Bennington CDP vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Bennington CDP	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$53,839	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$185,100	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$null	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,343	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	123.6	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	35.1%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. Bennington CDP: The Ultimate Showdown

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re weighing a massive East Coast metropolis against a small, unincorporated community in rural Vermont. This isn’t just a choice between a city and a town; it’s a choice between two entirely different lifestyles, economies, and futures. As your relocation expert, I’m here to break down the raw data and the real-world feel to help you decide where to plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Urban Jungle vs. Rural Sanctuary

Philadelphia is the quintessential "Big City" experience. It’s gritty, historic, and pulsing with energy. Think world-class museums, a top-tier food scene, professional sports, and a skyline that commands respect. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. You’re buying into a fast-paced, competitive environment where opportunity is around every corner, but so is the hustle. Philly is for the ambitious, the culture-seeker, and anyone who thrives on the buzz of a million people living their lives in close quarters.

Bennington CDP is the complete opposite. It’s a slice of classic New England life in the Green Mountains. The vibe here is "laid-back" turned up to eleven. We’re talking about a community of less than 9,000 people. The pace is slow, the focus is on nature, and the biggest event of the week might be the farmers market. There’s a deep sense of community, but also a degree of isolation. Bennington is for those seeking a retreat from the chaos, artists looking for inspiration, and anyone who values quiet over convenience.

Who is it for?

• Philly: Young professionals, families who crave urban amenities, foodies, and history buffs.
• Bennington: Retirees, remote workers seeking tranquility, nature lovers, and those on a tight budget who prioritize space and safety over city life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. At first glance, Bennington looks cheaper, but the devil is in the details. Let’s break down the cost of living.

Cost of Living Snapshot

Category	Philadelphia	Bennington CDP	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$185,100	Bennington
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,343	Bennington
Housing Index	117.8 (17.8% above US avg)	123.6 (23.6% above US avg)	Philadelphia
Median Income	$60,302	$53,839	Philadelphia

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s imagine you earn $100,000 a year. In Philadelphia, with a median income of $60,302, you’re in a solid middle-to-upper class bracket. Your purchasing power is decent, but you’ll feel the pinch of city taxes and costs. In Bennington, with a median income of $53,839, that same $100,000 makes you a local financial heavyweight. You could afford a much larger home, save aggressively, and live a very comfortable lifestyle.

Here’s the kicker, though: The Housing Index tells a crucial story. While Bennington’s home prices are lower, its housing index is actually higher than Philadelphia’s. This means, relative to the national average and local incomes, housing in Bennington is more expensive for its residents. Philadelphia’s higher median income helps offset its higher home prices, giving residents slightly better overall purchasing power for housing.

Tax Insight: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%, which is relatively low. Vermont, however, has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%. For our $100,000 earner, this could mean paying more in state taxes in Vermont, eating into that apparent cost-of-living advantage.

Verdict: For pure, absolute dollar amounts, Bennington is cheaper. But for overall purchasing power and financial flexibility, especially for higher earners, Philadelphia offers a better balance of income to cost. If you’re on a lower fixed income (like retirement), Bennington’s lower absolute home prices are a huge draw.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Dynamics

Philadelphia: A Seller’s Market with Nuance
Buying in Philly is competitive, but not as cutthroat as cities like New York or San Francisco. The $270,375 median price is attainable for many, but inventory moves fast in desirable neighborhoods. It’s a classic seller’s market, with homes often selling above asking price. Renting is a solid option with a vast array of choices, from luxury high-rises to historic row homes. The key in Philly is finding the right neighborhood for your budget and lifestyle.

Bennington: A Unique, Tight Market
Bennington’s market is a different beast. With a population under 9,000, inventory is extremely limited. The $185,100 median price is attractive, but finding a home is the challenge. This isn’t a high-turnover market. People hold onto properties for generations. It’s less about bidding wars and more about patience and connections. Renting is also limited; you might find a place, but your options are few. For a remote worker with a stable income, buying is feasible, but the selection is slim.

Verdict: If you need flexibility and options, Philadelphia wins. If you have the patience and a defined budget for a long-term buy in a small community, Bennington can work, but you must be prepared for a slow, sometimes frustrating search.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable. Car ownership is common, and traffic is a daily reality. Commutes can be 30-60 minutes for those in the suburbs. The walkability of many neighborhoods is a huge plus.
• Bennington CDP: Traffic is virtually non-existent. Commutes are measured in minutes, not miles. However, you are dependent on a car for everything—groceries, medical appointments, entertainment. The nearest major city (Albany, NY) is over an hour away.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), winters are cold with snow (average temp 52.0°F as a yearly mean, but that hides the extremes). Spring and fall are beautiful.
• Bennington CDP: Colder and more severe. The average temp is 45.0°F, meaning longer, harsher winters with significant snowfall. Summers are milder but shorter. If you hate shoveling snow and long cold spells, this is a major con.

Crime & Safety

This is the starkest contrast.

• Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k residents. This is significantly above the national average and a serious consideration. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood—some are as safe as any suburb, while others have high crime rates. You must do your homework.
• Bennington CDP: Violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100k residents. This is well below the national average and represents a very safe, low-crime environment. For families and retirees, this is a massive advantage.

Safety Verdict: Bennington is the unequivocal winner on safety. It’s not even a contest.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

Choosing between these two is less about which is "better" and more about which is right for you. Here’s the breakdown.

• Winner for Families: Philadelphia. The access to diverse schools (including top-tier magnets and charters), endless extracurricular activities, museums, parks, and a vibrant community of families outweighs the safety concerns for many. The key is choosing the right neighborhood.
• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia. The career opportunities, networking potential, dating scene, nightlife, and cultural experiences are unmatched in Bennington. The energy and energy of a major city are where this demographic thrives.
• Winner for Retirees: Bennington CDP. The low crime rate, peaceful environment, lower absolute home prices (for now), and sense of community are ideal for retirement. The trade-off is limited healthcare options and services—you’ll be driving to Albany or further for major needs.

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Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• World-Class Amenities: Unbeatable access to arts, culture, dining, and sports.
• Job Market: Diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, tech, and finance.
• Walkability & Transit: Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly with public transit options.
• Educational Institutions: Home to numerous colleges and universities.
• Purchasing Power: Higher median income helps offset living costs.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection and heightened awareness.
• Traffic & Congestion: Commutes can be long and stressful.
• High Taxes: City wage tax (3.75% for residents) plus state income tax.
• Urban Challenges: Noise, litter, and the general stress of city living.
• Competitive Housing Market: Finding the right place can be tough and expensive.

Bennington CDP: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely Low Crime: One of the safest communities in the data set.
• Lower Absolute Costs: Cheaper home prices and rents (though relative index is high).
• Natural Beauty: Access to hiking, skiing, and pristine New England scenery.
• Quiet & Peaceful: Anti-hustle, low-stress environment.
• Tight-Knit Community: Strong sense of local identity and support.

Cons:

• Severe Weather: Long, cold winters with heavy snow.
• Limited Opportunities: Few local jobs; dependent on remote work or commuting.
• Sparse Amenities: Minimal shopping, dining, and healthcare options.
• Isolation: Far from major cities; requires a car for everything.
• Limited Inventory: Very few homes or rentals available.

The Bottom Line: If you crave energy, opportunity, and are willing to navigate the complexities of city life, Philadelphia is your city. If your priority is safety, peace, and a tight budget for a home, and you can handle isolation and harsh winters, Bennington CDP could be your sanctuary. Choose wisely.