Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block
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*80s and 90s pictures from PHILLYHISTORY.ORG
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As a kid, I was always so proud that I lived in the 4th largest city in the United States. It was always New York, Chicago, and LA, which were the big three, and then Philly. And it wasn’t even close. In the 1970 Census, NYC has 7.9M, Chicago 3.4M, LA 2.8M, and Philly with 1.9M. Followed by a waning Detroit with 1.5M and Houston at 1.2. These were the six US cities above 1M. Fascinatingly, three of the other top 10 cities in 1970 were Baltimore, Washington DC, and Cleveland.
After the big three, we were No. 1 plus the Nation’s Birthplace! That is how a proud 11-year-old me saw it in 1979. The fact that I lived at 5th & Addison, just a few blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, added to my delight.
Then came the 1980 Census. And I had another decade to celebrate Philly as No. 4. “We are Number 4! We are number 4!” I (may have) excitedly proclaimed. But the 1980 Census foreshadowed what was to come. NYC (7.1M), Chicago (3.0M), and Philly (1.69M) all lost significant population, while LA (2.97M) and Houston (1.6M) both gained. Dallas, San Diego, and Phoenix all moved up.
So, I made it through my childhood living in the No. 4 city in America, but as a young adult, my luck ran out. The 1990 Census dropped us down to No. 5. Houston was 1.63M while we were 1.59. Even then, I cried foul. It seemed that large Sun Belt cities like Houston and Phoenix were not only gaining population from natural migration, but also from claiming more land (though Philly also did this in the mid-19th century, but that was then). In any event, the Northeast and Rust Belt were losing population and the Sun Belt was gaining rapidly. Also, in 1990, LA utterly blew by Chicago with a net gain of about 750,000 in that decade. Whatever, Philly was still Top 5!
In 2000, the top five order remained the same. Phoenix (1.3M) was the big grower and moved to 6 but was still well behind Philly (1.5M). And Phoenix (1.45M) remained behind Philly (1.53M) in 2010, albeit really closing the gap.
Which brings us to the 2020 Census. Conducted during a pandemic. Maybe some undercounting going on; who am I to say. And while Philly had a slight population gain up to 1,603,797, Phoenix had a stellar gain and edged us out at 1,608,139. A difference of 4,342 people. Hmmm. I am a glass-half-full guy so I will just say that while we are now No. 6, we remain the Nation’s Birthplace, an amazing City of Neighborhoods, and the most livable city in the US. I guess this is my way of saying that Philly remains No 1 in my book.
I hope you enjoy the weekend.
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2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,200 SF | Patio | Walk-out Deck | Ideal Location | $575,000
Lovely Delancey Street home. Superb Light and Character! Two private outdoor spaces (a cute patio off the kitchen and a walk-out deck off the 3rd floor). 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, original hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings, original doors, central air. Nicely updated for 2021!
The Ideal Location, on a quiet tree-lined block and with a 100 WalkScore. Note: Gentle turn-stair is easy and comfortable to navigate.
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Mount Airy
New Construction
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5 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$610,000
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2 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$575,000
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733 S 12th Street, Unit 200
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3 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$350,000
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241 S 6th Street #1006
NEW PRICE
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3 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$125,000
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As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.
Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.
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Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via PHILLYHISTORY.ORG, and Canva.
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