If you prefer an urban school, go to the urban school. More importantly, if you prefer Philadelphia, go to U Penn.
Of the Top 20 national universities, Duke’s campus environment and school spirit would be in the top half of my list for sure. I also view college as, “Plenty of time to work/live in different cities, but won’t ever live with a bunch of early 20s in a real campus environment again.” I’ve lived in double digit cities around the world since undergrad on a real campus. Excluding Johns Hopkins, because I haven’t been on campus, UPenn would easily be in last place for my kids or me. However, that doesn’t matter.
For others UPenn’s location would lead them to their first choice.
That’s what makes the world go 'round.
I’ve lived in double digit cities around the world and they can be very, very different.
If you like Philly, go for it.