Johns Creek vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Johns Creek	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$151,344	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$675,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$230	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,362	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	110.9	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.8	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	400.7	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	74.8%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	27	40

Philadelphia vs. Johns Creek: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the gritty, historic, and undeniably vibrant energy of Philadelphia. On the other, the polished, leafy, and affluent suburb of Johns Creek, Georgia. It’s not just a choice between a city and a suburb—it’s a choice between two completely different lifestyles, economies, and futures.

So, which one is actually right for you? Let’s cut through the noise, look at the cold hard data, and figure out where you’ll thrive.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Gleam

Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder and a rich history to back it up. It’s the underdog of the Northeast corridor—the "Sixth Borough" that refuses to be overshadowed by NYC. The vibe here is unpretentious, intellectual, and deeply neighborhood-oriented. You’ll find world-class museums and universities a few blocks from corner stores and iconic cheesesteak joints. It’s a major city with the soul of a town, where you can live a vibrant urban life without the Manhattan price tag (or the Manhattan pace).

Johns Creek is the picture of modern suburban success. Located in Fulton County, Georgia, this is a master-planned community that epitomizes the "Atlanta sprawl." The vibe is quiet, safe, and family-centric. Think manicured lawns, top-tier schools, shopping centers, and a focus on comfort and convenience. It’s less about gritty authenticity and more about curated quality of life—great schools, low crime, and a high median income. It’s a haven for those who want the amenities of a big city (Atlanta is right there) without the chaos.

Who is this for?

• Philadelphia attracts creatives, young professionals, history buffs, and anyone who craves the energy and culture of a true metropolis.
• Johns Creek is built for established families, corporate professionals, and retirees who prioritize safety, schools, and a serene environment.

---

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power. You might earn the same salary in both places, but what does it actually get you?

Cost of Living Showdown

Category	Philadelphia	Johns Creek	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$270,375	$675,000	Philly is nearly 2.5x more affordable to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,362	Surprisingly similar, but Philly offers more variety.
Housing Index	117.8	110.9	Philly is slightly more expensive relative to the national average.
Median Income	$60,302	$151,344	Johns Creek residents earn over double the Philly median.

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Johns Creek, that’s actually below the median household income. You’ll feel like you’re keeping up, but not necessarily thriving. In Philadelphia, a $100k salary puts you well above the city’s median. You’d feel like a rockstar, especially in neighborhoods like Fishtown or South Philly, where your money goes further.

The Tax Tango:
This is a massive, often overlooked factor.

• Philadelphia has the trifecta: State Income Tax (3.07% flat), City Wage Tax (3.75% for residents), and sales tax. Your take-home pay takes a significant hit.
• Johns Creek, Georgia has 0% state income tax. That’s a game-changer. On a $100k salary, you could save $3,070 per year just in state taxes alone compared to PA. This dramatically boosts your purchasing power in Georgia.

Verdict: While the raw home prices in Johns Creek are staggering, the 0% state income tax and higher median incomes create a different economic reality. For a high earner, Johns Creek offers more financial breathing room. For a moderate earner, Philadelphia’s lower housing costs are a massive advantage.

---

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia (Buyer’s Market? Sort of.)
The median home price of $270,375 is a steal for a major Northeastern city. However, the market is competitive. You get more house for your money, but you’ll often be dealing with older homes that need work (think historic rowhouses with charm—and outdated plumbing). The city’s housing stock is diverse, from new luxury high-rises to century-old twins. Renting is a strong option here, with a wide range of prices and styles, though finding a parking spot is a universal struggle.

Johns Creek (Seller’s Market, Hands Down.)
A median home price of $675,000 is the entry point. This is a premium market. You’re paying for the schools, the safety, and the newness. Most homes are built in the last 30 years, with modern layouts, open kitchens, and two-car garages. The competition is fierce among families with deep pockets. Renting is an option, but the rental stock is smaller and often consists of single-family homes rather than apartments, keeping prices relatively high.

Verdict: Philadelphia wins on affordability and variety. Johns Creek wins on modern quality and space, but at a premium price.

---

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive and a viable way to get around. The city is dense and walkable. Traffic is congested, but not as nightmarish as Atlanta’s. Commuting from the suburbs is common.
• Johns Creek: You need a car. Period. The city is designed around highways (GA-400) and cars. Commutes to Atlanta can be brutal, often 45+ minutes with heavy traffic. Public transit is virtually nonexistent.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+), beautiful falls, cold and sometimes snowy winters (20-30°F), and pleasant springs. You’ll deal with all of it.
• Johns Creek: Also four seasons, but subtly different. Summers are longer and more humid than Philly. Winters are milder (rarely below freezing for long), but ice storms are a real threat. The overall annual average temperature is the same, but the climate feels less severe.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast.

• Philadelphia: Violent Crime Rate: 726.5/100k. This is high. It’s a national issue for major cities, and Philly is no exception. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must do your research. Areas like Center City and many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, while others struggle.
• Johns Creek: Violent Crime Rate: 400.7/100k. Still notable, but significantly lower than Philly. As an affluent suburb, it’s one of the safer communities in the Atlanta metro area. You can generally feel secure, which is a huge draw for families.

Verdict: Johns Creek is the clear winner for safety and predictable commutes (if you work locally). Philadelphia offers walkability and transit but requires vigilance and neighborhood savvy.

---

The Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Johns Creek

The data doesn’t lie. With top-tier schools, lower crime, and a community built around family life, Johns Creek is a powerhouse for raising kids. The median income is high, and the 0% state tax helps offset the steep housing costs. The trade-off is a less diverse, more homogenous culture and a car-dependent lifestyle.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

You get the best of both worlds: a major urban center with a median home price of $270,375 (a fraction of NYC, Boston, or DC) and a vibrant culture. The city’s energy, dating scene, and career opportunities in healthcare, education, and tech are unmatched. You can afford to live in the city, not just commute to it.

Winner for Retirees: Johns Creek (with a caveat)

If your priority is safety, low crime, and easy access to healthcare and amenities, Johns Creek is ideal. The milder winters are a plus. However, Philadelphia’s walkability, cultural institutions, and public transit can be a better fit for active retirees who want to stay engaged without driving. The caveat? Taxes in PA can eat into a fixed income.

---

Final Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Unbeatable Affordability: For a major city, housing is a steal.
• World-Class Culture: Museums, history, food, and arts are top-tier.
• Walkability & Transit: You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
• Diverse Neighborhoods: Something for every vibe and budget.
• Strong Job Market: Healthcare, education, and tech sectors are robust.

Cons:

• High Crime: Requires careful neighborhood selection and vigilance.
• City Wage Tax: Takes a significant chunk of your paycheck.
• Old Infrastructure: Homes and public services can be aging.
• Winters Can Be Bleak: Cold, gray, and snowy.

Johns Creek

Pros:

• Top-Rated Schools: A major draw for families.
• Low Crime: Significantly safer than Philadelphia.
• 0% State Income Tax: A massive financial advantage.
• Modern Amenities: New homes, shopping, and parks.
• Proximity to Atlanta: Easy access to big-city culture and airport.

Cons:

• Extremely Expensive Housing: Median price of $675,000 is a huge barrier.
• Car Dependency: No walkability, limited public transit.
• Homogenous Culture: Lacks the diversity and grit of a major city.
• Traffic: Commutes to Atlanta can be grueling.
• Higher Median Income: You’ll need a high salary to feel comfortable.

---

The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you want an affordable, culturally rich, urban lifestyle where you can be part of a dynamic community without breaking the bank. Choose Johns Creek if you have a high income, prioritize safety and schools above all else, and want a comfortable, modern suburban life with a major city nearby. The data points to two very different, but equally valid, paths to happiness.