Is Philadelphia really that BAD?

I'm going to visit Philadelphia this weekend on a business trip, we will be in Center City. I live in D.C. right now, but I'm originally from Houston, TX & all I've heard is terrible things about Philadelphia. I've only been living in D.C. since August, I haven't visitied Philly before. Is it true about the crime or is it just overmagnified? Thanks.

It all depends on where you go and who you associate yourself with. I have been living in this city for over 45 years and I have never had a problem. I have raised 3 kids here and they have never had a problem. Since you are from a large city and are living in another one....the rules still apply. Don't carry large amounts of cash, numerous bags, several credit cards on you. Be aware of your surroundings and the ppl around you. Don't let yourself become over burdened with shopping bags while you're walking around in heels and talking on a cell phone. There are certain types of people that the criminalites target. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. You may be a tourist...just don't look like one.

Hi, I was born in Philly and raised in one of the surrounding suburbs about 10 miles from Philly, but all my family, cousins aunts and uncles are still there and to answer your question...yes it is that bad. I am now living in Palm Beach Florida, I moved here July 2007 and I couldn't be happier.
Philadelphia is crime ridden, the reason my family hasn't moved out is because they are use to it, my uncle has had his home broken into I would say about 5 or more times. The crack heads wait until he goes to work before they go to work on trying to get into his house, yet he refuses to move, he is older and is afraid of change, I don't even bother to try and convince him to move anymore. Center City is beautiful, the high end dept stores and museums and resturants, they have a zoo but its in the heart of the ghetto, people come from all over the state to visit the Philadelphia Zoo but its starting to go down, meaning they just don't have the animal attractions that they use to, the big cats are all gone or behind thick glass now. You will love Center City though. Just don't venture out too far from Center City. I hate to have to tell you these things but being from there myself I know first hand what its like, they are even killing police officers, they have no fear of authority. I will leave it at that, I've said enough about the negative, now on to the positive. I hope you have time for a tour of Center City such as The Liberty Bell, and the cobble stone streets where Ben Franklin hung out. Maybe someone can take you down to Penns Landing and you can get the Ferry over to Adventure Aquarium, its a favorite of my family. And don't forget The Betsy Ross House, I loved the show the actors put outside the house for those who don't want to pay to tour the inside of the house. I don't know how much you can see in the winter since I always went in the summer.
My uncle thats repeatedly robbed lives in Southwest Philly and my family lives in West Oak Lane, don't look for diversity in those areas because you won't find it. I use to live in the area that one of the bloggers speaking of the college area, between 43rd and chestnut and walnut going down into center city. You will have to see and judge for yourself.

In Center City, you should be fine. There are some bad parts.
really bad parts. You should be fine.

These answers are insane - believe me i've lived here my entire life. Philadelphia is NOT bad at all. Of course there are certain neighborhoods that aren't great, but you wouldn't go to those (believe me, there's nothing there to see). Stay in Center City - venture into West Philly even where there are a bunch of colleges and tons of restaurants.
My favorite parts in Philly are Northern Liberties, Olde City, South Philly, West Philly and Rittenhouse Square area. Believe me, you will be totally fine. Especially if you're coming from D.C. - it's very comparable. Have fun!

stay out of SouthWest Philly and most of all stay away from the NorthEast as well....crime rate is very high! but dont get me wrong Philadelphia is the best city ever!!!

Center City is fine. We get a lot of bad press, maybe because we have had a few bad mayors - my personal favorite was dropping a bomb on Move and burning down the entire block. Philly is cool - just look at the Rocky movies - he liked it here. Gonna Fly Now...

Romy is right! Center City is fine - I'm sure there are areas in D.C. that you probably won't venture to - and it's the same here. Center City is not one of them - go and have fun - you'll be fine!

Its no worse than D.C., just stay in Center City. I wouldn't wander around at 2 a.m., either. There certainly are very bad areas, but as long as you stay close to cc you'll be just fine.

I grew up in the subs of Philadelphia and lived in southern New Jersey for a long time commuting into center city. I moved from Phila in 2000 on a company transfer. Phila is like ever other city there are parts you stay out of. DC certainly has its areas like that as well as Houston.

Crime is everywhere and Philadelphia is adjusting to many new people some of which have brought old ways with them.

Great places to eat, lots of history and great culture. The art museum is world class and the Rodin museum is worth seeing. The Reading Terminal is worth the walk.....

The shopping is not what it used to be. Chestnut and Walnut Streets used to be the class shopping areas. Many of the stores have moved out and been replaced with stores of lesser value....

I love the city....

Oh please, don't lose another minute's sleep-- my 24 year old white daughter- and only mention her race because she works in a predominantly hood neighborhood at Temple Hospital--and I don't worry about her- she's there 2 years, and yeah **** happens, but it happens everywhere and to everyone-- and there are murders-but they are all gang related- a fact the news never tells you.........it probably is safer than DC because of terrorists---don't miss the flower show if you're in town for it- it's awesome and do some of the corny sightseeing things- like the "duck bus" tour and seeing the liberty bell....and of course the museums.......have fun, and as where the "famous philly cheesesteak house is" and go and get one, you won't be disappointed...don't eat in the chain restaurants- there are 5 star BYOB on every corner in phila and the food is phenomenal and better than NYCity! honest and it's cheap....have fun and feel safe, you will be hon, it's a great city believe me- or I would never let my daughter decide to live there forever!!

Honestly, Philadelphia is not that bad; it's just the surrounding neighborhoods that can be sketchy and dangerous. But, the killings in the area aren't random - it's associated with other activities such as drug deals gone bad, feuding gangs, etc. Rarely will you see a regular "Joe" get attacked.

You'll be in Center City - which is awesome! It's a great place to visit and very comfortable. Just make sure to be with other people during the night, and you'll be fine :)

If you have free time, I would suggest that you visit Old City. Old City offers great parks to walk around as well as fabulous bar/ restaurants. Make sure to pick up a Philadelphia magazine before you visit. It always lists a bunch of restaurants in the area.

Enjoy your visit!

PS - I would never have moved to Philadelphia from rural NY if I didn't feel safe :)

Just a bad as DC

No it isn't much worse than DC, if any. It's very sectioned off, North & West Philly have the ghetto's, but CC, Northwest & South Philly are for the most part ok. Center City has a thriving district full of clubs & resturants. Visit the pub Tir Na Nog, at 16th & Arch.

No, it isn't. There are bad areas, just like every other big city and good areas. Center City is nice. I don't get in town that often anymore, but it's a great place to be. Most of the crime doesn't happen there; it happens in areas that no one should be going if they are from out of town. Heck, if you've been living in DC, Philadelphia should be a breeze from what I've heard of DC, which is probably over magnified as well.

Actually, I'm White and worked not far from Temple Hospital--and went to Temple for my undergrad work--and I never really worried about it.

Just like any other major city you've got to watch your step for example: in the men's room and a strange looking individual walks in. Or it's late a night and you are a few blocks away from your car so you walk down the center of the street and/or away from dark areas where someone could jump out and grab you.
One time I almost got mugged in broad daylight by this little guy and I'm a 198 pound former Marine. When he make his move I just stood there and said, " Come on, I'll rip your face off" . He just laughed and walked away.

Philadelphia is fine dont listen to rumors i live here.

YES, i just move away from philly. Wasnt safe for my children or my family. It is very bad.

James R is right about southwest but wrong about North east... Its North you need to worry about. I live in North east and i acutally feel safer there than in some suburbs.

Centry city is fine. There are some bad parts but as long as you are not walking alone at night you should be fine.

The crime is bad here, but is mostly confined to certain areas of the city. If you will be staying in CC, then you should be okay.

The crime in Philly is no worse than anywhere else. I've lived in Boston, Manhattan, Philadelphia and Seattle. Crime is everywhere.

There's loads of fun things to do in and around Philly. Manayunk is a funky little neighborhood with cool shops and galleries. Don't miss the Art Museum, Reading Terminal Market or Old City. Plus, Philadelphia has the best restaurants in the country - they really love their food!

I moved away due to the ridiculous wage tax and the fact that Philly shuts down too early. Crime had nothing to do with it.

The crime is horrific but Center City is one of the safest areas to be! Just be smart and stay alert. And don't drive here; it'll make you nuts (Seen Parking Wars, yet?) If you like historical places, you'll love it here. Check out Lights of Liberty and the Mutter Museum. Like the Mummers? They have a museum in South Philly. Have fun! (Cheesesteaks are best at Jim's, 4th and South.)

Yes Philly is horrible, I'm sorry to say. I live in Lancaster and my girlfriend lives in Philly. I hate going there. It doesn't matter if it's center city or north, south, east or west. The people are horribly rude, they drive like idiots and be careful, Philly has the largest population of people driving without car insurance..

Several months ago, in the Chestnut Hill area, I was stopped at a red light. A guy in a prison jumpsuit with his hands cuffed behind his back ran in front of us across the street! We followed him until he cut through someone's lawn. We called 911 and reported it and they made us feel like we were on drugs. Then we saw a cop and told him and the cop peeled out like a Bat out of H*** and he certainly knew what we were talking about.

Best words of advice - STAY AWAY