ROYERSFORD, Pa. (WLVT) - Philadelphia: the City of Brotherly Love, rich in history, identity, and its own quirks.
But what defines a Philadelphian? And do you have to live in the city proper to be one? Many residents of Montgomery County disagree on whether they have to right to call themselves Philadelphian.
“You have to know the city really well, be able to walk around, take the trains and stuff,” said Upper Dublin resident Lexi Colon.
Montgomery County has a huge variety in terms of development, extending from urban to suburban to rural. The cultural border between Montco. and Philly, however, differs from person to person.
“Probably out through City Line Avenue,” said Phoenixville resident Joi Wu.
“Not past King of Prussia,” King of Prussia resident Matt Goldstein said.
“Kutztown, like way further out, you can’t say you’re from Philly,” said Sophia Klevit of Fort Washington.
“I think once Walmart is your only grocery store, then that’s when you know you’re outside of the city,” said Charlie Rudalavage, also from Fort Washington.
Regional identity tends to be defined by characteristics recognized outside of that region. For example, many Americans would recognize as distinctly Philadelphian cheesesteaks or the pronunciation of the word “water” as “wooder.” But regional identity is also deeply personal.
“We have what we call perceptual regions that are not based on anything that’s actually measurable or anything that’s been legally agreed to, but that person perceives that boundary to be there,” said Samuel Wallace, associate professor of geography at Montgomery County Community College. “For that person, that boundary is there.”
Many residents of Montgomery County have a complicated relationship with the term Philadelphian.
“I do not really consider myself a resident of Philadelphia, just because I live outside,” Rudalavage said.
“I am a Philadelphian,” said Elkins Park resident Bill Coccagna.
“If you’re talking technical, no, because they live in Montgomery County, but regionally and figuratively yes,” said Linda Gross, also of Elkins Park.
“I have Philly influences, but I don’t think I would consider myself a true Philadelphian,” Colon said.
Philly identity isn’t as simple as a loyalty to Wawa over Sheetz. Some say Philadelphian status depends on how often you’re in the city, rather than where your house is. For example, commuters who work or go to school in Philly and then head back to the suburbs at night would still be Philadelphians. Others believe true Philadelphians must live in the city proper.
“To be a Philadelphian, there’s a uniqueness about people who have actually lived—at least a portion of their lives—in Philadelphia,” Coccagna said.
Some say it’s your attitude that makes you more or less Philadelphian.
“People here [in Phoenixville] are a lot nicer, not like Philadelphia,” Wu said. “Here there’s more community, locals. It’s very warm and nice.”
“I associate cities with their sports teams,” said Ambler resident Courtney Barallo. “When the Eagles won the Superbowl, everyone around here was going crazy because it was our team.”
It also matters to whom you’re talking. If you’re telling a fellow Philadelphian where you live, many say you must identify your specific suburb. But if you’re talking to someone from out of town, it’s okay to just say Philadelphia.
“If you’re from the ‘burbs I think it’s just easier to say you’re from Philadelphia, rather than just saying, ‘I’m from Elkins Park,’ or ‘I’m from Bryn Mawr,’ or whatever,” said Philadelphia resident Arthur Salazar.
Some city dwellers and even suburbanites judge those from Philly’s exurbs who claim Philadelphian identity.
“You can’t say you’re from Philadelphia if you’re from anywhere you look on a map and it’s outside of the region you’re looking at when you look at Philadelphia,” Goldstein said.
Others believe urban and suburban identities aren’t mutually exclusive.
“One way that some people overcome that is by allowing themselves to have more than one identity,” MCCC’s Professor Wallace said.
Whether others agree with you or not, your own Philly identity is your own choice.
“I think you can live anywhere and be a Philadelphian, in truth,” said Coccagna.
The jury is still out on whether Montgomery County can consider itself part of Philadelphia. But one thing’s for sure: Philadelphians proudly carry their identity—wherever they go.
