Philly or D.C.? With lab work ending and job hunts reaching the final interview phase my friends have quickly begun to polarize. Those that live in Philly are obviously encouraging me to take one of the Philly offers. The D.C. clan are equally persuasive.

Having never really 'lived-lived' [I did do a very brief internship in philly] in either I just have no clue which one would be more fun. Honestly they both meet my basic requirements in a city:
1) Nearby supply of lush countryside with stables for horses
2) Steady source of cultural influx: ie. symphony, plays, etc.
3) Fencing gym: [Yeah this one was a deal breaker for a few places I was looking at. But both D.C. and Philly were set on this one so I can keep up rapier and foil work! ^_^]
4) Jazz clubs and Swing dancing clubs!
5) "Pretty/green area's with nearby tea/coffee shops for evening hang outs
6) Good shopping scene.
7) Fun dance club scene! [The bar scene doesn't really matter, but the dance scene! Huge!]
8) A reasonably...'gayish' scene. : I'd rather not be the 'only gay Eskimo' to paraphrase a song.

So now I have a mild problem. I need new criteria! What requirements are necessary for the city you plan on living near for a long while? [Note I said near...I'll commute before I actually live down town anywhere...too much light and noise once you get to close!]

Any suggestions will do, but bonus points if its something that Philly or D.C. has over the other one.