Philly is overall a great town. Like any other major city, it has good parts and bad parts. Personally, I think its a great town and has an undeserved bad reputation. If you can afford it, I would recommend the Rittenhouse square are (very, very nice) or Chestnut hill (still within the city limits, but has more of a small-town feel). The only downside is that most of the places downtown will be rather pricey. However it is a great city, and you'll have an awesome time there I think.

MikeB... Where in Easton do you work? Moyer Aviation?