Russian-speaking communities in the USA are predominantly located on the east and west coasts, which is related to the convenience of maritime communication. Migrants chose places that were familiar to them and where it was easier to settle. In the early 20th century, Russians began to settle in the coastal areas of Pennsylvania. Initially, traders came here, followed by peasants. Traders opened small shops, while peasants worked in the port and factories.

Russian sailors often visited Pennsylvania, and for some, it was a one-way trip. At the Glenwood Memorial Gardens cemetery in Philadelphia, you can find gravestones with Russian surnames; these are sailors from the cruisers "Varyag," "Retvizan," and "Africa," who died from illnesses. Local authorities take care of the burials and hold memorial ceremonies with the participation of representatives from the Russian embassy.

Mass migration to Pennsylvania began after October 1917. Initially, it was difficult; many worked as janitors, guards, dishwashers, and on construction sites for low pay. Over time, Russians were able to find jobs as engineers, doctors, and teachers. Newspapers in Russian are still published in Pennsylvania, and there are cafes, restaurants, libraries, and medical institutions where Russian is the second language after English.

Tourists from Russia are often surprised that in some stores, everyone speaks Russian, and on the shelves, you can find buckwheat, pickled tomatoes, cutlets, cabbage rolls, and dumplings. Online, you can find reviews about Philadelphia stores where the saleswomen, aged 40-60, in blue aprons and caps, create the feeling that the store is located in the depths of Russia. This seems strange in the context of 21st century America. Few know that Philadelphia is a sister city to Nizhny Novgorod.