Yeadon, PA

The region was originally occupied by the Lenni Lenape. Gradually, Dutch, Swedes and English settlers built homes, and the community came under the Colonial American government's control. Until the mid-1800s, Yeadon was an agricultural community. Today, it serves as an ethnically and culturally diverse suburb, close to many historical sites, including the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, Walt Whitman House and Fort Mifflin.

While Yeadon itself doesn't have museums, plenty can be found under 10 miles away in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation and Rodin Museum remain popular places for art, while the Mutter Museum offers medical oddities, and the Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum rank as favorites for kids.

William T. Kerr, the founder of Flag Day, lived in Yeadon, and every year, the neighborhood celebrates. Parades, ceremonies and awards are part of the festivities, as well as events all month long.

Yeadon's restaurant scene provides a melting pot of dining options. Coconut Breeze Cuisine serves Caribbean food, while African and Jamaican Kitchen specializes in its namesake cuisine. Don't worry if your palette isn't very adventurous, you'll find plenty of pizza shops around too.

Head over to neighboring Landsdowne, and try the Asian fusion/Laotian/Thai food at the highly recommended AviAnna Restaurant. Appearances prove to be deceiving at this hidden gem, but once you're inside, expect to be whisked away by the friendly service and beautiful decor. Gang Musamun, a curried chicken dish, marks a popular favorite, and the won ton soup tanks as a local favorite. Large portions come at small prices.

Nightlife in the area tends to be casual and down-to-earth. B's Que Shot Lounge offers up an array of entertainment in a laid back atmosphere. This place features a room with three pool tables (the APL Leagues shoots there on Thursdays), a jukebox, karaoke on Thursday nights, DJs and live entertainment. Before 7 p.m., you can get two-for-one drinks.

Yeadon proves to be a suburban neighborhood, so the best way to get around is a car. The public transportation system holds strong, with a SEPTA train stop at Fernwood-Yeadon station and a connecting bus service and a trolley running from 13th and Market in Philadelphia to the Yeadon and Darby Transportation Center. If you prefer to take a cab, expect to have to call for one instead of hailing one.

Due to the residential nature of the area, most public parking can be found in a lot associated with shops and restaurants, although there exist some metered parking spaces. The area does not lean to the walking/biking friendly side, however sidewalks run along the residential streets.

Yeadon resides near major highways Baltimore Pike, 95, 76 and 676, and sits 4 miles from Philadelphia International Airport.

Community Park in Yeadon, a tree-lined park with lots of amenities for people and dogs alike spans 3.5 acres. There's a playground with swings and a slide for kids, a picnic grove with tables and grills, walking and bike trail, a fitness area, and basketball courts and soccer fields. Both the park and parking remain free.

Access to the park sits off of Providence Road at the intersection of Paul Drive and on Union Avenue, with the parking lot being located off of Union Avenue. The parks do not hold any annual events.

The cost of living in Yeadon yields about 5.8 percent higher than the state average, with a one-bedroom costing about $707 per month. Despite the high average, Yeadon remains an affordable and comfortable neighborhood in which to live. It remains close enough to the city without having high city prices.

Taking the bus, trolley or train to Center City Philadelphia costs between $2.25 and $6, and the price of gas in Yeadon comes in 6.7 percent higher than the national average. The cost of a beer at one of the local pubs comes in around $4.

Because of the small size of the neighborhood, the shopping scene compares in size. You can find your standard pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores and florists. However, the neighboring borough of Lansdowne has a few boutique shops and offers a more diverse shopping experience.

At 35 N. Lansdowne Avenue, you find Vinyl Revival. Not your average record store, this establishment boasts a mix of both new and old music, movies, unique pieces of art, hand made jewelry, and home and fashion accessories.

Cosey Rare Books has a nice selection of rare and antique books at affordable prices, and Schaffer Ken Antiques at 351 Owen Avenue specializes in antiques and collectibles. You can choose to do your grocery shopping at the Giant chain of food stores, or try out a smaller, local place, such as Tristar Food Market. On Baltimore Pike in nearby Springfield resides Martindale's Natural Market, where you find a large selection of natural and healthy foods.

The Union Gardens Farmers Market runs all year long at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue and sometimes sets up shop in Yeadon's Community Park.