Jenkintown, PA

The community of Jenkintown was named after pioneer settler William Jenkins and was incorporated in 1874 when it incorporated 248 acres from Abington Township, making it one of the oldest areas in Montgomery County. Jenkintown continues to focus on building the community and revitalizing older, historic landmarks that help shape the borough's unique feel.

The community holds a unique artistic foothold supported by nearly 10 galleries, performing centers and theaters. When residents do not fill their weekends with these creative outlets, they attend annual events such as the Jenkintown Festival of Arts and the Sunset Run 5K.

The best restaurants in Jenkintown congregate in the strip of land between Old York Road and Walnut Street. Pizza mavens love the pies at Jules Thin Crust on Old York Road. Jules combines fresh, organic ingredients with nontraditional flavors and pairings to create rectangular slices of heaven. Locals insist on skipping safe options and trying seasonal pizzas instead, particularly the one combining butternut squash with juicy apples and three different cheeses. Vegetable lovers and locals with dietary restrictions appreciate gluten-free options and the veggie special, a healthy compilation of kale and fresh vegetables.

Jenkintown houses several go-to breakfast cafes, but The Daily Grind on Old York Road tops the list for its cozy environment and bananas Foster coffee, along with other flavors. Locals prefer this location to other cafes for its secret lunch menu with some of the best sandwiches in town. Grab a turkey mango panini or a hearty corned beef special before diving into your favorite novel.

For a taste of authentic Moroccan food, head to Greenwood Avenue to dig into a plate of lamb tagine at Argana Tree Restaurant. Residents praise the chicken pastilla and insist the bread and olive oil are some of the best around. With huge portions and the ability to bring your own beverages, locals cannot get enough of the Mediterranean tones that elevate the café to the top of the list. Order chicken kabobs or a juicy lamb burger before heading outside to dine on the patio. If you’re not too full for dessert, order the esteemed baklava to go for a sweet and nutty finale to your meal.

Nightlife in Jenkintown consists of a string of dive bars and pubs that stay open late and allow locals to relax without the rowdy atmosphere of dance clubs. Bring all your extra cash to Buckets Tavern on West Avenue. Locals love the casual atmosphere at affordable beer and liquor prices. Jukebox music fills the air when football games are not playing, making this neighborhood bar the perfect location to unwind with a weekly beer special and plate of wings.

The Drake Tavern on York Road gives locals another option for after-hours fun. The Irish-style pub hosts live bands and features bargain margaritas and rotating specials that keep locals coming back for more. In fact, the large crowd at Drake’s often makes parking a bit tricky. Arrive before major games start to secure your seat in time for a round of trivia and a round of beers.

Since Jenkintown encompasses less than a mile of land, the compact area gives residents their pick of transportation means. Walkers primarily opt to complete errands on foot along Old York Road, although residential streets suit walkers as well. Bikers can travel the entirety of the borough in 10 minutes, but Washington Lane is the only road known to be biker-friendly.

The borough houses one large SEPTA Trail Line stop at the Jenkintown/Wyncote Station off West Avenue. The Warminster Line, West Trenton Line, Airport Line and Lansdale/Doylestown Line each stop through this station every 15 minutes and provide residents with the ability to commute to Philadelphia in about 35 minutes. The Route 77 bus provides connecting service to nearby stations.

Even so, 76 percent of locals prefer driving or carpooling to public transportation as their primary means of getting around. Driving to the city takes roughly the same amount of time and greatly improves navigating the borough itself. Paid parking at the train station and free spots along residential roads make owning a car relatively convenient for a borough less than 10 miles away from a major city. The borough's size limits it from being a neighborhood where taxis can be hailed, but locals can call ahead or use Uber to schedule their rides. To head away from Jenkintown, take Old York Road to connect to the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the north or the Delaware Expressway to the south.

No designated green spaces exist within the borough, although Alverthorpe Park sits just outside the area to the west. Families and athletes appreciate the park for its range of activities. From golfing and fishing to shooting a few hoops, locals can enjoy the best of sports and nature. Children flock to the free playground or wade in the miniature pool during warmer months. Play a round of miniature golf before heading to the picnic area for lunch. Though this park is perfect for the whole family, it forbids your furry friends. Make sure to bring money to check out equipment or to reserve the tennis courts. Joggers and bikers can circle the entire 1.7-mile trail, and locals recommend a stop at the lake for scenic views and peace and quiet.

Life amid the huge single-family units and charming row houses in Jenkintown comes at a hefty price. With an average cost of living about 13 percent higher than the Philadelphia average, locals face similar prices for standard goods and services. However, the differences lie within a drastically different housing market and slight difference in fuel costs, with gas in Jenkintown sitting about 7 percent higher than the national average. Groceries, health care, and utilities all cost them same in Jenkintown that they do in Philadelphia, and transportation to the city for one day costs about $2.25. Fuel costs about 10 percent more than the national average.

A standard one-bedroom apartment averages $950 a month and reaches $1,800 a month around Old York Road. Still, residents consider the prices part of the overall Jenkintown package and consider them fair for such a livable area, especially since the price of 1 liter of beer hangs between $5 and $6.

The primary shopping district in Jenkintown straddles Old York Road. Big-name retailers in nearby neighborhoods supply residents with the basic needs, but the small shops that dot the busiest road in the borough bring a depth to the retail offerings. From jewelry and bridal boutiques such as My Jewel Shop and Nicole Bridal & Formal Shoppe, residents never need another department store. The Art of Framing gives locals a one-stop shop to fill their homes with framed art and photographs while This Little Gallery sells an even wider variety of artistic décor and specialty items or gifts. For one-of-a-kind staples in the fashion genre, stop at Linda's Loft or Breslin's Consignment Corner to pick up an antique coffee table with your new vintage coat. Residents purchase groceries from popular chains such as Trader Joes and Whole Foods Market, although plenty of locals opt for the more affordable Acme Market. This borough is also known for Jenkintown Farmer's Market on Greenwood Avenue. From spring until summer, locals head here each week to pick up produce, artisan breads, meat and handmade crafts.