Oak Lane and Surrounding Quirkinesses (Philadelphia, York: co-op, house, neighborhoods)

[gbem]

Hello everyone!

First off I just wanted to say that each and every time I come to this board I really appreciate the level of community that most of the members try to maintain. The Rhode Island board isn't always so nice, but it really makes a difference, at least where communication is concerned.

Anyway, I'm moving to Oak Lane (near 6100 N 17th Street) in a couple weeks. I chose the place because the street is absolutely wonderful, the location is pretty close to the metro, Lasalle is pretty close, and there seems to be plenty of diversity (taking from nearby neighborhoods too).

So my question is: what are some of the "hot spots" (no, I'm not talking about WiFi areas) and cool niches that are in the area and the surrounding areas? On Google I noticed a lot of parks. I know Olney usually gets the rap about being kind of sketchy (a handful of the Philly Police's Most Wanted are from areas east of Broadway, maybe ten to twenty blocks from my place, though that's not putting me off) but I noticed that in all directions from my house there are a bunch of little parks. I'll assume that these are great to check out during the day, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Also: eateries, bars, stores, entertainment? Nearby areas? I keep hearing a lot about Mt. Airy but nothing too definitive . . . seems more like a great place to live than anything else, but I could be wrong! My landlord told me about the Weaver's Way Co-Op a little ways down the road, which I plan to get involved in.

But please let me know! I'm really looking forward to moving to Philadelphia. I didn't choose Philly because of a job opportunity or a girlfriend or family--I chose it because it simply seems like a fun, interesting place to live that has all the ups and downs of the modern urban environment, plus the arts scenes (poetry and music and galleries) seem all very prevalent, the history of all the areas is fascinating (Olney's Wikipedia page! woo!) and Baltimore and NYC are just around the corner. And there seems to be a lot of community events going on at all times.

Anyway, anything you can offer/direct would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, yo!

Greg

[maf763]

There has been a lot of work done along the Ogontz Avenue corridor to improve it, including a huge annual jazz festival and some good restaurants. It's pretty close to where you'll be. Try googling Ogontz Avenue for info.

[solibs]

Welcome to Philly!

Oak Lane is a pretty quiet place, especially where you'll be. There's really not much going on outside of some shops, delis, pizza places, etc.

You're about a 15 minute walk to the Olney subway stop. Not terrible but if you had to make that walk everyday it would get old quick. There are a ton of buses that leave from Olney and one probably goes within a block of your new place. The best thing about that stop is that you have the regular local trains, the express trains and the Ridge Ave. trains that also run as express but terminate at 8th & Market instead of Broad & Locust.

Mt. Airy isn't too far but it isn't "right around the corner" either. It'll probably take you 15-20 minutes to get to most places of interest in Mt. Airy. Most of the shops and restaurants are on Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill but there are places of interest scattered througout Germantown and Mt. Airy as well.

Best of luck to you.

[juniperbleu]

Wow, a question about Oak Lane, I'm shocked! I grew up on 66th Ave and still get odd looks from native Philadelphians when I tell them where I lived.

Chestnut Hill and Mt Airy are both about 15 minutes away, and are both very nice. Ogontz Avenue has also seen some growth, which has been fantastic. Near Old York Road & Cheltenham Ave is a big Korean area, with a good Korean market and a few restaurants.

If you're interest in the area, you would probably like Under the Oak. It's a little cafe/bakery on Oak Lane Road. Kelly (the owner) grew up in the area and is very active in community events. She loves talking to people, so just pop in and ask her whatever you want to know. While you're there get the scone or cinnamon knot. I can't wait to go visit my parents purely so I can go by there....ok, maybe I miss my family a little too.

[ajb842]

I'm not so sure about "hot spots" but Ogontz ave has lots of little shops are restaurants. Further down Cheltenham ave someone mentioned the Asian Market which is EXCELLENT. Even further down Cheltenham ave there are more shops are restaurants, heavy asian influenced included an asian bakery and korean BBQ restaurant. I always go to the Ogontz ave DMV for my license renewal and the ladies in there are fantastic. It seems that the area is really improving and has a sense of community. Not being from that area, I don't know what it was before, but I would suggest taking a little drive to see what's nearby and what interests you. Have fun!