Glenside - Reading, PA Area Guide

Originally part of Philadelphia County, the land Montgomery County now occupies was a fertile strip of farmland along the Schuylkill River. In 1784, it became its own county after several industries developed in the area. As farming, manufacturing, transportation and artistic endeavors advanced around Philadelphia, the county saw an influx of residents and began delineating townships and individual neighborhoods. Glenside was established as a result and was known most for housing Arcadia University. Several historic landmarks still thrive in the community, such as the Keswick Theatre, Glenside Memorial Hall and the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Notable residents of Glenside include professional athletes, actor Richard Ward and radio host Bob Perkins. The Keswick Theatre continues to operate as the primary arts venue in Glenside. The restored theater hosts concerts, live performances and plays and ties the community to its original cultural roots. It also hosts one of the city’s most popular music festivals, the Philadelphia Rock N’ Blues Fest. Locals also enjoy a yearly trip to Glenside Avenue for the Glenside Food and Craft Festival each fall. The community’s annual Independence Day parade, started in 1904, is one of the biggest parades in Philadelphia.

For the best of Glenside’s cuisine, head to the intersection of Glenside Avenue and Easton Road. Dozens of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants dot the area, providing locals with a central location to indulge in dishes from American classics to Italian delicacies. Head to Anne’s Kitchen Table on Wesley Avenue for a homey environment that speaks to the neighborhood’s vibe. The affordable lunch menu includes comfort foods such as chunky gazpacho soup and toasted wraps and sandwiches. Locals love Anne’s for its unique blend of flavors and non-traditional combinations, such as the Haminapple Grill, a celebrated sandwich that combines baked ham and sharp cheddar cheese with slices of Granny Smith apples. Pair it with a house salad featuring candied walnuts, homemade croutons and goat cheese crumbles for a healthy meal that will leave you in awe of this neighborhood favorite.

For fresh takeout or a sit-down dinner, head to Jasmine Bistro on Easton Road. The casual restaurant draws in locals for signature dishes such as Thai pineapple chicken and shrimp in creamy basil sauce. Residents like Jasmine for consistently good meals, whether served in the restaurant's low-key environment or enjoyed on the couch at home. Tea lovers appreciate the cast-iron teapots used to brew the fresh loose-leaf tea.

Glenside locals take a more relaxed approach to nightlife than their urban counterparts. There are no clubs or venues dedicated solely to dancing or after-hours fun. However, a string of bars and taverns have come together to represent the best in Glenside’s nightlife. Stop by the Blue Comet Bar & Grill after work for dinner and drinks. This Easton Road favorite breaks the bar mold with an unrivaled combination of food, music and drinks. Locals recommend sticking around on weekends for a peanut butter bacon burger and live music. If impeccable brews rank as your first priority, visit Union Jack’s Pub on Limekiln Pike. Make sure to bring enough cash to try a variety of the best craft beer in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia. When all that tasting works up your appetite, grab an order of the famed wings smothered in blazing sauce. Keswick Avenue houses an additional three bars so locals can rotate their weekend plans between venues.

Walking or biking suffices for most errands around the area, particularly along Easton Road and Glenside Avenue. Driving becomes necessary when the destination lies outside of those concentrated areas, and 76 percent of residents prefer driving over public transportation as their primary mode of transportation. Locals say traffic gets quite heavy during standard commuting hours, so public transit serves individuals working in the city who do not want the hassle of locating a parking spot. Two SEPTA Train Lines run through the area with service at the Glenside Train Station. Trains headed south run to Philadelphia and reach the Jefferson Station in about 25 minutes and the 30th Street Station in about 35 minutes. Express trains reach Market East in as little as 20 minutes. Bus routes 77 and 22 provide transportation within the immediate neighborhood. For longer distances, access Interstate 95 less than seven miles away. Similarly, the Fort Washington Expressway provides two-lane access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Taxis cannot be hailed in town, but Uber serves the area and rides can be arranged by calling ahead.

Few green spaces exist inside the neighborhood’s boundaries. However, Penbryn Park lies just inside the eastern border along Houston Avenue. Athletes enjoy this location for its baseball and softball fields, basketball court, lighted soccer and tennis areas and a swimming pool complex. Families visit the park for its large playgrounds and ice rink, a popular attraction in winter months. Spanning over 18 acres, the park offers something for everyone. Walkers and pet owners can stroll through the greenery without hearing the noise of nearby Edge Hill Road, making this the perfect getaway within a busy area.

Life among the historic brick colonials in Glenside comes at a hefty price. With an average cost of living about 16 percent higher than the Philadelphia average, locals face increased prices for standard goods and services. For example, groceries, health care, transportation and utilities all cost more in Glenside than the state’s average. Housing remains the most expensive aspect of Glenside by far. Though only 27 percent of residents choose to rent, they also encounter steep prices. A standard one-bedroom apartment averages $980 a month and reaches $1,500 a month around the popular Keswick Avenue and Easton Road intersection. Still, residents consider the prices part of the overall Glenside package.

Dozens of small retail stores speckle the small region of Glenside. For almost every large chain, there is a local alternative. For example, CVS Pharmacy operates at the community’s northernmost point, but Adams Discount Pharmacy operates from the heart of Glenside. Retail options are more plentiful in the restaurant district. Locals looking to decorate their homes head to Kelly-Cataldi Home or Sweet Magnolia. These boutiques specialize in eclectic home décor and high-end gifts. From soy candles and elegant stationery to bone picture frames, these two shops bring an elegant flair to Glenside. Locals praise Kelly-Cataldi Home for committing to local artists and carrying locally made products. Thrift shoppers and antique lovers peruse The Pink Door for restored furniture pieces and vintage adornments. New Life Thrift offers a more traditional selection and holds an edge over chain stores such as Goodwill. Frequent shoppers say taking the time to dig through crowded shelves almost always results in great finds for little cost.

Grocery stores also congregate along Easton Road, with the exception of local favorite Joe’s Meat Market. Locals gather all the basics from Produce Junction or O’Neill’s Market. O’Neill’s reigns as the most popular stop for quality groceries and one-of-a-kind treats such as imported British syrup and housemade potato salad. The old-fashioned décor and limited square footage leave residents feeling as if they have stepped into a charming movie with a hometown grocery store, even though it offers all the normal modern products. Locals can also shop the booming Glenside Farmers Market by the SEPTA Station on Easton Avenue for homegrown wine, natural animal treats, local produce and hand-baked pastries.