Philadelphia is a city full of neighborhoods, and when you’re thinking of buying a home in the city, the energy and vibe of a neighborhood is as important as the design and features of the houses you’re looking at. Some neighborhoods are especially distinctive, as they’re full of things to do and places to go, and they have a real sense of community. West Philly’s Cedar Park is one such neighborhood, known for its affordable living options and bohemian atmosphere. Is Cedar Park the place for you? Read on.

Affordable Activities

If you enjoy spending time out of your house but don’t enjoy spending a lot of money, living in Cedar Park will give you a lot of options. The neighborhood is named for a small central park, which hosts a number of free activities throughout the year. In the summer, for example, you can enjoy weekly free jazz concerts.

Cedar Park shares an annual event with its eastern neighbor, Spruce Hill. Every summer, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll gives you a chance to check out the offerings of the stores and restaurants along Baltimore Avenue. During the event, shops offer various treats and goodies for just $1 each.

Another benefit of calling this area home is having a professional local theater company in your backyard. Since 2005, Curio Theatre Company has produced a number of classic and contemporary plays. Ticket prices for the company’s shows are affordable, and along with a full season of plays, the company operates a theater school and summer camp for young aspiring actors.

Getting Around

Cedar Park may be way out west in Philadelphia, but it’s relatively easy to navigate around the neighborhood and to get to other parts of the city from there. The Route 34 and Route 13 trolleys run through the neighborhood. Both trolleys will take you directly to the heart of Center City. You can also find a few bus routes running east and west or north and south through the neighborhood. It’s a bit of a walk to the north, but you can also get to the Market-Frankford elevated line at either the 46th Street or 52nd Street stations.

A Focus on Local

The neighborhood does have a slightly countercultural vibe, which is reflected in its focus on locally produced foods, drinks, and other items. Instead of having a major supermarket, the main grocery shopping option in the area is the Mariposa Food Co-op. Part of the mission of the co-op is giving people in the neighborhood access to locally grown or sustainably produced items. You don’t have to be a member of the co-op to shop there, but members receive a discount on purchases as well as equity in the store.

Another neighborhood staple that focuses on the local is Dock Street Brewery. The first microbrewery located in the city itself, Dock Street offers a rotating assortment of beer, as well as a full restaurant serving pizza, burgers, and vegetarian options.

If you’re looking for a bustling neighborhood that has plenty to do, look no further than Cedar Park. You’ll find what you need for day-to-day life, as well as for a bit of fun.

Image Source: Flickr/Bruce Andersen

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