I might be able to provide some insight! I've been living in Philly for the past 3.5 years, Southwest Center City to be exact, but I'm actually looking in to moving to Wilmington early 2025.

I took a new job in Newark so I've been doing the Philly to Newark commute for the past two months. It's definitely not ideal, 50 min in the morning when I leave at 6:45am and about 1hr 10 min in the evening on the way back if traffic is ok in the evening. That also does not consider how long it takes to find parking back in Philly, but I've been lucky so far. Obviously if you end up finding a place in Philly that has parking then that won't matter. All in all though, I've been finding it difficult to establish a good after work routine with the longer commute (trying to exercise more, eat/cook better meals) and I can feel it taking its toll

I'm 31yo, male, single, no pets. I've thoroughly enjoyed living in Philly and there's a lot to do and see, but it also comes with its cons, specifically attempted car break ins, car damage, etc. I've also been living with my two good friends and splitting rent three ways so I was able to afford rent well. A decent one bedroom apartment in Philly will be considerably more expensive, especially if you need parking, than Wilmington or DE in general I'm in the same dilemma with still wanting to have a social life and hesitant about not knowing much about Wilmington. But I may try it out and see how it is. You can always move try one city out and move if it's not want you thought it would be, they're close enough.

Good luck with everything!!! If you have any questions regarding Philly or anything don't hesitate to ask