Rhawnhurst - Philadelphia, PA

Rhawnhurst, named after George and William Rhawn by area real estate developers, was mainly undeveloped farmland until the 1940s. After the housing demand spike caused by the baby boom following World War II, Rhawnhurst saw an influx of residential construction and growth that would make it the community it is today.

Visit nearby museums such as Ryerss Museum & Library and Insectarium. Insectarium, the nation's largest insect museum, educates visitors on the numerous species of bugs in a fun and engaging environment.

Explore international art, artifacts, paintings and heirlooms at Ryerss Museum & Library. Learn about the mansion's rich history and browse art from across the globe or the vast collection of books from the circulating library.

The restaurants of Rhawnhurst provide a variety of cuisine sure to please any palate. Savor specialties at local Portuguese and Japanese restaurants as well as handmade pizza and Italian dishes at local pizzerias.

El Balconcito II on Caster Avenue serves Portuguese and Peruvian delicacies such as fresh seafood, aromatic paella and juicy grilled steaks. Enjoy the casual atmosphere and authentic cuisine of El Balconcito II, open seven days a week until midnight. Start your meal with fried yucca, stuffed plantains or the popular ceviche, fresh seafood marinated in bright flavors such as cilantro and lime. The menu features entrées such as Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, stuffed lobster and paella Valenciana, a traditional dish of yellow rice, seafood, chicken, beef and Portuguese chorizo.

Discover Tuscany Ristorante on Rhawn Street for your next date night or family dinner. The restaurant features an Italian menu of pasta and traditional specialties in a charming ambiance. Tuscany Ristorante provides an affordable lunch menu that includes your choice of entrée, Italian bread, soup or salad for under $10 from Tuesday through Saturday. Come for dinner and enjoy Caesar salad, baked manicotti, linguini with clams or eggplant parmigiana. Bring your own wine (the restaurant is BYOB) and save room for dessert such as rich cheesecake, caramel apple pie, creamy tiramisu or homemade rice pudding.

A visit to Lipkin's Bakery on Castor Avenue welcomes you with the smell of fresh baked bread and smiling faces. The third-generation bakery has been a staple in Rhawnhurst for many years, creating a variety of kosher baked goods and celebration-worthy cakes. Bring home challah bread, pumpernickel loaf or apple strudel. Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Jewish desserts such as babka or hamantashen. The bakery remains exceedingly popular for its knishes, a Jewish snack food of soft, flaky golden dough and various sweet or savory fillings.

Head to one of several local bars for craft beer and events such as happy hour and karaoke. Locals can be seen at Redz Bar and Grill on Roosevelt Boulevard enjoying classic American fare and drinks while playing pool or watching a football game. Play poker for free and win prizes every Sunday, and sing karaoke and enjoy 45-cent wings on Wednesdays.

Start your weekend at the Rhawnhurst Cafe, located on Castor Avenue; this restaurant's Friday after-work party features music and dancing all night long. For something a bit more mellow, enjoy the relaxed, comfortable setting of Ali Baba Cafe & Hookah Bar. Share hookah with friends and watch live entertainment such as belly dancing every Friday and Saturday night.

Rhawnhurst residents can enjoy convenient commutes with easy access to Route 1 and major roads such as Cottman Avenue (Route 73) and Bustleton Avenue (Route 532). Those opting for public transportation alternatives can take advantage of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA. Several bus lines service Rhawnhurst and provide connections to regional rail lines, the Broad Street subway and the Market-Frankford line.

Uber, cab companies and ride-shares such as ZipCar are available in the city. Street parking remains accessible in this residential neighborhood. Bicyclists can take advantage of the flat terrain and selection of bike lanes. Shopping areas on main streets such as Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard are convenient for pedestrians.

Rhawnhurst residents can appreciate one of the largest urban parks in the United States, Pennypack Park, in their backyard. The stunning 1,600-acre park offers something for everybody, whether it be playgrounds, bridle paths for scenic horseback riding or miles of trails perfect for biking and hiking; admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Visit several historic structures at Pennypack Park, including the oldest stone bridge still in use in the U.S., a historic church and the Verree House, a significant American Revolutionary War site. Animal admirers enjoy this park's 150 species of birds and large deer population. Music lovers appreciate the Pennypack Park Music Festival, a free concert series that takes place each summer.

The Peblano Recreation Center in Rhawnhurst provides basketball courts, batting cages, tennis courts and several sports fields. Residents can explore the 9.9 acres and take advantages of activities such as Zumba classes and after-school programs.

The cost of living in Rhawnhurst is 7 percent greater than the city average. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $767 on average.

A ride on the bus, trolley or subway costs $2.25, and gas prices average 6 percent higher here than in the rest of the nation. A beer at a local bar costs around $4, although several bars, including Redz Bar and Grill, feature specials and happy hour prices as low as $1.50.

Shopping in Rhawnhurst is convenient, with several available shopping centers, such as the Roosevelt Mall and the Cottman & Bustleton Center, which house major chains like Macy's and Target. Jim's Steaks, located in Roosevelt Mall, is one of Philadelphia's most popular and oldest cheesesteak joints.

Stop by Bags and Bling on Cottman Avenue for everything you need for your next special occasion. Browse evening wear, jewelry, handbags and accessories at affordable prices. Don't forget about your little one; Deborah Lynn's Boutique on Frankford Avenue sells an array of tutus, dance apparel, leggings and hair accessories any girl would love. The shop also creates custom handmade dresses and can help you find the perfect baby shower gift.

Rhawnhurst residents have a few options when it comes to grocery shopping, including chains such as Pathmark and Acme. Bell's Market on Bustleton Avenue has been providing residents with fresh produce and imported products for two decades. The family-owned supermarket specializes in delicacies from all over the world. Shop caviar and smoked fish from Russia, teas from China and a vast deli and bakery department. For a quick dinner, bring home items such as pierogies, blintzes, chicken Kiev and delectable soups.

In Lawncrest, less than three miles southwest of Rhawnhurst, is the Oxford Circle Farmers Market. Hosted by the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, this market vends locally grown fruits and vegetables.