<p>The immediate area around Penn is loaded with people. Penn and Drexel campuses are literally adjacent to each other which make for a bustling atmosphere. Is it NY? NO… But there are tons of people, all college students and it is very close to center city philly which adds the “extra” business people. The Penn students travel to center city for restaurants etc. It is walkable in nice weather and a reasonable cab ride when it is cold or late. You really should visit to see if you like the city feel, it is different from NY and DC but very busy…As for food I cannot speak for DC but there are a ton of restaurants in Philly, nice ones, that students can actually afford. I cannot say the same for NYC. </p>