Cedarbrook-Stenton - Philadelphia, PA

The Cedarbrook-Stenton area of Philadelphia developed mostly after World War II and grew around the Ivy Hill Cemetery, which was founded in 1897. The cemetery has an interesting history and is worth a walk-about.

The West Oak Lane Jazz festival started in 2003 and has been an annual event where local musicians as well as established legends join on Ogontz Avenue for a 3-day festival of music (not just jazz), art and food.

Although there's not a lot of high-end restaurants in the immediate area, that doesn't mean the food isn't excellent in nearby eateries. Try one of the areas diverse restaurants and see for yourself.

Royal's Restaurants serves Cajun and Creole food. The jerk chicken falls off the bone and is perfectly spiced. Despite all the meat entrées, this place has surprisingly good options for vegetarians and vegans, so it is a good choice when dining with a diverse group of foodies. Don't let the casual atmosphere of the place fool you, the food here is top-notch.

For something a little more upscale, check out Relish on West Oak Lane, which serves Southern comfort with a twist. Besides fried chicken, collard greens, wings and sweet potatoes, this place is famous for its mac and cheese. It features jazz musicians playing all week and romantic candlelit tables, so date night can be extra special.

For some excitement without venturing too far, give Rueben's Marc a try. This place has a little bit of everything: music, a dance floor, cheap beers and good wings. Thursday nights feature karaoke if you want to channel your inner diva.

Delmar Bar and Lounge in nearby Germantown serves up good eats for reasonable prices. The vibe is "neighborhood chill," and somebody can always be seen playing a song from the extensive selection in the jukebox. A DJ spins some weekends, but most people come in here for the pool tables and relaxed atmosphere. The tables do get crowded on the weekends, so best to pop in during the week for a game of 9-ball.

Public transportation is a little tough in this area of the city but not non-existent. SEPTA is Philadelphia's transit system, and it runs buses through the neighborhood. Take the 18 bus to Broad Street, and then hop on the Orange Line (the Broad Street Subway). You can also take SEPTA's regional rail by catching a train at the Stenton stop. This is a more expensive option, but much quicker.

Because of the limited mass transit, many people have cars. Street parking is plentiful, but some blocks can be tough to park on late at night. The neighborhood of Cedarbrook-Stenton is very walkable. Bike lanes leave something to be desired on the east-west streets. Hailing a cab is hit-or-miss, so you are better off calling one if you need to be some place in a timely manner. Uber Black also services the neighborhoods.

The official Cedarbrook-Stenton area doesn't have any large parks, but does have several cute playgrounds where you can bring the kids. Finely Playground and Simon Playground both have swings, merry-go-rounds and basketball courts for recreation. You can always drive to nearby Fairmount Park and explore one of the largest urban parks in the world. Fairmount Park hosts events all year long such as 5k runs, movie nights and outdoor art galleries. There are no dog parks in the immediate Cedarbrook-Stenton area, though dogs are welcome on-leash in public areas. Visit Wyncote, Pennsylvania, a short drive way, and go to Curtis Hall Dog Park if the dog needs to roam free.

In Germantown, the Awbury Arboretum is a fun place to explore. The 55-acre wonderland features wild animals, exotic plants, running and walking trails, rare trees and even a secret garden that kids find enchanting. Best of all, it's open and free every single day of the year.

The cost of living in the Cedarbrook-Stenton area of Philadelphia is lower than the cost in most other areas of the city. Most residents are lower-middle income earners, so the rents reflect that. You can get a one-bedroom for about $800 a month. A bus ride to center city costs $2.25. Beers are $3 to $4 dollars at the local bars, so you can have a night out for fairly cheap. Gas prices are no more than a percentage point higher when compared to the national average cost.

Cedarbrook-Stenton features several shopping areas. On Easton Road, the Cedarbrook Shopping Plaza offers retail chains such as Walmart and Pathmark. There are also stores such a ShopRite and an Aldi within close driving distance to the neighborhood.

If farmer's markets are more your speed, you have to venture to Chestnut Hill's indoor farmer's market. It is open year-round, but closed on Sundays. More than a traditional farmer's market, this place features vendors who sell various kinds of ethnic foods. Definitely don't leave the area before stopping at Metropolitan Bakery for a cookie.

London Hardware on Wadsworth Avenue is the place to go for household needs and tools. For a small shop, it has a huge inventory, and the prices are comparable to those offered by the big-name chains. Also try Brown's Linens, which carries a variety of curtains and curtain hardware. The staff at this mom-and-pop store is super-friendly and take time to make sure you get what you need.