I noticed that my fellow Epinionators have only given my beloved Philadelphia Magazine a measly average of two and a half stars. I thought I would add my epinion to the bunch and hopefully bring the rating up a bit to what I feel is a more deserving level.

Defending one argument
One Epinionator complained that Philadelphia Magazine should be called "Philly and the Burbs." I won't disagree with that statement. Philadelphia Magazine does indeed focus much of its content on the Philly suburbs. There is a reason for this, however. I'll spend a moment off on a tangent as to why this is.

Philadelphia is a much more sprawling city in terms of events and happenings. Because of the city's very high wage tax, many of the areas corporations have moved outside of the city limits. As a result of their moving out, many people have moved out into the suburbs. I believe that some of the 'burbs of Philadelphia are mini-cities in themselves. And Philadelphians don't mind driving. A half an hour from one of the 'burbs to Olde City downtown is nothing to a local. (It would take a half an hour or more to cross town in New York City, wouldn't it?)

The point is, there is a demand for a magazine that covers both the city and outside of the city because locals do so much traveling in between, and because life is so built up in the suburbs here.

Monthly themes
Philadelphia Magazine has monthly themes to its issues. It will take the top or the best of something, and after careful research they will publish this information. As a Philly local, I can say that I have come to really appreciate this information. From information on local schools, to doctors, to vets to restaurants, I rely on Philadelphia Magazine to give me helpful information.

Best of Philly
Philadephia Magazine is probably most well-known for its annual "Best of Philly" issue. In its Best of Philly issue, Philadelphia Magazine highlights what it determines to be the best restaurants in the area. And let's just say these are TOP restaurants. Philadelphia is also known for its food, to the top-rated restaurants are incredible places to visit for a meal. To be listed in the annual Best of Philly issue is an honor in any restaurant, and any place that has been named such has it framed and up in their restaurant.

Best Places to Live
Their Best Places to Live issue actually just came out again last month. The issue included an article on "Why Home Prices Are Up When the Economy is Down," a thoughtful piece that explained why the interest rates are low and houses just won't come down. This issue also listed ten places the editors of Philadelphia Magazine thought were the best places to live. They judged this places based on a number of factors: school system, cost of living, cuteness of the town, etc.

There is something for everything in this list. One town they listed was Bryn Mawr, PA, which is in Philly's "Main Line" area, which is very expensive. The average house price is $800K. For those people who that isn't for, they also included Skippack, PA -- a town farther out in the suburbs that has a much lower cost of living. (Average house price being between $200-300K.) That's another thing I love about Philadelphia Magazine -- they always give you a choice. Their Best of Philly restaurants issue ? A mix of Asian, American, French, you-name-it cuisine. Again, something for everyone.

Other themes
Another popular theme is Top Private Schools. Philadelphia is home to a good majority of some of the top private schools in the country: Episcopal, Agnes Irwin, Shipley and more. Each year, Philadelphia Magazine reports on each school -- publishing average SAT scores and the top colleges that recent graduates attend. People I know who have children of middle school and high school age appreciate this annual issue.

Other fabulous themes in the past have included the top veterinarians in the area, and this month include the top "docs for kids" in Philadelphia. Again, something for everyone, and information that is incredibly useful to people who might not know the area, or are looking to expand themselves.

I even love the ads!
There is something about this magazine, but I even read the advertisements! I think it is because I also like that these ads expose me to restaurants and other vendors that I might not have known otherwise.

So the Web site sucks, what can you do
I'm frequently surprised at the state of Philadelphia Magazine's website. This is pretty much the only complaint I have about the magazine. Frankly, the site is horrible. It is hard to navigate, it doesn't include one-tenth of the information that the magazine provides and its just not up to par with other magazine websites. So I guess my recommendation here is, don't bother, or at least wait awhile to check back and see if it has improved at all.

Don't worry, it makes up for itself in cost and quality
Philadelphia Magazine is one of the most affordable magazine subscriptions I have. At $12 a year, it costs us $1 an issue. Otherwise, it costs $3.50 on the newsstand.

It is also a beautifully done magazine -- quality paper, quality pictures -- I think I would even venture to say that the paper and photos itself are above those of national magazines like Cosmo and Elle.


Recommended: Yes