General Questions
Where do the residents and fellows live?
A large portion of our residents live in the neighborhoods surrounding the Pennsylvania Hospital (PAH), including University City, Center City, and the Art Museum district, many within a 20-minute walk to PAH. Some of our residents live in the surrounding suburbs and commute daily into work. Some own houses, others rent apartments in large buildings – and everything in between.
What do the residents and fellows do for fun?
What don’t we do? We are a diverse group of singles, married couples and young families, with a wide range of interests. From a departmental standpoint, we have resident-organized happy hours, departmentally funded end-of-block dinners, and a variety of orientation and commencement activities. Philadelphia has a lot to offer (see below), and we like to take advantage of the great food, bar scene and cultural opportunities. And let’s not forget events like canoeing down the Brandywine River, Philadelphia’s Beer Week and the city’s excellent Fourth of July celebrations. For activities outside of the city, the Poconos, NYC, Washington DC, and the Jersey Shore are all incredibly close.
How do I get to work?
Residents in Center City and University City will walk in, ride their bikes, or take SEPTA transportation. A regional rail station is conveniently located in University City, just a few blocks from PAH.
How expensive is Philadelphia?
The cost of living in the greater Philadelphia area is surprisingly reasonable in comparison to most major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, DC, and Boston. See, for example, this overview.
Do I need a car? Or is a car completely impossible in Center City?
You do not necessarily need a car if you plan to live in the city. However, having a car in the city is easy. Residential parking permits ($35 for initial permit, $20 for yearly renewal) are available through the Philadelphia Parking Authority, monthly reserved spaces are available for purchase through a variety of companies, and some apartment buildings have garage space.
How do I get around Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is an amazingly walkable city, especially around Center City. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, and public transit options are available. See previous question How do I get to work?
I like to eat. What about food?
If that’s the case, you have picked an excellent city! Home to the famed cheesesteaks and pretzels, Philadelphia has a selection of fine dining, ranging from the Stephen Starr brand to an excellent variety of food trucks, many of which gravitate around the hospital and can be a great option for lunch. We are also home to a variety of farmer’s markets, as well as the famous Italian market and Reading Terminal.
I like to eat, but I also want to maintain my pre-residency fit body. What about gyms?
There is no hospital-associated gym, per se; however, PAH residents receive a discounted membership fee to the University of Pennsylvania recreational facilities, which offer state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a variety of classes and services, as well as recreational sports. As an alternative, many of our residents belong to gyms in the city, including City Fitness, Sweat and others; in addition, fitness rooms are provided in some apartment buildings. If you want to be outside, the Schuylkill River Trail, which runs through the City of Philadelphia, is a multipurpose trail that is excellent for walking, running, and biking.
What cultural activities are available in Philadelphia?
We have a multitude of museums, from the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes to the resident favorite, the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, as well as a multitude of historical sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. For local theater options, check out the Walnut Street Theater or the Forrest Theater. A variety of national and international performances from the world of orchestra, dance, theater and other events are hosted at the Kimmel Center. For those who only want Broadway, NYC is just a short bus or train trip away.
What sports does Philadelphia offer?
Fans in Philadelphia love their sports, and we have it all, including the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), the Eagles (NFL), the 76ers (NBA), the Union (MLS) and the Flyers (NHL). In addition, Philadelphia hosts a marathon, an international bike race, the Penn Relays, and, with its location next to the Schuylkill River, hosts more regattas and boat races than any other city in the nation.
I have a family. Is Philadelphia a good place to have kids?
Many of our residents and fellows have families. Some live in the city, while others have chosen to live in the surrounding suburbs. A variety of public and private schools are available in the area. For more detailed information about the experiences of our young families at PAH, please come and talk to some of our residents and fellows.