For the first time since 1950, Philadelphia is growing. According to official Census Bureau figures, the population grew 0.6% over the past decade. Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking: Less than 1%? What is everyone getting so excited about? Well, the point is, Philly is no longer shrinking.
The population peaked at nearly 2.1 million in 1950 and by 2000 it had declined by more than a quarter (26.7%). During those years, many people, especially white people (often referred to as "white flight,") were abandoning the city for the suburbs at far higher rates than people were moving in--until now that is. At just over 1.5 million people, today's population is a far cry from Philly's peak, but the increase is certainly a good sign.
The growth occurred primarily in Center City, which is no surprise. A renaissance has taken place downtown over the past few decades, with new skyscrapers, restaurants, hotels, shops, and nightclubs, springing up everywhere. The area has become increasingly desirable, especially for young people. While some outlying neighborhoods showed a drop in numbers, the hip, up-and-coming Northern Liberties and Fishtown neighborhoods grew an impressive 23.7%.
There is much speculation about the causes of the growth, especially while many cities continued to shrink over the past decade, including Baltimore (4.6%), Chicago (6.9%) and Pittsburgh (8.6). Perhaps it is due to Philadelphia's relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities on the Northeast corridor. Or maybe it has to do with the many local universities in the area and the increasing numbers of students that are staying after graduation. And it's certain that the business and condominium boom hasn't hurt. But whatever the cause, we will take it. And we will most certainly take our rightful place as the 5th largest city in American once again. (Nice try Phoenix--you almost had us there.)
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