Philadelphia

by The Linguist

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and the sixth-most populous city in the United States. According to the latest census data, Philadelphia has an estimated population of 1.5 million residents within the city limits and over 6 million residents in the greater metropolitan area. Nicknamed “Philly,” Philadelphia is known for its rich history, culture, arts, and food.

History

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn as one of the original 13 colonies. It served as the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800 while Washington, D.C. was under construction. Some key historical sites and events in Philadelphia include:

  • Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed
  • Liberty Bell – an iconic symbol of American independence
  • Betsy Ross House – home of the seamstress who sewed the first American flag
  • Elfreth’s Alley – the oldest residential street in America, dating back to 1702
  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway – home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation and more

To explore more of Philadelphia’s history, visit the Philadelphia History Museum or take a historical walking tour of the city.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Philadelphia had a population of 1,603,797 residents. Some key facts about the city’s demographics:

  • 41.8% White
  • 41.6% Black or African American
  • 6.9% Asian
  • 15.4% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
  • The median age is 34.6 years old

Philadelphia is known for being an ethnically and racially diverse city. As of the 2020 census, it continues to grow in diversity with increasing Asian and Hispanic/Latino populations.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major industries and employers in Philadelphia include:

  • Education: University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University
  • Healthcare: University of Pennsylvania Health System, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Temple University Health System, Einstein Healthcare Network, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Tourism: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary historic site
  • Financial Services: The Vanguard Group, SAP America Inc., Accenture
  • Manufacturing: Boeing Rotorcraft Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc., FMC Corporation

In addition, Philadelphia houses a major port and is a leader in the petrochemical and biotechnology industries. The largest employer is the University of Pennsylvania with over 35,000 employees. Other major employers include Jefferson Health (30,000 employees) and Temple University (12,500 employees).

To learn more about economic development initiatives in Philadelphia, visit the Department of Commerce website or the Greater Philadelphia Economic Development website.

Transportation

Public transportation options make it easy to get around Philadelphia:

  • SEPTA – Operates buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail lines across the city and surrounding counties. Website: www.septa.org
  • PATCO – High-speed rail line connecting Philadelphia to southern New Jersey. Website: www.ridepatco.org
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Provides domestic and international flights. Located 7 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
  • Amtrak – Train station located at 30th Street Station, a major hub along the Northeast Corridor. Website: www.amtrak.com

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Some top sights and landmarks to visit in Philadelphia include:

  • Independence National Historical Park – Home to Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and other key sites from America’s founding. Address: 143 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Phone: (215) 965-2305
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art – With stunning architecture and vast collections of art. Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Phone: (215) 763-8100. GPS coordinates: 39.965113, -75.180979
  • Eastern State Penitentiary – Historic former prison, now a museum. Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Phone: (215) 236-3300. GPS coordinates: 39.968307, -75.172652
  • Philadelphia Zoo – America’s first zoo, home to over 1,300 animals. Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: (215) 243-1100. GPS coordinates: 39.977904, -75.201966
  • Philadelphia City Hall – Iconic city building with statue of William Penn on top. Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: (215) 686-1776. GPS coordinates: 39.952599, -75.164810

In addition, Philadelphia is home to over 100 neighborhoods and districts like Chinatown, Rittenhouse Square, South Street, and more to explore.

Sports

Philadelphia is passionate about its sports teams. The major professional teams include:

The city’s sports venues like Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and Wells Fargo Center host games, concerts, and other major events year-round.

The Arts and Culture

Philadelphia has a thriving arts and culture scene. Major institutions include:

  • Philadelphia Orchestra – One of America’s “Big Five” symphony orchestras, performing at the Kimmel Center. Website: www.philorch.org
  • Pennsylvania Ballet – Professional ballet company performing classical to contemporary works. Website: paballet.org
  • Philadelphia Theatre Company – Presents plays and musicals at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Website: www.philatheatreco.org
  • Kimmel Center – Major performing arts center and home to the Philadelphia Orchestra. Website: www.kimmelculturalcampus.org

In addition, Philadelphia has a vibrant local music scene, world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation, and art galleries throughout the city.

Education

The primary public school district in Philadelphia is the School District of Philadelphia. In addition, the city has a robust private school system and many charter schools. The major universities and colleges in Philadelphia include:

The Free Library of Philadelphia operates 55 branches throughout the city, providing books, programs, computer access, and more educational resources. Learn more at www.freelibrary.org.

Local Government

Philadelphia is the county seat of Philadelphia County. The Philadelphia County government offices are located at:

1401 John F Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-1776

The city operates under a mayor-council system. The current mayor is Jim Kenney, first elected in 2016. The mayor’s office can be reached at:

City Hall, Office 215
1401 John F Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-2181

The city’s municipal website www.phila.gov provides info and services for residents and visitors.

Additional Resources

To discover more on what to see and do in Philadelphia, check out the following sites: