Why Philadelphia Is One of the Best Places to Live in 2024

Philadelphia aka Philly, a renowned city in the US state of Pennsylvania, has been one of the ideal destinations for worldwide students. Like all the previous years, in 2024 also, Philadelphia is being considered one of the best places to live for students. This city offers academic excellence to students, which proves to be advantageous for them for their future careers. Additionally, Philly offers world-class facilities to international students. Furthermore, overseas students get opportunities to visit different places in Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania. 

Let’s explore in detail why Philadelphia is one of the best places to live in 2024 for international students. 

Excellent-Quality Education and the Presence of a Top-Ranked University 

Excellent quality of education is a major reason why Philadelphia is one of the best places for international students in the year 2024. The University of Pennsylvania is a major university in this city. Temple University, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University are the other universities in Philly. 

Both the abovementioned universities provide world-class education to domestic and international students but the University of Pennsylvania is worth mentioning. The University of Pennsylvania ranks #11 in the world among 1500 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, it was ranked #12 and now it has jumped high to one position in the recently released rankings for 2025. 

The University of Pennsylvania as well as other universities in Philadelphia have excellent research and study facilities like laboratories and libraries, well-versed faculty members, student associations, facilities for recreation, and more. 

Wonderful Places to Stay 

Philadelphia offers wonderful places to stay for international students. There are numerous options available for student accommodation Philadelphia. In the universities, you can find on-campus accommodations. There are several off-campus options also available in Philadelphia. 

In the off-campus student housing properties in Philadelphia, you find numerous high-end and basic facilities such as 24-hour fitness centers, yoga rooms, games, swimming pools, study desks with chairs, Wi-Fi internet connections, and more. Some of the housing properties are available very close to universities sometimes within less than five minutes of walking distance. 

Apart from student apartments Philadelphia, there are other off-campus options also available in this city such as private apartments and homestays. Private apartments are the general apartments where students can book rooms for them. These apartments have general amenities such as Wi-Fi internet connections, wardrobes, and more.  

Homestays are the arrangements where families in Philadelphia offer rooms in their houses for students. Such arrangements provide you an opportunity to observe the daily life of a family in Philadelphia and immerse into the culture of the city. 

Fantastic Student Life 

Philadelphia unquestionably boasts a fantastic student life. There are various clubs and organizations for students in Philadelphia. You can find many student groups in your university or college in Philadelphia. Moreover, student housing complexes also have excellent student life. Some wonderful social events are organized in universities, colleges, and student housing complexes. 

Opportunities to Explore Philadelphia and Some Other Parts of Pennsylvania 

You have to spend a long time, probably two to four years, in Philadelphia. Therefore, you will find enough opportunities to explore the city. Besides, you can make the programs to visit the other parts of the state of Pennsylvania. 

Some popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia are Liberty Bell Pavilion, Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the “Rocky Steps”, Reading Terminal Market, The Barnes Foundation, Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia Zoo, Rodin Museum, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum, LOVE Park, Please Touch Museum, City Hall, Society Hill Historic District, and Fairmount Park. 

Besides, some popular attractions in Pennsylvania near Philadelphia are Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square), Valley Forge National Historical Park (King of Prussia), Brandywine River Museum of Art (Chadds Ford), Bucks County Playhouse (a historic theatre) (New Hope), QVC Studio Park (West Chester), Chanticleer Garden (Wayne), Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library (Winterthur, DE), Sesame Place (Langhorne), Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (Elverson), and King of Prussia Mall (King of Prussia). 

Opportunities to Enjoy Various Festivals and Recreational Activities 

In Philadelphia, you also get opportunities to enjoy various festivals and recreational activities. The Oval Summer Pop-Up Festival is widely famous here.  There are numerous parks also to visit in Philadelphia. In Philly, you find Dell Music Center to enjoy the live music. Several sports tournaments can also be enjoyed in Philadelphia. Running, biking, and for several other activities, there are the arrangements in Philly. 

Lower Compared to Major US Cities 

Philadelphia’s cost of living is not so low but it is lower compared to the major US cities such as New York and Los Angeles. So, if you cannot afford to live in the major cities, you can decide to stay in New York.