The Return of the American City

When COVID-19 hit (and thus, forced many Americans into their homes but, ironically, out of their cities) I thought it was all over for the city we live in, Philadelphia, PA. However, with the incredible invention of vaccines and the grit and determination of Philadelphians’ uncrushable spirit, Philly is back and better than ever before, IMO. From new pop-up al-fresco dining options to expanded walking trails and parks throughout the city (brought on by COVID forcing everyone to explore the outdoors a bit more), Philadelphia is back and becoming a more inclusive, creative city for every lifestyle.

In short, our city is back and in a big way, but I think all American cities are making this comeback, as well. You may wonder, “why would I want to move back to the city?” if you’ve left, perhaps, but I have a few ideas (and I think some of you will agree.)

We’re moving back to Philadelphia, PA, and I couldn’t be more excited to come “home” once and for all.

Fine dining, arts and culture, and beyond

Cities have what only such large, metropolitan (and heavily populated) areas can offer: lots of humans, which means lots of human expression. From art museums to pop-up art to art sculptures to street art, Philadelphia (and most US cities) are full of arts and culture that you can’t find anywhere else. For example, Philadelphia is a proud member of the Mural Arts Program, which empowers local artists in cities to turn their streets into works of art with large, painted murals abounding. Many other US cities participate in the program, too, which is something to be admired.

Also, I’ve found that in cities I can eat whatever I want. By that, I mean: I can eat Thai food, Indian food, Ethiopian food, American food, home-made Greek food, or whatever I feel like eating that day, instead of just eating at one of many chain restaurants serving up the same-old-same-old fare in my more rural hometown. (My hometown has a few lovely, locally owned gems, of course, but they fight for survival based on how my hometown operates, sadly.)

In a larger city you have a larger population, which often includes population from all over the world coming together as one in the community and sharing their food, arts, and other aspects of their culture with their city. This is one of the things I missed most about cities here in the states— the community and diversity therein that makes each of them so special and so unique.

So, what do you miss about your city? Are you going back now that COVID seems to be on the retreat? Are you planning to visit a city you’ve never been to before this year (like Andrew and I did with NOLA in April)? Let’s discuss,

Xoxo, MM.