Author Julia Lowe in front of Independence Hall
I hadn't realized just how different living in major cities in the US could be until I moved.
  • I moved to Philadelphia three months ago from Chicago, having never visited before.
  • I was shocked to find how strict the alcohol laws are here, and that Trader Joe's doesn't sell wine.
  • Getting around on foot is a breeze — I don't rely on public transit as much as I did in Chicago. 

After living in Chicago for a year, I thought that I'd learned everything there is to know about living in a big city — until I moved to Philadelphia.