Is Philadelphia a great place to live?

Is Chinatown, Philadelphia a safe place to live?

• My fiance and I are considering buying a condo in Philadelphia. The cost of living there is crazy! Our research has shown that the prices in Chinatown are slightly more reasonable though. Neither of us are Asian... so is it strange to live in Chinatown? Also, is it a safe neighborhood? Thanks for the input!

• Answer:

  Definately depends how you define "safe" and where you are moving from, what you are used to in terms of your personal safety, etc. I enjoy Chinatown, the streets are usually very busy and bustling, lots of interesting stuff to see. I feel comfortable walking the streets in the evening with my kids, after midnight may be a different story. Chinatown is very Asian - other than people visiting restaurants and shops you won't see many non-Asians. If you are going to live downtown, and you are in your 20's / 30's, I'd suggest the Rittenhouse area or Society Hill - both are relatively experienced. Have you considered some of the older but vibrant neighborhoods just outside of downtown like Manyunk? Hope this helps!