Boston and Philadelphia Compared

Mr. Beat compares and contrasts Boston, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both host NFL teams featured in Super Bowl 52.

Creative Commons photo credits:
Studio 34

Adam E. Moreira

Michael Kurras

Anthony Citrano

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

User:Pi.1415926535

takmabibelot

John Haslam (D.C.); Robbie Shade (Boston); Lucius Kwok (Philadelphia); Phil Gold (Baltimore)

Jay Hiatt

Sources:

Boston and Philadelphia. Or...Beantown and The City of Brotherly Love. Two major east coast cities in the United States, both part of the Northeast Megalopolis (echo) (mwhahahahahaha) a part of the country that contains more than 17 percent of its entire population, or some 50 million people on less than 2% of the country’s land area.

Both cities are exciting places to live in with a bright future.

Both are two of the oldest cities in the United States. Before Europeans arrived, the Delaware Valley, where Philadelphia is located, was home to the Delaware Indians. Various nations had lived in the area where Boston is currently located, but the Massachusett were the ones mainly around when Europeans came to the area.

Both cities were founded by those seeking religious freedom.
William Penn and other Quakers founded Philadelphia in 1682
Puritans founded Boston in 1630. So yeah, Boston’s about 52 years older.

Both were political, financial, and commercial centers of their colonies. Philadelphia, of the Pennsylvania colony, and Boston, of really all of New England.

Both steadily grew at about the same rates during the colonial era, although Philadelphia always stayed ahead of Boston in population.

Both Boston and Philadelphia saw some action during the American Revolution. Boston saw more violence within the city. I mean, there was the freaking Siege of Boston, which lasted almost a year, in which New England militiamen surrounded British forces within the city. Philadelphia was quiet at first. So quiet that the First and Second Continental Congresses met there and it became the capital of the United States. However, the British captured the city in September 1777 and controlled it until the next summer.

After the Revolution, both cities became industrial centers and each city’s population skyrocketed. In fact, the population of both Boston and Philadelphia steadily climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed until the Great Depression. Since then, it’s been up and down. Now, when I talk about the population of cities, I tend to focus on the METROPOLITAN AREA, man. That’s how you do it, count those suburbs, son. The Boston metropolitan area has 4.8 million people and the Philadelphia metro has about 6 million. Looks like you win, there, Philly.

[gryphonavocatio]

"Boston also has an impressive transit system for a city its size."

*Shows the Green Line*

[alaskaisalexa]

I might be bias but philly is beautiful for no reason. Places like valley green, chestnut hill and manyunk
We stan

[rachelgarber]

Ben Franklin left Boston to come to Philly, and the rest is history

[lucyfuir]

The reason why Boston apartments are so expensive is because of all the colleges, supply and demand

[alfredvinciguerra]

Lots people moving to Philadelphia looks like the city of brotherly love is seeing a revival maybe because is cheaper and better weather. But I just recently moved to philly from NYC and I like it.

[rnelson]

I still say either Alaska vs Hawaii or Anchorage vs Honolulu. Two completely opposite city’s politically, economically, and climate wise.

[EXILEvenom]

I am from Boston and chose to attend college in Philadelphia so this was super interesting to me! As a Bostonian it's hard to say but the grid like layout of Philly really makes all the difference to me. Otherwise they are very similar cities that take pride in their storied histories and professional sports teams

[madi]

My dream school was around Boston, but I’m going to Philly now because I didn’t get in. I’m so excited to see Philly though!

[degenerate]

Ha yeah NEVER drive in Boston
Take the bus or train

[alexmorris]

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

[rockstarsharma]

Please can you do Los Angeles and New York City compared (Pacific Coast vs Atlantic Coast)

[bonecanoe]

I'm from Philly (well, the suburbs) and I love my city; it's history, character, food, culture, and sports teams. I've visited Boston twice in my life and had a great time both times! I'm a Phillies fan, but I have a soft spot for the Red Sox as I had a great experience going to a Red Sox game. I also think Boston is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

[braun]

Bahstin is smahta and has wicked pissah sports teams.

[jonathanm]

Not sure why I’m watching this as an Australian but I’ve learnt a lot of interesting facts about the US through these videos. Keep up the good work

[johnandrew]

Been to both, I’ll take Philly over Boston ! Just returned 2nd time from Philly and Boston I was there last in 1995.

[johnsmith]

Video suggestion: The Northeast Megalopolis and Great Lakes Megalopolis compared

[elijahfordsidioticvarietys]

Philly! Home of the itallian stallion!

[iammrbeat]

Don't forget to check out my new channel and the video I did with Sami from US101. And what should I compare next?

[shazalimo]

I first arrived in Boston then moved to brotherly love I love you so much Philly ❤️💙❤️

[AKPhilly]

Can't wait to be back in Philly. Miss it so much. Not many places in the US can compare.