PHILADELPHIA, PA—There are at least five reasons to believe in Philadelphia, says Savills Studley chief economist Heidi Learner, and they include: the rising number of companies locating in Center City; growth in the professional/business services segment; the changing demographics of Center City residents; rising office rents and a shortage of trophy office space; and the positive impact of university expansion and the presence of cable giant Comcast on the city.

“We do think Philadelphia is undergoing a resurgence,” Learner told GlobeSt.com in an exclusive audio interview you can hear in the player below this story. “It's been a little later to the game than other metro areas, but we think Philadelphia is beginning to turn the corner. Philadelphia offers some of the lowest commercial rents compared to some of its major metropolitan area cohorts.”

Among companies relocating or expanding in Philadelphia recently are: The American Bible Society (100,000 square feet, 200 jobs); EisnerAmper (42,000 square feet, 130 jobs); Hill International (60,000 square feet, 290 jobs); Axalta (38,000 square feet, 100 jobs); and Independence Blue Cross/Blue Shield (112,000 square feet, jobs to be determined).