Allegheny West - Philadelphia, PA

Allegheny West once had a much more unusual name -- Swampoodle. While no one is quite sure why the neighborhood was named Swampoodle, some believe it came from the swamps that once existed in the area. Back in the late 1800s, this was the location of a railroad junction, where three lines intersected. The North Philadelphia Station still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The official name of West Allegheny, however, comes from an association that was formed between the Pep Boys and Tasty Baking Company, once located on the western side of Broad Street.

The Laurel Hill Cemetery functions as a historic site of interest where locals spend time perusing the graves of their predecessors. To browse artistic furniture, head to the Peter Handler Studio on West Allegheny Avenue.

The prime commercial zone in Allegheny West sits on North 22nd Street, with many businesses located along the thoroughfare. Isaiah's Taste of Sole specializes in soul food, its chef dedicated to serving each dish in a beautifully arranged display. Located on North 22nd Street, Isaiah's opens from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and 1pm until 8pm on Sundays. Try the indulgent chicken and waffles, a favorite among locals. Drop by the China King on North 22nd Street for a wide assortment of Chinese dishes.

Cross Lincoln Highway to Ridge Avenue and drop in to In Riva. With a warm and welcoming environment, In Riva offers Napoletana-style pizza, house-made pasta, and antipasti dishes, all made with the idea of sharing among everyone at the table. Locals claim you can't go wrong with the mushroom and zucchini pizza, which makes use of truffle mushrooms and fontina cheese. Not far from In Riva, stop in at Cranky Joe's for a cold beer and a snack, all at great prices.

Four regional rail lines, operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, pass through Allegheny West on the way to suburban areas such as Conshohocken, Chestnut Hill West, and Trenton. Find easy access to the Amtrak rail lines, which can be used to visit New York and Washington D.C.

SEPTA bus routes 1, 2, 32, 33, 48, 54, and 60 also pass through Allegheny West, while most other sections of the city can also be reached via car, with relatively short travel times. You'll find sporadic free parking on the streets of Allegheny West but no private parking garages are located in the area. Access Route 1 to the north of the neighborhood or Highway 611 to its east.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority takes responsibility for parking, airport, and taxi and limo service throughout Philadelphia. Several taxi companies operate within Philadelphia, but none are actually located in Allegheny West. If you call a cab,expect significant wait times. Alternatively, use the Uber app, as Uber's service area extends throughout Philadelphia. You'll find no bike trails in the neighborhood but, with plenty of sidewalks to make use of, you need only make sure to bring a bike lock or be prepared to carry your bicycle with you to use this means of transport.

Head to the McDevitt Recreation Fields for several sports and recreation options for both adults and children, including enclosed spaces for hockey practice and tennis, as well as a batting cage, roller hockey, and ball fields. Despite rules prohibiting dogs within this local park, members of the community do bring their pets here for walks, and keeping your animal on a leash is strongly advised. Activities are offered for youngsters throughout the year in the mornings and early afternoons, as well as day camps.

Meanwhile, at the western border of the neighborhood, Laurel Hill Cemetery serves both as a National Historic Landmark and a 78-acre park filled with art and history. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed and licensed, while groups from schools, clubs, and senior centers use the park for recreation and education. Events take place regularly, such as celebrations of heroes of the American Civil War and Veterans' Day tours. Visit the burial sites of prominent local figures as you enjoy the natural beauty of this large open space.

Allegheny West ranks 52nd in Philadelphia, and 138th in Pennsylvania as a whole, in terms of cost of living, though you can expect to pay around a 10th less for your living costs than elsewhere in the City of Philadelphia.

The median cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Allegheny West sits at around $768, for example, making it over 10 percent more affordable than the average Philadelphia residence. Cost per gallon for gasoline comes over seven percent more expensive than the national average, while a pint of beer will cost you around $8.

Necessity locations such as pharmacies, hardware stores, and hair salons are generally found on W. Lehigh Avenue, located on the southern border of West Allegheny. For specialty stores and additional services, turn north along North 21st and North 22nd Streets.

Drop by Earth Mother Herbs on West Lehigh for supplements and bio-energetic remedies formulated by a traditional herbalist. Head to Rainbow for junior clothing and plus sizes for women or T-Shirts For Every Occasion on North 27th Street, which offers exactly the products its name implies. Find an exclusive line of women's clothing at Ameenah's Place that locals will instantly recognize.

Grocery stores can be found throughout the area, ranging from small convenience stores to larger supermarkets, including Thriftway Supermarket, Torres Grocery, and C-Town Supermarkets. Find a farmer's market in front of the Devereux United Methodist Church on W. Allegheny Avenue, selling fresh produce from local suppliers.