Philadelphia and its Classic Towns!