'Delaware Valley' offers unique blend of experiences: Philadelphia Metropolitan Area
'Delaware Valley' offers unique blend of experiences
By Daphne Garland-McLean -- Casual Living, 11/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
With diverse and vibrant urban communities, the metro area of Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington provides a unique blend of experiences for both families and singles. Nicknamed Delaware Valley because the Delaware River flows through it, this area offers an abundance of performing arts, festivals and exhibits as well as a plethora of shopping excursions whether in small local shops or in large shopping malls with nationally known retailers and specialty shops.
Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell are perhaps the two most famous attractions in this area, though some might argue the steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a statue of "Rocky" are just as famous. Whether one lives here or is just visiting, there are many historical sites, architecture, museums, aquariums and parks to keep the area interesting and entertaining.
Home to major companies like Comcast, Lincoln Financial Group and Sunoco, this is the fifth largest metro area in the country.
With professional sports (football, baseball, basketball and hockey) a major ingredient of this metro, it is not uncommon that many residents and visitors find themselves firing up the grill for outdoor entertainment or tailgating activities. According to New York-based Easy Analytic Software, Inc., $64 million was spent on grills in this area in 2007. That figure is expected to increase by 13% over the next five years. In addition, EASI found outdoor furniture sales are expected to increase by 19% by the year 2012. Outdoor furniture sales are also expected to increase more than 20% in nearby major metro areas, including Trenton-Ewing, N.J.
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD areas
| 2007 | 2012 | Change | |
| Total population | 5,839,914 | 5,953,972 | 2.0% |
| Median age | 36.6 | 37.3 | |
| Average household size | 2.49 | 2.44 |
Spending for Casual Living Products in millions
| 2007 | 2012 | Change | |
| Outdoor dining sets | $34.28 | $40.83 | 19.1% |
| Other outdoor furniture | $17.14 | $20.42 | 19.1% |
| Grills | $64.26 | $72.59 | 13.0% |
Housing Characteristics
| 2007 | 2012 | Change | |
| Total housing units | 2,404,477 | 2,486,534 | 3.4% |
| Number owner occupied | 1,622,376 | 1,693,795 | 4.4% |
| Median value of owner households | $183,771 | $238,604 | 29.8% |
| Median rent | $893 | $1,139 | 27.5% |
Households by Race & Ethnicity
| 2007 | 2012 | Change | |
| Hispanics may be of any race | |||
| White | 1,691,589 | 1,725,801 | 2.0% |
| African-American | 422,539 | 453,389 | 7.3% |
| Asian-American | 73,030 | 84,851 | 16.2% |
| Other | 88,179 | 103,347 | 17.2% |
| Hispanic | 101,022 | 118,017 | 16.8% |
| White, Non-Hispanic | 1,632,552 | 1,658,118 | 1.6% |
Household income
| 2007 | 2012 | Change | |
| Median | $58,059 | $73,820 | 27.1% |
| Under $25,000 | 471,743 | 366,846 | -22.2% |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 214,831 | 166,422 | -22.5% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 312,003 | 267,614 | -14.2% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 431,463 | 401,768 | -6.9% |
| $75,000 or more | 845,297 | 1,164,738 | 37.8% |
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