Calling all East Coast Skouters! Social Monsters brings you the top 7 reasons Philadelphia is awesome for singles. Get out there and enjoy these hot spots with Skout friends!
Philadelphia’s reputation continues to grow as an up-and-coming hot spot for singles and it currently holds the sixth spot on Kiplinger’s list for Best Cities for Singles. A relaxed, hip vibe set against Philadelphia’s rich historical, architectural and cultural backdrop combines with a comparatively low cost of living to make this sizzling city the place to be for smart singles—literally! Nearly a quarter of its residents have bachelor’s degrees, many from Ivy League institutions. Here are seven reasons why Philadelphia is a great place for singles.
1. Free and Fit
Photo by htomren via Flickr
Runners abound in Philly, as do cyclists, bird watchers, swimmers, rock climbers and countless other fitness enthusiasts. Singles connect in clubs focused on their hobby in locations ranging from the breathtaking riverfront to challenging adventure trails. One of the country’s largest urban green spaces, Fairmount Park, offers 10,000 amazing acres for outdoor recreation, while the city is also home to a whopping 205 miles of safe and accessible dedicated bike lanes and trails. And Fido isn’t left out of the fun, thanks to a myriad of pup parks populated by dog-loving singles.
2. Crazy About Culture
Photo of Philadelphia Museum of Art by Andos_pics via Flickr
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among Philly’s must-visit cultural destinations. Singles enjoy enrichment opportunities at the country’s oldest tuition-free art institution, the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial. Be sure to stop by on Fridays when aspiring artists are entertained by burlesque dancers, roller derby queens and fetish divas during afternoon drawing class. Philadelphia’s thriving theater community offers Broadway-quality shows, and the city is also home to world-class opera, ballet and orchestras. America’s first zoo, meanwhile, features 1,300 animals roaming a 42-acre Victorian garden wonderland.
3. From Tastykake to Taste of Philadelphia
Photo by Saucy Salad via Flickr
Philadelphia isn’t all cream cheese and cheese steaks, although the city does lay claim to extraordinary examples of both, along with soft pretzels, hoagies and water ice. The city is a cultural culinary delight, offering everything from authentic ethnic street food to award-winning fine dining, thanks to a diverse blend of people and culture. Philadelphia celebrates its self-proclaimed title of “America’s Best Beer-Drinking City,” during its annual Philly Beer Week along with events held throughout the year.
4. Love the Nightlife, Love to Boogie?
Photo by ZagatBuzz via Flickr
Philadelphia offers a sizzling nightlife in no small part due to the vibrant Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, which includes everything from old school dive bars to ultra-modern swank social clubs. Whether you want to twerk the night away to beats by the East Coast’s most talented DJs or hold court with a pint from a corner bar stool, there’s something for everyone in Philadelphia. In fact, the city is included in U.S. News and World Report’s list of best nightlife scenes, alongside such glittery giants as Miami Beach, Las Vegas, New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles.
5. Live Well for Less
Photo by inajeep via Flickr
According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the cost of living in Philadelphia is only slightly over the national average, while Manhattan fully doubles that number. The disparity in housing costs is even bigger, meaning you get significantly more bang for your buck when renting Philadelphia apartments. Philly’s ongoing renaissance has transplants from New York and Washington flocking to the area to take advantage of the city’s premiere opportunities without the price tag.
6. It’s All About Access
Photo of Cape May by DaveMaherPhotos via Flickr
With New York just under an hour and a half away and Washington, DC just less than two via Amtrak’s Acela, Philadelphia is ideally situated to most major East Coast points of interest. Don’t forget the Jersey shore, as well as more refined beachfront destinations, such as charming Cape May and Spring Lake. Brave singles looking to bare it all can journey to nearby Gunnison Beach, New Jersey’s only nude sunbathing spot.
7. Brotherly Love and Beyond
Photo by re_file via Flickr
With clubs for everyone from vegetarians (the Philadelphia Vegetarian Social Club) to tall folk (the Tower Club of Philadelphians) to gay bowlers (the Philadelphia Gay Bowling League) Philadelphia promotes love and living in all of its incarnations. Singles are sure to find a welcoming home in Philadelphia’s signature setting.
