Ingram - Pittsburgh, PA

Ingram began as land that was originally part of Chartiers Township in 1752. It got its name from prominent landowner Thomas Ingram after a petition to incorporate Ingram as a borough was approved by a grand jury in 1902. Advertised as a tranquil community outside of the heavily industrial Pittsburgh, suburban development and evolving public transportation encouraged further growth.

The closeness of Ingram to Downtown Pittsburgh means that residents have access to a rich museum culture, with displays of important local history at the Fort Pitt Museum or family-friendly cartoon and comic art exhibits at ToonSeum. Established for decades, thousands attend the annual Ingram Days event to participate in the food, games, crafts, music and entertainment of this neighborhood celebration. Things kick off with a parade down Ingram Avenue before the booths open up.

A large amount of Italian restaurants and a few ethnic cuisine spots populate the local area, emphasizing affordable eating. Among the pizzerias, one of the local favorites has to be Sarafino's, a simple, small restaurant that knows both food and people. The owner makes the rounds to greet and talk to his customers. The close table arrangements create a sort of family feel for the whole restaurant, adding to the nostalgic ambiance. Italian classics grace the menu, and entrées such as the seared steak panini or any of the pizzas come fresh out of the oven. Specials add to the variety and fun of the food choices, such as the seasonal pumpkin tortellini. Sarafino's allows you to bring your own bottle, so make sure to take advantage.

In the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center, the Chan An Restaurant cooks up Chinese food in a casual environment to a high volume of regulars. Service is quick, and you can expect the food to be ready shortly after ordering. A full combo with fried rice, egg roll and drink included costs just under $10, and everything on the menu comes with affordability in mind, without sacrificing quality or quantity. The garlic chicken, steamed dumplings and sweet and sour chicken all stand out, though everyone has their own favorites. The friendly staff accommodates each customer and his or her preferences, one of the many reasons people throughout the region repeatedly come back for more.

Though you may choose to ride into Downtown Pittsburgh for the nightlife, you can also stay local for neighborhood bars and pubs. Order some wings and drinks specials at the upbeat Mugshots Cafe on Walsh Road, and catch the big sports game on the televisions while playing free poker with your friends. Drink and sing karaoke to your heart's content at Obey House on Steuben Street, and watch movies on the huge screen on Movie Mondays.

Ingram residents get around the neighborhood through a variety of means, though car travel comes first and foremost. Important local roads include Ingram Avenue and West Prospect Avenue, while the neighborhood lies in close proximity to P.A. 60, serving Pittsburgh's western suburbs, and U.S. 30, which heads into Pittsburgh proper. Free public parking benefits drivers, and without bike lanes, residents bike and walk through the neighborhood safely via sidewalks in residential areas.

Catch a taxi by calling the Yellow Cab Company of Pittsburgh, or use the Uber service to request a ride. The Port Authority of Allegheny County provides bus service to the neighborhood, and picks up commuters at Ingram Station. Buses here travel down the West Busway, a two-lane bus-only highway that passes through surrounding suburbs and goes into Downtown Pittsburgh. Book flights out of the region at the nearby Pittsburgh International Airport.

Though Ingram only has one major park of its own, residents can still visit the many parks located just outside the territory. In neighboring Crafton, the 10-acre Crafton Park includes a public swimming pool, ball fields, sand volleyball court, playground and an amphitheater. Crafton also has Clearview Park, a wood-chipped walking trail running parallel to Clearview Avenue. In the nearby neighborhood of Thornburg, the Conservation Area Park operates as an off-leash dog park, with a paid permit required in order to use it.

Within Ingram, residents head to Foster Park for a number of activities for the whole family. Children play at the large playground, enjoying the spiral slide, climbing structure, swings and merry-go-round. Sports-minded individuals participate on the multiple sports courts and fields for baseball, tennis, volleyball and even street hockey. A small walking trail lets you go for a peaceful stroll or jog alone or with others, and a wealth of green space makes for great picnic opportunities.

Foster Park hosts many of the neighborhood's annual events. The booths and attractions of the previously mentioned Ingram Day are located at this park. An annual Halloween Parade commences at Foster Park, and other community-building events such as a Child Safety Day also take place there.

An affordable cost of living benefits residents living in Ingram, as overall costs sit lower than national and state averages. Ingram compares about evenly with the average cost of living in the city of Pittsburgh, and you can rent a one-bedroom residence in the neighborhood for about $527 a month.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County buses charge $2.50 to ride into Downtown Pittsburgh, while effective car travel comes with gas prices at only 1 percent higher than the national average. Local pubs charge about $5 for a beer.

Residents appreciate the vast shopping available either directly within Ingram or in adjacent neighborhoods. One of the main areas for large chain stores and independents businesses is the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center, though other roads hold additional stores.

On West Prospect Avenue in Ingram, the family-owned Airport Sewing Center acts as a hub for all things related to sewing, as it sells sewing machines, sells embroidery designs from talented artists and fabrics, and even teaches classes to those interested in improving or learning the hobby.

Crafton Shoe Service in the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center not only provides retail boot sales, it also performs shoe and boot repairs. The store has been in the same location since its opening in 1968 and has survived due to fast, personalized service, low prices and quality results. Some repeat customers come to the store from far away because they know they can count on a job well done.

Purchase flowers in the area by going to the highly-rated Sisters Floral Designs on East Crafton Avenue, with bouquets and arrangements for any occasion. Flowers are selected daily to guarantee a fine selection, while experienced designers will help guide you in selecting the perfect floral design.

Grocery and food stores have a substantial presence in the neighborhood, with dependable franchises such as Save-A-Lot, Family Dollar and a busy Giant Eagle all located in the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center. In this same shopping center, the local butcher cuts a variety of meats to your liking at Market Fresh Meats. Buy fresh farm foods and vegetables from local vendors at the Green Tree Farmers Market in the nearby borough of Green Tree.