Access to good schools, public transportation and employment opportunities are typical factors important to someone thinking about moving to a new city. But what if that person is really into dogs?
That’s where Move to Philly comes in. Brooklyn transplant Laris Kreslins started giving personal tours of Philadelphia soon after moving here in 2005. He once gave a dog-loving Connecticut couple a tour of the city by way of all its dog parks.
“Our tours are ‘warts and all,’ meaning we don’t upsell the city,” says Kreslins. “We hope to give an honest view of the city. I think people appreciate that.”
Tours, which usually last three hours and are powered by Kreslin’s car, include his wife Kendra and stops at open houses, pubs, less-heralded landmarks–or anywhere else about which someone is curious. Potential Philadelphians can reach out to Kreslins at Move to Philly’s website, which features prominent Philadelphia figures like Betsy Ross, Edgar Allen Poe, Mayor Michael Nutter and singer Mario Lanza, and is sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Philly Fun Guide and branding agency Stick and Move.
After some back and forth about interests, a highly customized tour is set up, like one that featured used bookstores or another that highlighted singles haunts. Kreslin has given about 100 tours, and knows of at least 10 percent of those who have moved here. He also shuttles recruits for Urban Outfitters around the city. Kreslin lets the city speak for itself.
“The fact that Philadelphia has strong and developed neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics is a big seller for the city,” says Kreslins.
Source: Laris Kreslins, Move to Philly
Writer: Joe Petrucci
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