lapeirousia

lapeirousia t1_janisl7 wrote

I own an 1,800 square foot house built in the 1890s. We're almost always home, so the heat is constantly running. About 73-74 in the daytime and 68 at night.

Our most expensive bill so far (January 2023) was $410. $300-400 is typical for the winter months.

We replaced some of our (very old) windows last year, which has decreased our gas usage by at least 10% year on year... but our bills have nonetheless gone up this year, since the price of gas has increased.

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lapeirousia t1_j8u01tw wrote

Reply to comment by gpty24 in parenting in Philadelphia by mrpeaceNunity

Drivers who park on sidewalks and in crosswalks are selfish assholes. But I moved here from a city where literally half the streets didn't even have sidewalks, so I'm grateful that we at least have sidewalks here (and places to walk to), even if they're often obstructed!

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lapeirousia t1_j8toczo wrote

I live in South Philly, and I'm super excited to raise my kid(s) here! I'm due to have my first in a few weeks!

There are at least seven playgrounds within a 15-minute walk of my house, which is crazy. Not to mention there are two libraries, my child's pediatrician, and plenty of schools and daycares all within easy walking distance. It's so nice to be able to get around easily without a car, and I'm glad that my child (once they're old enough) won't need to be chauffeured around by me everywhere they go.

Also, all parents and parents-to-be (especially if they live in South Philly) should know about Lilypad Thrift. If you're preparing for a baby, you can buy almost everything you need there at very low prices. I got almost all my baby's clothes there... most items were $1-5 each. They also have regular playgroups for kids (you can go to unlimited playgroups for $100/year).

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lapeirousia t1_j8o9bkc wrote

Depends where in South Philly. I live in Passyunk Square, and I feel very safe here (as a petite woman), and I'm planning on raising at least one kid here (expecting my first next month). There are tons of families here.

I haven't seen drugs around (besides the obvious alcohol/cigarettes/weed), but I haven't gone looking for them either. I'm sure they exist.

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lapeirousia t1_j8e3qqb wrote

>And if you're a woman do yourself a favor and don't move here. The cat calling and harassment is daily.

I'm a woman, and, while I can only speak for myself, I'm so glad I did myself the favor of not listening to comments like this when I was browsing this subreddit and considering moving here. Been here two years and haven't had any problems yet. I love it here.

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lapeirousia t1_j6ijk2f wrote

Compared to, say, NYC or London or Paris or Hong Kong or Singapore, Philly's public transit sucks. But it's far better than 99% of cities in the US. Philly is a great place to live car-free, provided you choose your neighborhood carefully. I don't have a car, and I'm very happy here. It's also one of the main reasons I moved here.

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lapeirousia t1_j11dv7n wrote

On the other hand… I hired Amy to do a structural inspection of my house. I was impressed with her knowledge and really wanted to work with her, but unfortunately she ghosted us after the inspection. Never sent us the inspection report she promised, never replied to any of my follow-up emails, never even sent a bill (despite me asking for it more than once). It was weird.

I recommend Mark Yerges. He was the third structural engineer we used, and the only one we had a positive experience with. He was competent, reliable, and a good communicator.

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