Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your West Philadelphia shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the West Philadelphia offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of West Philadelphia at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a West Philadelphia? Wrong! If the West Philadelphia is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about West Philadelphia then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling West Philadelphia? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about West Philadelphia and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your West Philadelphia wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your West Philadelphia then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the West Philadelphia site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about West Philadelphia, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your West Philadelphia, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

West Philadelphia is a section of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Though there is no set official definition on the boundaries of the region, West Philly can be described as being from the western shore of the Schuylkill River to City Line Avenue in the Northwest, Cobbs Creek in the Southwest, and with the SEPTA R3 (SEPTA) being used as a reference for the southern border. Occasionally West Philadelphia is described as being the area west of the Schuylkill River; this definition would also include Southwest Philadelphia and its neighborhoods.

Topography The topography of West Philadelphia is composed of rolling hills rising slowly from the Schuylkill River toward Cobbs Creek in the West and toward Belmont Plateau in the Northwest. Because of this gradual elevation, the skyline of Center City can be seen from almost any point in West Philadelphia; but most strikingly from the "Plateau" or "Plat" in what is now Fairmount Park in the Wynnefield neighborhood of West Philadelphia. Because of these majestic views the Western portions of Fairmount Park are the areas most often chosen for photographers and organizers of civic events.

West Philadelphia's streets are laid out in a modified "grid" pattern. Market Street (Philadelphia) is the central main thoroughfare running East and West, with "tree" streets above and below, also running East to West. The North-South streets are numbered consecutively starting with 30th street at the Schuylkill River through to 68th street on the far Western edge near Cobbs Creek.

{] and Walnut trees that touched across the five lanes of roadway, due to Chestnut blight many of these trees were removed and replaced with a mix of Sycamore and Poplar trees. City officials found these species much more tolerant of the urban environment and disease resistant, although a handful of Chestnut trees remain near Cobbs Creek.

Another notable street is Lancaster Avenue which begins at 34th street near Drexel University and runs through to the city line at City Avenue, and continues on as Pennsylvania Route 30 to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the West Virginia border. Lancaster Avenue is also one of the major retail strips in West Philadelphia. Shops and restaurants line the entirety of Lancaster Avenue through to 64th street in the Wynnefield neighborhood. In addition, one of Philadelphia's six remaining streetcar lines, the Route 10 Green Line, transports commuters and students daily along Lancaster Avenue from 35th and Ludlow streets to 63rd and Malvern Avenue in Wynnefield.

History West Philadelphia's population expanded significantly in the late 1800s and early 1900s and the area was home to a large segment of Philadelphia's middle-class population commuting into the Central Business District a few miles to the East. The Western portion of the neighborhood was once home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country, but over the last 50 years has declined in prominence. This is due to increasing crime rates, which led much of the city's middle and upper classes to migrate to the suburbs and other sections of the city. Striking Victorian architecture remains, recalling the area's past.

The most noteworthy historical event in West Philadelphia in the past 50 years has been the clash between Philadelphia "officers of the peace" and an organization known as MOVE in 1978 and again in 1985 that led to the bombing of the group's headquarters and a fire that destroyed an entire block of Osage Avenue and Pine Street.

In recent years, parts of West Philadelphia have undergone "Penntrification," a term that reflects the University of Pennsylvania's role in gentrification of the neighborhood; including a marketing campaign to rename the area "University City". The area has experienced a resurgence in popularity with young professionals and families.

Housing The vast majority of the houses in West Philadelphia are Terraced house with areas of semidetached and detached houses. Largely commissioned by speculative developers, designed by some of the city's most prolific architects of the times, and occupied by a rising class of industrial managers and other professionals these houses represented the first movement of upper and middle class from the more crowded city center. The earliest developments began in 1850 and the final period of significant construction ended in 1930. The development pattern established in the district closely paralleled transportation developments which enabled the residents to live in the outer reaches of Philadelphia which were made accessible by the horsecar and later West Philadelphia Streetcar Suburb Historic District lines and the [Market-Frankford Line. The growing middle class which included a rising class of industrial managers flocked to the new housing stock. Developers found by catering to this emerging group, and by shrinking the lot sizes, building more compact less ornate houses, significantly greater earnings could be attained.Initial development was divided into block lots and sold in 1852 with the condition that "substantial stone or brick buildings" be erected. The houses in this grouping are primarily three-story Italianate buildings, that together reflect a unified composition that links the houses by material, decorative detail, and form. Located approximately about Chester Avenue, an additional sixteen Italianate, brownstone, semi-detached houses, similar in form to the initial houses, though notably smaller in lot size, scale and detail. The setback of these houses was 25' which allowed for generous front yards.

Another development on Locust Street was comprised of three-story, two-bay, brick, restrained Queen Anne Style architecture rowhouses. The street was unified by front yards, and enclosed by decorative iron fences. The success of this development was largely attained by the melding of the suburban principles of front porches and greenspace with the urban rowhouse form, thus achieving profitable, yet desirable, middle class suburban housing. Other similar developments followed which successfully introduced urban density and architectural uniformity; the Queen Anne style with their columned porches with decorative spindlework, decorative brickwork and corbelling, steeply pitched gables with fishscale slate shingles, turrets, balconies, and windows with a single pane surrounded by small panes. These houses are typical of the early twentieth century developments in West Philadelphia, and are unified by rhythmic patterning of porch and gable features. The second story, projecting, semi-hexagonal bay is incorporated into this design, an element which defines the later rowhouses.

The western reaches of West Philadelphia were built of endless rows of two-story rowhouses with bay windows above classical columned front porches. What resulted was a collection of Colonial Revival houses with Arts and Crafts influences, which reflect the sophisticated tastes of post-World War I Philadelphians. For the first time in West Philadelphia, garages were incorporated into the housing. Later Tudor and Spanish Revival houses, and the Art Deco influenced apartment houses also filled in available lot spaces between developments and made it possible for even greater numbers of middle class Philadelphians to migrate to the area.

Transportation Elevated Rail One of West Philadelphia's most prominent features is the "El", or SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line or Blue Line. This elevated subway line completed in 1907 linked West Philadelphia, Millbourne (MFL station) and Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to Center City and then later to Frankford, Philadelphia. Running above and for a portion, under Market Street (Philadelphia) , this transportation link is one of Philadelphia's two major transit lines transporting hundreds of thousands of students and workers daily into and around the city. The El, despite its age and at times disrepair, once powered the economic engine of West Philadelphia.

Retail districts lined every street where there was a station as well as along Market Street. Most recently many of these retail districts with the exception of 52nd Street (SEPTA station) have been converted to largely residential areas. One of the aggravating factors in this change has been the recent reconstruction of the EL which due to detours of the "number streets" or numbered North-South thoroughfares and closure of large portions of Market Street, have led to many remaining businesses failing.

Light Rail Another major tranit link in West Philadlphia are the five SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines. The Green Lines are composed of five of Philadelphia's remaining six trolley or light rail lines. Combined, these trolley routes convey more than 150,000 passengers daily, and operate 24 hour schedules, even in blizzard conditions. Initially two other trolley lines, the route 38 trolley which ran from Wynnefield to Center City via Belmont Avenue and Mantua, and the route 31 trolley, which ran from the city line inOverbrook Park via Haverford Avenue and Market Street into Center City we to be diverted into the transit tunnel at Ludlow Street. However, a recent takeover of the then Philadelphia Transit Company by the National City Lines led to scrapping those plans and converting those routes to diesel buses as well as extending the Rt.38 into newly developed neighborhoods in Bala Cynwyd, and diverting the Rt.31 into a circuitous route through West Philadelphia and Mantua.

The route 10 trolley runs along Lancaster Pike from 63rd and Malvern Avenue through to 35th and Ludlow Streets where a portal allows access to the subway tunnel into Center City. The route 34 trolley runas along Baltimore Avenue from Cobbs Creek at 61st Street to the transit tunnel at 40th Street in University City. The route 13 trolley runs along Chester Avenue fron the transit tunnel at 40th Street and Baltimmore Avenue to 67th Street where it turns off of Chester Avenue and continues along PA Route 13 into Yeadon, Pennsylvania on to its terminus at Green Lane. The route 11 trolley runs long Woodland Avenue from the transit tunnel at 40th street through to the city line at Cobbs Creek and continues into Darby, Pennsylvania. The final Green Line is the route 36 trolley which is the longest and furthest South. The 36 trolley leaves the transit tunnel, runs along Woodland Aveue to 49th street, and turns South to continue along Lindbergh Boulevard until 55th Street when it splits off with Elmwood Avenue. It continues westbound on Elmwood until it turns south on Island Avenue west of 73rd Street, and continues South until its terminus in Penrose Plaza in Southwest Philadelphia, near the Philadelphia International Airport.

Regional Rail West Philadelphia is also serviced by five of SEPTA's eight SEPTA Regional Rail. The R1 services University City at University City Station in the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the southern-most portion of Southwest Philadelphia and the Philadelphia International Airport. The R3 Media-Elwyn line also services University City and portions of Soutwest Philadelphia before continuing to Media, Pennsylvania and points beyond. The R5 line services Overbrook and Wynnefield before continuing to the Pennsylvania Main Line communities and Paoli. Another line, the R6 Cynwyd line is an express line from Center City to the Bala Cynwyd neighborhood of Lower Merion Township.Combined, these lines transport thousands of commuters daily into an out of Center City and University City, as well as providing a quick and inexpensive link to the Airport. The majority of these passenger trips originate outside of the city limits, however due to SEPTA's recent initiatives to increase ridership system-wide, increasing numbers of West Philadelphia residents make use of the Regional Rail lines as a high-speed link to Center City by using the multi-ride "Transpass". The transpass allows unlimited rides on SEPTA vehicles within the city limits, including Regional Rail. Recently, community groups have called on SEPTA to reopen previously closed stations along its Regional Rail lines to offer increased access to communities further away from the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Subway.

Schools Primary and secondary schools West Philadelphia has some of the oldest and newest schools in the city.

Public schools Area public schools are operated by the School District of Philadelphia.

West Philadelphia High School built in 1911, was one of the biggest and most diverse schools in state when it was opened. The students of "West" were the children of middle class blacks; as well as Irish, Jewish, Polish and other immigrant groups.

Other notable high schools in West Philadelphia are West Philadelphia University City High School, William L. Sayre High School formerly Sayre Middle School, Robert E. Lamberton High School, and Overbrook High School (Philadelphia).

Private schools Blocks away from "West" were the West Philadelphia Catholic High Schools for Girls at 46th Street and Boys at 48th Street, now consolidated into West Philadelphia Catholic High School in the building at 46th Street. St. Thomas Moore High School for Boys at 47th and Wyalusing Avenue was closed in 1975 and now houses the Sr Clara Muhammad School.

Colleges and universities West Philadelphia is the home to several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph's University, Drexel University, and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

Destinations West Philadelphia boasts more attractions and destinations than many small cities. There are over 200 restaurants within its borders. Caribbean, Mexican, Soul Food, Halal, Indian, all manner of Asian cuisine, as well as traditional American fare can be had with blocks of one another. There are also many cheesesteaks and hoagies to be had prepared in every style and flavor. Quite a few of Philadelphia Magazine 10 Best food dishes are to be found in West Philadelphia. Among these are Balal's Halal fish-cheesesteaks and fish-hoagies, Fu-Wah's vegetarian hoagies, Zocalo's marinated Carne Bandera, among many, many others.There are approximately 75 blue Historic markers throughout West Philadelphia of the 196 total in Philadelphia. These Markers note the birth places, homes, business and important places in American and Philadelpia history with a short caption. Many guided tours use these markers for themed tours and activities for visitors.

The nations oldest zoological garden, the Philadelphia Zoo is a perennial destination for area school students and families with its world class exhibitions and educational programs. Nestled in the approximate center of Fairmount Park near ample parking and down from Memorial Hall, Kelly Pool, The Carousel House, and the new Microsoft partner high school the "School of the Future".

There are also quite a few cultural venues. The Mann Music Center perched atop George's Hill is a covered amphitheater that also boasts a grand open air lawn that has served as a major venue for everyone from the Boston Pops to Luther Vandross. Frequently during the spring and summer, fireworks are to be seen at the close of concerts to the delight of audiences and neighbors alike. There is also the Bushfire Theater of the Performing Arts on 52nd street. The Bushfire Theater has been a longtime center for African American playwrights and choreographers to showcase their avante garde and culturally introspective works.

West Philadelphia in the media To people outside of Philadelphia, West Philadelphia is widely known from being mentioned in the theme song to the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in which Will Smith sings the lyric "In West Philadelphia, born and raised," reflecting his origins in the Wynnefield neighborhood.

West Philadelphia is also the neighborhood of the Pryor family in the NBC drama American Dreams, which is set in the mid-1960s.West Philadelphia was also the home of American Bandstand. The popular dance show and career starter for host Dick Clark was produced at television station WFIL-TV (Channel 6, now WPVI-TV) in "Studio 'B'", which was located in their just-completed addition 4548 Market Street. The show distinguished itself by featuring local high school students in its show and turning them into teen idols. The former television station is now home to the West Philadelphia Enterprise Center, although the large satellite dish on the roof still remains.

External links

West Philadelphia is a section of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Though there is no set official definition on the boundaries of the region, West Philly can be described as being from the western shore of the Schuylkill River to City Line Avenue in the Northwest, Cobbs Creek in the Southwest, and with the SEPTA R3 (SEPTA) being used as a reference for the southern border. Occasionally West Philadelphia is described as being the area west of the Schuylkill River; this definition would also include Southwest Philadelphia and its neighborhoods.

Topography The topography of West Philadelphia is composed of rolling hills rising slowly from the Schuylkill River toward Cobbs Creek in the West and toward Belmont Plateau in the Northwest. Because of this gradual elevation, the skyline of Center City can be seen from almost any point in West Philadelphia; but most strikingly from the "Plateau" or "Plat" in what is now Fairmount Park in the Wynnefield neighborhood of West Philadelphia. Because of these majestic views the Western portions of Fairmount Park are the areas most often chosen for photographers and organizers of civic events.

West Philadelphia's streets are laid out in a modified "grid" pattern. Market Street (Philadelphia) is the central main thoroughfare running East and West, with "tree" streets above and below, also running East to West. The North-South streets are numbered consecutively starting with 30th street at the Schuylkill River through to 68th street on the far Western edge near Cobbs Creek.

{] and Walnut trees that touched across the five lanes of roadway, due to Chestnut blight many of these trees were removed and replaced with a mix of Sycamore and Poplar trees. City officials found these species much more tolerant of the urban environment and disease resistant, although a handful of Chestnut trees remain near Cobbs Creek.

Another notable street is Lancaster Avenue which begins at 34th street near Drexel University and runs through to the city line at City Avenue, and continues on as Pennsylvania Route 30 to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the West Virginia border. Lancaster Avenue is also one of the major retail strips in West Philadelphia. Shops and restaurants line the entirety of Lancaster Avenue through to 64th street in the Wynnefield neighborhood. In addition, one of Philadelphia's six remaining streetcar lines, the Route 10 Green Line, transports commuters and students daily along Lancaster Avenue from 35th and Ludlow streets to 63rd and Malvern Avenue in Wynnefield.

History West Philadelphia's population expanded significantly in the late 1800s and early 1900s and the area was home to a large segment of Philadelphia's middle-class population commuting into the Central Business District a few miles to the East. The Western portion of the neighborhood was once home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country, but over the last 50 years has declined in prominence. This is due to increasing crime rates, which led much of the city's middle and upper classes to migrate to the suburbs and other sections of the city. Striking Victorian architecture remains, recalling the area's past.

The most noteworthy historical event in West Philadelphia in the past 50 years has been the clash between Philadelphia "officers of the peace" and an organization known as MOVE in 1978 and again in 1985 that led to the bombing of the group's headquarters and a fire that destroyed an entire block of Osage Avenue and Pine Street.

In recent years, parts of West Philadelphia have undergone "Penntrification," a term that reflects the University of Pennsylvania's role in gentrification of the neighborhood; including a marketing campaign to rename the area "University City". The area has experienced a resurgence in popularity with young professionals and families.

Housing The vast majority of the houses in West Philadelphia are Terraced house with areas of semidetached and detached houses. Largely commissioned by speculative developers, designed by some of the city's most prolific architects of the times, and occupied by a rising class of industrial managers and other professionals these houses represented the first movement of upper and middle class from the more crowded city center. The earliest developments began in 1850 and the final period of significant construction ended in 1930. The development pattern established in the district closely paralleled transportation developments which enabled the residents to live in the outer reaches of Philadelphia which were made accessible by the horsecar and later West Philadelphia Streetcar Suburb Historic District lines and the [Market-Frankford Line. The growing middle class which included a rising class of industrial managers flocked to the new housing stock. Developers found by catering to this emerging group, and by shrinking the lot sizes, building more compact less ornate houses, significantly greater earnings could be attained.Initial development was divided into block lots and sold in 1852 with the condition that "substantial stone or brick buildings" be erected. The houses in this grouping are primarily three-story Italianate buildings, that together reflect a unified composition that links the houses by material, decorative detail, and form. Located approximately about Chester Avenue, an additional sixteen Italianate, brownstone, semi-detached houses, similar in form to the initial houses, though notably smaller in lot size, scale and detail. The setback of these houses was 25' which allowed for generous front yards.

Another development on Locust Street was comprised of three-story, two-bay, brick, restrained Queen Anne Style architecture rowhouses. The street was unified by front yards, and enclosed by decorative iron fences. The success of this development was largely attained by the melding of the suburban principles of front porches and greenspace with the urban rowhouse form, thus achieving profitable, yet desirable, middle class suburban housing. Other similar developments followed which successfully introduced urban density and architectural uniformity; the Queen Anne style with their columned porches with decorative spindlework, decorative brickwork and corbelling, steeply pitched gables with fishscale slate shingles, turrets, balconies, and windows with a single pane surrounded by small panes. These houses are typical of the early twentieth century developments in West Philadelphia, and are unified by rhythmic patterning of porch and gable features. The second story, projecting, semi-hexagonal bay is incorporated into this design, an element which defines the later rowhouses.

The western reaches of West Philadelphia were built of endless rows of two-story rowhouses with bay windows above classical columned front porches. What resulted was a collection of Colonial Revival houses with Arts and Crafts influences, which reflect the sophisticated tastes of post-World War I Philadelphians. For the first time in West Philadelphia, garages were incorporated into the housing. Later Tudor and Spanish Revival houses, and the Art Deco influenced apartment houses also filled in available lot spaces between developments and made it possible for even greater numbers of middle class Philadelphians to migrate to the area.

Transportation Elevated Rail One of West Philadelphia's most prominent features is the "El", or SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line or Blue Line. This elevated subway line completed in 1907 linked West Philadelphia, Millbourne (MFL station) and Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to Center City and then later to Frankford, Philadelphia. Running above and for a portion, under Market Street (Philadelphia) , this transportation link is one of Philadelphia's two major transit lines transporting hundreds of thousands of students and workers daily into and around the city. The El, despite its age and at times disrepair, once powered the economic engine of West Philadelphia.

Retail districts lined every street where there was a station as well as along Market Street. Most recently many of these retail districts with the exception of 52nd Street (SEPTA station) have been converted to largely residential areas. One of the aggravating factors in this change has been the recent reconstruction of the EL which due to detours of the "number streets" or numbered North-South thoroughfares and closure of large portions of Market Street, have led to many remaining businesses failing.

Light Rail Another major tranit link in West Philadlphia are the five SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines. The Green Lines are composed of five of Philadelphia's remaining six trolley or light rail lines. Combined, these trolley routes convey more than 150,000 passengers daily, and operate 24 hour schedules, even in blizzard conditions. Initially two other trolley lines, the route 38 trolley which ran from Wynnefield to Center City via Belmont Avenue and Mantua, and the route 31 trolley, which ran from the city line inOverbrook Park via Haverford Avenue and Market Street into Center City we to be diverted into the transit tunnel at Ludlow Street. However, a recent takeover of the then Philadelphia Transit Company by the National City Lines led to scrapping those plans and converting those routes to diesel buses as well as extending the Rt.38 into newly developed neighborhoods in Bala Cynwyd, and diverting the Rt.31 into a circuitous route through West Philadelphia and Mantua.

The route 10 trolley runs along Lancaster Pike from 63rd and Malvern Avenue through to 35th and Ludlow Streets where a portal allows access to the subway tunnel into Center City. The route 34 trolley runas along Baltimore Avenue from Cobbs Creek at 61st Street to the transit tunnel at 40th Street in University City. The route 13 trolley runs along Chester Avenue fron the transit tunnel at 40th Street and Baltimmore Avenue to 67th Street where it turns off of Chester Avenue and continues along PA Route 13 into Yeadon, Pennsylvania on to its terminus at Green Lane. The route 11 trolley runs long Woodland Avenue from the transit tunnel at 40th street through to the city line at Cobbs Creek and continues into Darby, Pennsylvania. The final Green Line is the route 36 trolley which is the longest and furthest South. The 36 trolley leaves the transit tunnel, runs along Woodland Aveue to 49th street, and turns South to continue along Lindbergh Boulevard until 55th Street when it splits off with Elmwood Avenue. It continues westbound on Elmwood until it turns south on Island Avenue west of 73rd Street, and continues South until its terminus in Penrose Plaza in Southwest Philadelphia, near the Philadelphia International Airport.

Regional Rail West Philadelphia is also serviced by five of SEPTA's eight SEPTA Regional Rail. The R1 services University City at University City Station in the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the southern-most portion of Southwest Philadelphia and the Philadelphia International Airport. The R3 Media-Elwyn line also services University City and portions of Soutwest Philadelphia before continuing to Media, Pennsylvania and points beyond. The R5 line services Overbrook and Wynnefield before continuing to the Pennsylvania Main Line communities and Paoli. Another line, the R6 Cynwyd line is an express line from Center City to the Bala Cynwyd neighborhood of Lower Merion Township.Combined, these lines transport thousands of commuters daily into an out of Center City and University City, as well as providing a quick and inexpensive link to the Airport. The majority of these passenger trips originate outside of the city limits, however due to SEPTA's recent initiatives to increase ridership system-wide, increasing numbers of West Philadelphia residents make use of the Regional Rail lines as a high-speed link to Center City by using the multi-ride "Transpass". The transpass allows unlimited rides on SEPTA vehicles within the city limits, including Regional Rail. Recently, community groups have called on SEPTA to reopen previously closed stations along its Regional Rail lines to offer increased access to communities further away from the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Subway.

Schools Primary and secondary schools West Philadelphia has some of the oldest and newest schools in the city.

Public schools Area public schools are operated by the School District of Philadelphia.

West Philadelphia High School built in 1911, was one of the biggest and most diverse schools in state when it was opened. The students of "West" were the children of middle class blacks; as well as Irish, Jewish, Polish and other immigrant groups.

Other notable high schools in West Philadelphia are West Philadelphia University City High School, William L. Sayre High School formerly Sayre Middle School, Robert E. Lamberton High School, and Overbrook High School (Philadelphia).

Private schools Blocks away from "West" were the West Philadelphia Catholic High Schools for Girls at 46th Street and Boys at 48th Street, now consolidated into West Philadelphia Catholic High School in the building at 46th Street. St. Thomas Moore High School for Boys at 47th and Wyalusing Avenue was closed in 1975 and now houses the Sr Clara Muhammad School.

Colleges and universities West Philadelphia is the home to several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph's University, Drexel University, and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

Destinations West Philadelphia boasts more attractions and destinations than many small cities. There are over 200 restaurants within its borders. Caribbean, Mexican, Soul Food, Halal, Indian, all manner of Asian cuisine, as well as traditional American fare can be had with blocks of one another. There are also many cheesesteaks and hoagies to be had prepared in every style and flavor. Quite a few of Philadelphia Magazine 10 Best food dishes are to be found in West Philadelphia. Among these are Balal's Halal fish-cheesesteaks and fish-hoagies, Fu-Wah's vegetarian hoagies, Zocalo's marinated Carne Bandera, among many, many others.There are approximately 75 blue Historic markers throughout West Philadelphia of the 196 total in Philadelphia. These Markers note the birth places, homes, business and important places in American and Philadelpia history with a short caption. Many guided tours use these markers for themed tours and activities for visitors.

The nations oldest zoological garden, the Philadelphia Zoo is a perennial destination for area school students and families with its world class exhibitions and educational programs. Nestled in the approximate center of Fairmount Park near ample parking and down from Memorial Hall, Kelly Pool, The Carousel House, and the new Microsoft partner high school the "School of the Future".

There are also quite a few cultural venues. The Mann Music Center perched atop George's Hill is a covered amphitheater that also boasts a grand open air lawn that has served as a major venue for everyone from the Boston Pops to Luther Vandross. Frequently during the spring and summer, fireworks are to be seen at the close of concerts to the delight of audiences and neighbors alike. There is also the Bushfire Theater of the Performing Arts on 52nd street. The Bushfire Theater has been a longtime center for African American playwrights and choreographers to showcase their avante garde and culturally introspective works.

West Philadelphia in the media To people outside of Philadelphia, West Philadelphia is widely known from being mentioned in the theme song to the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in which Will Smith sings the lyric "In West Philadelphia, born and raised," reflecting his origins in the Wynnefield neighborhood.

West Philadelphia is also the neighborhood of the Pryor family in the NBC drama American Dreams, which is set in the mid-1960s.West Philadelphia was also the home of American Bandstand. The popular dance show and career starter for host Dick Clark was produced at television station WFIL-TV (Channel 6, now WPVI-TV) in "Studio 'B'", which was located in their just-completed addition 4548 Market Street. The show distinguished itself by featuring local high school students in its show and turning them into teen idols. The former television station is now home to the West Philadelphia Enterprise Center, although the large satellite dish on the roof still remains.

External links



West Philadelphia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
West Philadelphia is a section of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Though there is no official definition of its boundaries, West Philly is generally ...

West Philadelphia
The Plan for West Philadelphia The Philadelphia City Planning Commission's Guide to the future growth and development of West Philadelphia

West Philadelphia Landscape Project
A university-community partnership where faculty and students at the University of Pennsylvania work with neighborhood groups and public schools to stimulate community development ...

West Philadelphia Data & Information Resources

Philadelphia/West - Wikitravel
West Philly is a mostly residential section of Philadelphia west of the Schuylkill River [1], which represented the western boundary of William Penn's original plan for the ...

The Plan for West Philadelphia
The Plan for West Philadelphia is a guide for future growth and development; an essential information resource for communities and citizens that will be used by decision-makers ...

West Philadelphia Borough, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free ...
West Philadelphia Borough, also known as West Philadelphia District, is a defunct borough that was located west of the Schuylkill River in Blockley Township, Philadelphia County ...

photo exhibition
West Philadelphia Landscape Project ... WPLP is launching an online community of all those who ...

Home - West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship
A diverse urban congregation. Features beliefs, ministries and activities, news, events, and visitor's guide.

West Philadelphia Landscape Project
West Philadelphia Landscape Project. This website has moved to MIT. Click on this link to go to the new address. Change your bookmark to. http://web.mit.edu/wplp

 

West Philadelphia



 
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