If life was perfect, we’d all stay in Philly forever. Unfortunately, sometimes life, school, and jobs get in the way of our dreams of forever strolling Elfreth’s Alley. If you’ve moved away from Philadelphia because you couldn’t turn down an epic job opportunity or your college years took you far away, it can be hard to adjust. Sadly, whenever anyone has left Philadelphia, they’ve also left a piece of their heart. Here are a few thoughts we’ve all had when we say goodbye to the City of Brotherly Love.

1. Um, that's not a cheesesteak.
Flickr / bluedotcreations
It's amazing what people will try to pass off as a cheesesteak. There's one pizza shop in Pennsyltucky that insists on adding raw onion to theirs, and I've seen delis in the south serve theirs up with all sorts of cheese, but with no whiz or provolone to be found. If you've left Philadelphia, you've also left behind cheesesteaks.
2. Why can't I find a hoagie anywhere?
Flickr / James
Philadelphians are mocked for calling these sandwiches "hoagies" rather than subs, but when every other deli in the country can't top Sarcone's or Cosmi's, who really has the last laugh?
3. I miss my lunch truck!
Flickr/ Ezra Wolf
Whether it's by your office or your home, you get attached to your favorite lunch truck, and it's difficult to say goodbye when you have to leave.
4. Really, Eagles?
Flickr / Lorie Schaull
So, most years we're all saying "Really, Eagles?" because they've let us down. This year, everyone who has left Philadelphia is saying "Really, Eagles?" because they couldn't have won while we were still in Philly? So not fair.
5. I miss real soft pretzels.
Flickr / Philip Pessar
Auntie Anne's and SuperPretzel should be ashamed that they try to pass off their pretzels as true soft pretzels. There's nothing like a Philly pretzel, and I wish I could find them anywhere else.
6. Why doesn't anyone celebrate New Years Day?
Flickr / H. Wechsler
Apparently, most of the country sleeps in on New Years Day and spends the afternoon relaxing, watching TV, and maybe doing some chores.
7. Wawa withdrawal is real.
Facebook / Wawa
No, your other convenience store isn't the same. It's not even close.
8. We're not as bad as youse think!
Flickr / Lorie Shaull
Philadelphians get a reputation for being tough, scary, and mean. The truth is, we're the best, most entertaining people you'll ever meet.
9. I miss it all... even SEPTA.
Flickr / Jukie Bot
It's hard to believe you could ever miss SEPTA... until you try to take public transit in Boston, Atlanta, or Denver. One thing Philadelphia gets right is the subway.

What did you miss the most when you left Philly? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to reflect on some of your favorite Philadelphia spots, check out this list of 12 Iconic Places Every True Philadelphian Will Instantly Recognize.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles