One of Swarthmore’s greatest assets is its location. Located less than 13 miles away from Philadelphia, the city provides an array of academic, career, and social opportunities for students to make the most of. One of my favorite pastimes at Swarthmore is to take the Regional Rail and explore the many neighborhoods of the region either on foot or on bike. From the history of architecture, to the sociology of race, you can learn so much by simply observing the city’s-built environment. After a trip to Philadelphia, I often feel very enlightened as many concepts I have learnt at Swarthmore can be applied to the Philadelphia context. Students quickly discover the neighborhoods of Center City, Chinatown, and Old City due to their proximity to the downtown Regional Rail Stations, so I’ve decided to showcase some of the many Philadelphia-region neighborhoods that Swatties can explore.
1. Upper Darby
Although not technically in the City of Philadelphia, Upper Darby can be easily accessed by students by riding the Route 109 Bus which has two stops on the edge of campus. Upper Darby is one of the most diverse areas in Pennsylvania with many immigrant communities calling the township home. The town hosts H Mart, an East Asian supermarket, Condor Latino, a Latin-American supermarket, and Sabzi Mandi, a South Asian grocery store. Sabzi Mandi sells surprisingly good instant Chai Tea powder, allowing me to indulge in one of my favorite drinks without hassle. Tower Theater is also located in Upper Darby, which was one of the most renowned music venues in the country, when it was in operation.
2. Millbourne
Millbourne is a tiny (0.073 sq mi) municipality wedged between Philadelphia and Upper Darby Township. But don’t let its small size fool you, it is a thriving ethnic enclave home to South Asian immigrant communities, primarily Bangladeshis and Sikhs. In fact, Millbourne become America’s first “Indian-majority municipality” in mid-2000s. Facing Market Street, the Borough is home to two South Asian supermarkets which offer a range of fresh food and ethnic cooking essentials. Millbourne has a rich history which I explored in my Tri-Co Philly Art History course on the Architecture and Urbanism of Philadelphia.
3. Africatown/Southwest Philadelphia
The borders of Africatown in Philadelphia are undefined, but it broadly encompasses Southwest Philadelphia and the Lansdowne area. There are numerous West African and Afro-Caribbean ethnic businesses in the area, including numerous eateries and restaurants. Last semester, my friends and I visited Aunty K’s West African Restaurant in Yeadon and were astounded by the scrumptious goat pepper soup and plantains. I’m salivating just thinking about it! Every year, there is a Africatown Diaspora Festival where you can witness a range of cultural performances and eat delicious food.
4. 9th Street Market-Washington Ave Area
9th Street Market is home to a wide range of Latin American, Italian, and African American ethnic business. I’ve shopped/dined at many of them, but some of my favorites include Mole Poblano and the many fruits stand on the street. The area also has a bunch of beautiful public art, including those celebrating community voices by the Our Market Project. Slicing through 9th Street, is Washington Ave which is home to many Vietnamese stores and eateries. I have had amazing food at Le Viet on 10th Street! I really love analyzing the diverse architectural styles of rowhouses in South Philadelphia so you can often find me in this area.
Philadelphia is home to so many neighborhoods, but I wanted to highlight a few so that students can begin exploring this diverse region.
