In recent years, Philadelphia has embraced a wave of tech startup companies, fought to keep existing businesses in the city, and focused strongly on the tourism industry. Philadelphia was recently named a World Heritage City, joining other great cities of the world like Paris and Rome. Philadelphia was the first U.S. city to receive this designation.

Health Care Innovation Hub

Philadelphia's booming tech industry combined with its large number of medical institutions has created one of the country's biggest hubs for health care innovation. With numerous hospitals and medical research companies located in the region, students who receive their medical education in Philadelphia are in a unique position for securing internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and post-graduation employment.

There are several other practical advantages to receiving your medical education in Philadelphia which has:

More than 85 hospitals and clinics (including 3 distinguished children's hospitals), as well as several industry-leading biomedical research and pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, AstraZeneca, GE Healthcare, Johnson and Johnson, Wyeth, and Siemens Medical Solutions.

Approximately 20 percent of the workforce is employed in the health care industry, and one out of every six doctors in the U.S. has had medical training in Philadelphia.

The nation's third-highest concentration of research institutions, and more than 90 institutions of higher education. Philadelphia boasts a higher concentration of educational resources than New York or Boston.

The seventh-largest metropolitan area population in the U.S.

Culture and Cuisine

Known as the city of neighborhoods, Philadelphia is comprised of many distinct districts that collectively make up one of the world's most unique cities. On any given weekend, you can find several festivals and social celebrations taking place in many of the local neighborhoods. From the 9th Street Italian Market in South Philadelphia to the craft breweries of Fishtown, the character of each neighborhood adds to the cultural flavor of the city.

In recent years, Philadelphia has become a foodie's dream. While the cheesesteak and roast pork sandwiches remain city staples, famed chefs and restaurateurs like Steven Starr, Jose Garces, Masaharu Morimoto, Kevin Sbraga and many others have elevated Philadelphia's restaurant scene to the world stage.

In addition to neighborhood festivals and trademark food, Philadelphia is also home to several world-class museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Other popular attractions include Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the Franklin Institute, the Barnes Foundation, and the Mütter Museum. You'll also find that many of the buildings throughout the city are covered in breath-taking murals, effectively making the city one giant gallery.

Ideal Location

While there is plenty to keep you busy within the city limits, Philadelphia's convenient location grants you access to so much more. Philadelphia is only 90 miles from New York City, 60 miles from the beach, and 120 miles from the Pocono Mountains. Other great cities like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, are just a day-trip away as well. There truly is something for everyone, making Philadelphia one of the most conveniently located cities.

More on City Living

The benefit of attending an urban university like Drexel is that the campus extends much further than the dorms and dining halls. Drexel students have the entire city at their fingertips. Over the past century, Drexel University has become vital to the fabric of Philadelphia. We look for civically engaged individuals and encourage students to utilize every resource and explore everything this great city has to offer.

For more extensive resource listing, please visit Drexel University's website to learn more about the following: