Philadelphia residents.

It all comes down to what makes you happy. I got my cdl awhile back with the intent of living in the truck pretty much full time in order to sock money away. The week I got my cdl I had another non driving opportunity come up so I am doing that but if I ever do go OTR I would say skip and save the money, it is not just the rent but utilities, wasted food left in the fridge, if you rent a house you have to pay someone to do the yard work, shoveling in Philly, etc. Just not worth it for the little time you will actually use it unless having a place to call home is really important to you then ignore everything I said and get what makes you happy.

 

First question, why Philadelphia? Any specific reason?

 

If you go OTR, you will see your home city for two to 4 days a month. So if city dwelling is your dream, scratch OTR right of the list.
Also remember that we driver only make good money because we work brutally long hours.
This is every single well paid sector of CDL work
There is no time really for a social life or to absorb that grittiness

 

Philly is certainly a central location for someone who wants to do the stuff you mentioned. But if it were me, unless I could find a “home every weekend” job (like I have now), I would probably do what has already been mentioned and put my stuff in a storage unit, and do a once a month nice hotel stay. This would give you the flexibility to spend that weekend in Philly if you want, or take a train (or drive a car) to any of the other places that interest you.

Heck, if my wife kicks me out, I might adopt that lifestyle for myself!

 

Don't waste your money on an apartment. Stay in nice hotels in different parts of the country a couple times a month and pay half of what you would pay in rent. You might even be able to claim the hotel stays on your taxes! But check with a tax professional before you do.

 

I know your pain. Why don't you move to Florida. 50 states represented. All the different culture and accents you can handle

 

I'm a former Philadelphia resident. It's a nice city, but I agree with the others. As an OTR driver, you're unlikely to be home enough to establish much by way of social connections, so I don't know how much it would really feel like home. You'll also face the issue of where to park when you're on home time. Why not take your home time as suggested, in various places? Spend four or five days in Philadelphia, or NYC or DC, or wherever else interests you. Figure out where you can park, take Uber or public transit into town and check things out. Consider this a way to audition various areas for when you come off the road.