A modern “big city” on the cutting edge, but with old-world charm. That’s what you get in Philadelphia. The city also provides its residents with a strong academic community, great potential for professional development and a wealth of history, culture and recreation.

Several prestigious universities and centers are located in Philadelphia, including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University, The Wistar Institute and the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Philadelphia is also located in the East Coast’s “Biotechnology Corridor,” which includes numerous biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. In addition, the proximity of Merck, Wyeth, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Astra Zeneca allows for efficient collaboration on the most innovative research and technologies.

Philadelphia provides residents with many opportunities to play as hard as they work. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the nation’s largest art museums, exhibits creative works from the past 2,000 years. Monthly open houses during “First Friday” celebrations display the work of contemporary artists in the thriving gallery community. Tours through Old City visit numerous historical landmarks, such as the Betsy Ross House, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Philadelphia boasts the largest urban park in the world, Fairmount Park, which maintains more than 100 miles of trails for running, cycling and riding. The park is also home to historic landmarks, sculptures, theatres and the Philadelphia Zoo. Boat rentals are available on the Schuylkill River, which is also the site of Boathouse Row, one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable landmarks.

Enthusiasm runs high throughout the city for the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Flyers. There are many opportunities to cheer on the city’s professional sports teams. Even those who are not interested in the on-field activity enjoy attending games in the newly constructed baseball and football stadiums.

Sports are not the only option for nighttime entertainment. Philadelphia theatres, the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music offer performances such as musicals, comedies, dramas, opera and ballet. Philadelphia is also home to a thriving community of musicians and music lovers, and many venues throughout the city host small concerts as well as large musical acts, who count Philadelphia as an important stop on their tours.

Dining is another feature that distinguishes Philadelphia, one of the premier dining destinations in the United States. Cuisine from around the world is available in Philadelphia’s restaurants. Exciting options can be found for every palate.

Philadelphia’s approachable charm tempers the energy of urban life. While the city has 1.5 million residents, it is small enough to feel like home. Part of this is because of the large number of communities that comprise Philadelphia’s “city of neighborhoods.” Each neighborhood has its own distinct feel and unique benefits, and a wide range of housing options is available throughout the city and suburbs.

Numerous transportation options are available for Philadelphians. Residents can travel by foot, bike, taxi, personal automobile or public transportation. Philadelphia's public transportation system, SEPTA, enables residents to get to almost any neighborhood in and around the city by bus, trolley or train.

Philadelphia’s location is ideal for traveling for business and pleasure. The Philadelphia International Airport is accessible by train or a short car or taxi ride from Center City. Philadelphia is also a short drive from the Pocono Mountains, Amish farmland in Lancaster County, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore points, Boston, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and New York City.

It’s not surprising that Philadelphia was recently named “The Next Great City” by National Geographic Traveler magazine. Philadelphia is a city that prides itself on diversity, excitement and creative energy.

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