Lewisville vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Lewisville	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$88,784	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$386,500	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$208	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,291	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	117.8	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	38.4%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. Lewisville: The Ultimate Head-to-Showdown

So, you're at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic powerhouse where the American story feels alive on every cobblestone street. On the other, you have Lewisville—a modern, sun-drenched suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex where the vibe is fresh, spacious, and decidedly Texan.

This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two fundamentally different ways of life. Are you craving the energy of a major metropolis where something is always happening, or do you want the breathing room and suburban polish of a city that's growing by the minute?

Let's cut through the noise and get real about where your dollars, your time, and your lifestyle will land.

The Vibe Check: Historic Grit vs. Modern Suburbia

Philadelphia is the East Coast's version of a city that doesn't apologize for itself. It's the underdog with a chip on its shoulder and alleyways that echo with the ghosts of revolutionaries. The culture here is a thick chowder of blue-collar pride, world-class art (hello, the Barnes Foundation), and a food scene that goes from iconic cheesesteaks to James Beard-winning fine dining. It's walkable, dense, and unapologetically urban. You're not just living near a city; you're living in it.

Lewisville, meanwhile, is the picture of modern suburban comfort. Located about 30 minutes north of Dallas, it’s a master-planned community where the streets are wide, the parking is plentiful, and everything feels new and clean. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and centered around outdoor living (the Lewisville Lake is a huge draw). It’s less about "grit" and more about convenience and community. Think of it as the easy-living, low-stress alternative to the hustle of downtown Dallas.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia is for the person who thrives on energy, history, and walkability. The young professional who wants after-work drinks in a historic tavern, the family that values museums and parks, and the retiree who wants to stay mentally stimulated in a walkable neighborhood.
• Lewisville is for the person who values space, modern amenities, and a quieter pace. It’s for the family craving a backyard and top-rated schools, the remote worker who wants a beautiful home office, and anyone who prefers a car-centric lifestyle with easy access to nature.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. A $100,000 salary feels wildly different in these two cities. Let's break down the cold, hard cash reality.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Philadelphia	Lewisville	The Takeaway
Median Income	$60,302	$88,784	Lewisville residents earn 47% more on average.
Median Home Price	$270,375	$386,500	Philly is 30% cheaper to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	**$**1,451	**$**1,291	Surprisingly, Philly rent is 13% higher.
Housing Index	117.8	117.8	Both are 17.8% above the national average.
Violent Crime (per 100k)	726.5	234.0	Philly's rate is 3x higher.
Avg. Temp (°F)	52.0°F	57.0°F	Lewisville is milder, but Philly has distinct seasons.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
This is the plot twist. While Lewisville boasts a higher median income ($88,784 vs. Philly's $60,302), the purchasing power is a different story. Let's say you earn a solid $100,000.

• In Lewisville: You're earning above the local median, which is great. But your biggest expense—housing—is also above the national average. A $386,500 home requires a larger mortgage. However, Texas has 0% state income tax. On a $100,000 salary, that’s an extra $6,000-$7,000 in your pocket annually compared to states with high income tax (like Pennsylvania's 3.07% flat rate, which would cost you $3,070). This tax advantage is a huge deal for high earners.
• In Philadelphia: You earn less, but your housing is cheaper. A $270,375 home is more attainable, and while rent is higher, the overall housing cost burden can be lower. The catch? You're paying that Pennsylvania income tax, and Philadelphia has its own 3.78% wage tax for residents. That’s a significant chunk of change leaving your paycheck.

The Verdict on Dollars: For a high earner (say, $120k+), Lewisville's 0% income tax can often outweigh the higher home prices, giving you more net cash to save or invest. For median earners or those on a tighter budget, Philadelphia's lower home prices can be a more accessible entry point to homeownership.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:

• Buying: The $270,375 median price is relatively affordable for a major city. However, the market is intensely competitive. You're often bidding against investors and out-of-state transplants. In desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown or Queen Village, prices skyrocket well above the median. It's a seller's market in hot areas.
• Renting: With a higher rent median ($1,451), you're paying a premium for location and walkability. Competition for good apartments is fierce. You get less square footage for your money, but you gain the ability to live in the heart of the action without a car.

Lewisville:

• Buying: The higher median price ($386,500) reflects the newer, larger homes and the master-planned community lifestyle. The market is active but generally less frenetic than in downtown cores. You get more house—often with a yard, garage, and modern finishes—for your money. It's a balanced market with steady demand.
• Renting: The lower rent ($1,291) is a major perk. You can often find newer apartment complexes with resort-style pools and gyms. It's a renter-friendly market with plenty of inventory, giving you more leverage and choice.

The Bottom Line: If you want to own a home with a yard and modern features, Lewisville offers more value. If you want to own a piece of historic real estate in a walkable urban neighborhood, Philadelphia is your bet, but you'll likely compromise on space and condition.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference is king. Let's talk traffic, weather, and safety.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Walkable, but driving is a nightmare. Traffic is dense, parking is expensive and scarce, and public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but often delayed. Your commute is best on foot or by train.
• Lewisville: Car-centric by design. You'll drive for everything. Traffic on I-35E can be heavy during rush hour, but it's manageable compared to many major metros. Commutes to Dallas are straightforward (but can be long). The trade-off? You'll almost always find parking.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold (average temp 52°F is misleading; expect 30s and snow). Summers are humid and can hit the 90s. Fall is spectacular. You need a full wardrobe.
• Lewisville: Mostly mild, with hot, dry summers (easily hitting 100°F+) and mild winters (rarely freezing). The average 57°F year-round temp is pleasant, but you live with the Texas heat. No snow shoveling.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: This is a significant differentiator. The violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100k is nearly three times the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Your experience will depend entirely on where you live. It's a city of extremes.
• Lewisville: With a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100k, it's close to the national average and feels much safer. It's a typical, safe suburb where people feel comfortable leaving their doors unlocked (though you shouldn't). This is a major win for families.

🚨 REALITY CHECK: Philadelphia's crime stats are sobering. While much of it is concentrated in specific areas, it's a city-wide issue that affects everyone. Lewisville offers a level of day-to-day safety that's hard to match in a major urban core.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

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

Winner for Families: Lewisville

Why: The trifecta of lower crime (234.0 vs. 726.5), top-rated suburban schools, and more house for your money is unbeatable. The safe, community-oriented vibe with parks, lakes, and space for kids to run is ideal. You trade historic character for modern comfort and security.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: The walkability, vibrant social scene, and cultural depth are unmatched. You can live without a car, stumble home from a bar, and have endless networking and dating opportunities. The higher rent is the price of admission to an urban lifestyle. Lewisville’s suburbia can feel isolating for a single person craving connection.

Winner for Retirees: Lewisville

Why: For those on a fixed income, the 0% state income tax is a massive financial benefit. The milder winters are easier on the body, and the lower crime rate provides peace of mind. The walkable, single-level homes in newer communities are also more accessible. However, Philly wins for the retiree who values walkable neighborhoods, museums, and constant mental stimulation.

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Pros & Cons at a Glance

Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

✅ PROS:

• Unbeatable Walkability & Transit: Live car-free.
• Rich History & Culture: Endless museums, history, and arts.
• Food Scene: From street food to Michelin stars.
• Lower Home Prices: Entry point to homeownership in a major city.
• Four Seasons: Experience distinct, beautiful autumns.

❌ CONS:

• High Crime: Statistically significant safety concerns.
• High Taxes: State + city income tax eats into your paycheck.
• Old Infrastructure: Aging homes, potholes, and sometimes unreliable transit.
• Competitive Housing Market: Bidding wars in desirable areas.
• Winters are Cold & Gray: Can be harsh and gloomy.

Lewisville: Pros & Cons

✅ PROS:

• Safety: Low crime rate, family-friendly feel.
• Financial Advantage: 0% state income tax boosts purchasing power.
• More House for Your Money: Newer, larger homes with yards.
• Mild Weather: Avoids harsh winters.
• Lake Access & Outdoor Life: Lewisville Lake is a major recreational asset.

❌ CONS:

• Car-Dependent: You will drive everywhere.
• Lack of Urban Vibe: Can feel generic or isolating without a car.
• Summer Heat: Brutal, dry heat for months.
• Higher Median Home Price: More upfront cost to buy.
• Less Cultural Depth: Fewer major museums and historic venues.

The Final Word: Choose Philadelphia if your heart beats for the energy of a true city, you value walkability over space, and you can navigate its challenges. Choose Lewisville if your priority is safety, modern comfort, financial efficiency, and a quieter, more family-centric lifestyle. There’s no wrong answer—just the right answer for what you want your life to feel like.