Jennifer LeBow

Spring cleaning, covid-style

April 22, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Spring cleaning becomes Covid-19 donations — Donations of household goods will be in extremely high demand as a result of Covid-19

Covid-style spring cleaning

While it happens to be spring, the cleaning out of closets I’ve been doing over the last several weeks isn’t really related to the season. It’s a direct result of two realities, both specific to covid-19. The first is that, in quarantine, with very limited real estate work I am able to do, I can’t use the excuse that I don’t have time to do things around the house. The second, more significant reality, is that donations of clothes, toys and other household goods are and will continue to be in great demand. With so many people economically hurt by the closing down of businesses, many are and will be in a difficult financial position. With no spare cash, people will need donations of all kinds of items.

Covid-style cleaning:

Clothes

Clothing is the first line of attack for me. It’s fairly easy to go drawer by drawer and then to the closets and take out clothing I don’t wear. If there’s something I think I might eventually wear, I keep it, but am trying to be more honest with myself. If I haven’t worn it in a couple of years, I figure it’s not ever going to see the light of day again if I don’t give it away. After your clothes, don’t forget how important sheets and towels are and go through your linens.

Stuff

Next is “stuff”. If you have kids, I’d recommend going through toys, games, books, art kits, abandoned instruments, dress-up clothes and similar things. Note: in the hopes of having grandchildren one day, I have certain books and toys that I have set aside. As long as you have space, I think keeping the really special ones is wise. Just divest yourself of the ones your kids don’t enjoy anymore. Same thing for the “meh” ones, things that won’t stand the test of time, or are very common and easy to replace.

Kitchen

Next, I advise tackling the kitchen. You may have things you’ve received as gifts you don’t use, like a salad spinner, wine decanter or any number of gadgets. You may also have extras of certain things. I know I seem to have mugs that reproduce in the cabinets. How many mugs do you really need? Any extra dishes pots and pans or other cooking vessels you don’t use much? Someone will be very glad to have them.

Equipment and tools

If you have an unused weed whacker or an extra drill, you can be sure someone would be happy to take it off your hands. How about a vacuum that you haven’t used since you got the Roomba, or a computer that you’ve recently upgraded from? You might even have an extra bicycle or piece of exercise equipment that hasn’t been used in a long time–use a critical eye to consider what you might be willing to part with.

Small way of contributing

Many people are making cash donations, delivering or ordering meals for others, making masks, and otherwise supporting their fellow community members. If you are looking for a way to help that doesn’t involve spending money (which is not unreasonable in any case, but particularly with the current economic situation), donating things you aren’t using anymore is a great option. And, of course, you also end up with a lot less clutter and a more organized home, with fewer unused and unnecessary items.

Downsizing can get you down

March 22, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

When moving down feels like a fall from grace — When you downsize, it’s hard not to feel like you’re taking a step down in status or quality of life.

Why do people downsize?

There are many reasons people move into smaller and, usually, less costly residences. It can be a choice to have less to take care of. Sometimes people want to move into a lower maintenance situation, like a condo, especially if it’s within easy walking distance to desired amenities. Maybe the clutter-free lifestyle appeals to you and you don’t want to make any larger a footprint than necessary. However, it is often less of a choice and more of a financially-motivated decision. Note that the opposite of “moving up” is not usually referred to as “moving down”, but, rather “downsizing”. Click here for things to consider when “moving down”.

The stigma of downsizing

For the majority of people who find themselves in a position where downsizing is a necessity rather than a choice, the emotional component is significant. If a downsize occurs as a result of a change in finances, it can be humiliating. While it shouldn’t be, people may be embarrassed about a job loss or perceived inability to manage money well. Not being able to continue to live in a certain style can result in unwelcome social stigma. It’s not difficult to understand how, in this example, downsizing could bring you down.

Seniors are often prompted to move from a practical standpoint; property care and maintenance may have become too difficult, or living independently may no longer be feasible. Even if the financial picture hasn’t changed (which is rare, since older people are often on a fixed income), the loss of independence that comes with physical age is frustrating. Change can also be especially hard for older people. In addition, few of us want to face the fact that we can no longer care for ourselves independently. Another reason downsizing may get you down. For more information directly pertaining to downsizing for seniors, click here.

Acknowledge the negative of downsizing

Leaving

Don’t pretend that downsizing doesn’t have its drawbacks. You may be leaving friends, neighbors and family behind whom you care about and who make up much of the social fabric of your life. You are probably leaving memories of your previous home, which can be hard. Most people have to discard possessions including furniture, artwork, clothing and all the things that are kept as long as there is storage to keep them. Giving or throwing away your personal belongings is very challenging. There’s no point in sugar-coating it: it’s hard. Here are some suggestions on how to cope.

Adjusting to the new place

Once you move into your smaller, less expensive new home, you will be aware that it is smaller and less expensive. The size means less room to live in, less storage space and maybe even less room for guests to visit (which may feel very important as you haven’t yet developed a local social sphere). If you new home is more modest in cost, you might look around and feel like you can longer keep up with the Joneses, which may be an unwelcome reality. You will also have to learn where to go for services (drug store, dry cleaner, car repair) as well as where to find good substitutes for favorite retail and dining spots you left behind.

Try to see the advantages of downsizing

While, without a doubt, it’s not easy to step down, there may actually be some benefits. Less to clean, lower utility bills and usually, less maintenance. Mowing the lawn, trimming the trees, plowing the driveway–most downsizing moves lead to less of those tasks and their associated costs. Setting up your new home with less stuff, overall, may feel more organized and simpler. The lifestyle of living with fewer things is increasing in popularity everywhere. Maybe you can embrace it and find that the reduced size as well as the fewer possessions don’t negatively impact your lifestyle.

Main Line towns and school district boundaries

March 15, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Main line relocation school districts — If you are considering moving to one of Philadelphia’s Main Line towns, you will need a primer on how to know which schools a given property is districted to. It’s not a simple answer.

How are school districts determined?

So you want a quick answer to which Main Line towns go to which school districts. Seems like a simple question, right? Maybe it is. But I assure you, it’s not a simple answer. The first thing to understand is that, in Pennsylvania, it’s the township you live in that determines your school district. There could be many different schools within a single township, but they are all part of the same school district. For example, in Lower Merion Township, there are six elementary schools, two middle schools (with a new, third one, being built) and two high schools. All of those schools are Lower Merion School District Schools. With me so far? Ok, here comes the tricky party.

How do I know which towns go to which schools?

Well, see, here’s the thing. In many cases, a single town may be divided into different school district areas. Here’s an example. The town of Bryn Mawr straddles two different counties (see how complicated this is?). Townships are completely contained within counties. However, there are multiple school districts within a single county. All of the Montgomery County properties in Bryn Mawr fall in Lower Merion Township and, therefore, are districted to Lower Merion School District. The southern portion of Bryn Mawr is in Delaware County, but not in only one township. Some of the Delaware County section of Bryn Mawr is in Radnor Township and some of it is in Haverford Township. As a result, that first group goes to Radnor School District schools while the second attends Haverford School District. So, how can you tell which area a given property falls in? By looking at the school boundary maps or the public record (or real estate listings). If you are not certain, don’t guess. Ask your real estate agent or look it up.

Does school district matter that much?

Yes. School district is a huge determinant of home values on the Main Line. While we have some of the very top ranking districts in the state, we also have some that are ranked slightly lower and others a little lower still. Other than rankings, there are other considerations which might push you toward or away from a specific school district like diversity of student population, AP course offerings, class/school size, emphasis on sports, STEM opportunities, support programs, availability of art or music offerings, etc. So it’s vital that you know which school district a property is in if you are considering buying a house on Philadelphia’s Main Line.

Town and School District pairings

While I fear this list may just further muddy the waters, I’ve been asked so many times to provide it, that I’m going to. The name of the town is on the left and all of the school districts that serve ANY portion of that town are on the right. The school district a property is assigned to is directly tied to the township it lies in. There is no option to attend a different school district than the one your property is assigned to. (Please note: this list is not exhaustive as there are no strict boundaries for what comprises the Main Line. Some of the towns toward the end of this list are not always considered Main Line communities, but they are certainly adjacent and many relocating buyers choose to purchase in these areas, so I am including them.)

TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT(S)

Bala Cynwyd: Lower Merion

Merion: Lower Merion

Penn Valley: Lower Merion

Narberth: Lower Merion

Gladwyne: Lower Merion

Wynnewood: Lower Merion, Haverford (a very small percentage of properties)

Ardmore: Lower Merion, Haverford

Haverford : Lower Merion, Haverford (Yes, just to confuse you, Haverford is a town and is also a Township, but not all of Haverford is in Haverford Township.)

Bryn Mawr: Lower Merion, Haverford, Radnor

Villanova: Lower Merion, Radnor

Wayne: Radnor Township, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Upper Merion

Berwyn: Tredyffrin-Easttown

Devon: Tredyffrin-Easttown

Paoli: Tredyffrin-Easttown

Malvern: Tredyffrin-Easttown, Great Valley

Havertown: Haverford

Newtown Square: Marple Newtown, Radnor, Great Valley Rose Tree Media

Media: Rose Tree Media, Marple Newtown, Wallingford-Swarthmore

Wallingford: Wallingford-Swarthmore

Swarthmore: Wallingford-Swarthmore

For more on school district boundaries, click here. To learn more about how to choose a good fit for your child(ren), click here, here and here. For an interactive Main Line school district boundary map, click here.

Contact me if you’d like to talk about your relocation! 610 308-5973, jen@jenniferlebow.com.

If you are relocating to the Philadelphia/Main Line area, please go to my blog page and search for posts using the relocation tag. Contact me to discuss your Philadelphia area relocation! jen@jenniferlebow.com/610 308-5973

Does it make sense to relocate?

March 2, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Should you relocate for a job? — Should I relocate for this job?

Many people considering a job-related move ask this question. Obviously, there are several different factors that need to be addressed in order to determine if a relocation makes sense. The job itself is usually the major one. As I am not an employment expert, I will not give advice on how to decide if a position is a good fit (I’m sure there are plenty of resources for that!). There is, however, one job-related characteristic which does fall under my purview as a relocation expert: Does the salary, adjusted for different costs of living, mean a move up, down or sideways? The primary driver of cost of living is housing. While intangibles such as being closer to family or climate may definitely influence your decision, you probably should find out what kind of housing is available at what price.

What does “housing” cover?

You’ll want to think about not only the “brick and mortar” (whether it’s a condo, twin, or single-family house), but the neighborhood too. Does it feel safe? Does it need to be walkable to shopping and dining? Maybe school district is important to you. How about the commutability to work? Do you need train access or can you drive? How long will it take? Then there are “lifestyle” questions, like, “Is it near a state park” or “Does that city have major sports teams” or “Will I be able to find museums and theater nearby?” Access to high-quality health care, an airport or a competitive rock climbing gym may also play into your decision.

Relocating is uprooting.

While you hope that friends and family you’d be leaving would come visit, be realistic about time and cost associated with traveling from here to there. (Again, access to an airport or major rail hub may become important). How good are you at meeting new people and making friends? Does that matter to you? If you have children, do not underestimate the difficulty of changing schools and being “the new kid”. It’s challenging. Maybe, though, part of the reason you’re considering a move is that the schools are better.

Relocating has a cost.

Unless your company is paying for your move, consider the costs of a move. You have to pay the moving company and usually spend some time in hotels and eating out while you’re between places. Depending on when the new job starts, you may even have a week or more without income. If you are buying a house, there are the closing costs as well as the purchase price related to a home purchase. Once you move in, you’ll invariably need to buy some new things for your new home. If the house you buy needs any repairs, don’t overlook the associated costs.

What are the benefits?

Just as you have a responsibility to consider the reasons why you shouldn’t relocate, you will want to think about the benefits. I’ve already mentioned a couple: perhaps the new location puts you closer to family or in a better school district. Maybe the target area puts you closer to places you’d like to travel to on weekends like a beach or skiing area. The job, too, may have great growth potential or put you in a location where your industry has lots of job opportunities (like a tech or pharma hub, for example).

I’ve known people who use a spreadsheet to try to make sense of all the pros and cons and others who rely solely on whether it “feels” right. Since everyone is different, I won’t suggest any specific method to make a decision. For most, it is made through a combination of head and heart. I would, though, visit more than once and do some research to figure out if the things that are important to you are available in the city you’re considering. Also, check to see if there are any features of that place that you find intolerable like traffic, topography or lack of diversity. Relocating is not something I’d suggest you do on a lark; it’s a big commitment. Remember, though, if it turns out not to be a good move, you can always try somewhere else! For more advice on how to decide whether to relocate for a job, click here and here.

How high should I bid in a seller’s market?

February 27, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow 1 Comment

Main line philadelphia relocation — In a seller’s market, how do you know how high to bid on a property with multiple offers?

Buying a house in a seller’s market

You’ve probably heard the expression “seller’s market”. It means that the housing market favors sellers because the demand for houses outstrips the amount of properties for sale. When you are buying in a seller’s market (which currently describes Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs) you have to be willing to spend more and commit to making a strong offer faster than in a normalized market (where supply and demand is equal). Obviously, in a buyer’s market, you can be choosy, take your time and often pay below list price.

Competitive bids/Bidding wars

When there is low housing inventory, the “good ones” tend to receive multiple bids as soon as they hit the market. Almost always, many of these offers are above the list price. How should you, as a potential buyer, decide how much to offer? Not surprisingly, the answer depends on a few factors. The main one is what you can afford. You, clearly, shouldn’t offer more than you can spend. When I say “can spend’, I’m talking both about the amount you are qualified for as far as a loan, but also what you feel comfortable affording on a monthly basis and for a down payment. Beyond what you can afford, you have to think about the appraisal. For more on how to write a competitive offer, click here.

(When a bank is providing a mortgage, they will only loan you a percentage of the property’s appraised value. So offering high above the list price may land you in a situation where you are the winning bidder, but three weeks later have to terminate the contract because the appraisal is too low for you to afford the purchase. For example. if you put a house under contract for $700,000 and are planning on an 80% loan, that means you’re expecting the mortgage to be $560,000 and the balance of $140,000 to be your cash contribution. If the property appraises at $670,00, the bank will now only loan you 80% of that number ($536,000). In order to honor your $700,000 price, you now need to find an extra $24,000 in cash. If you are not prepared to do that, the deal may fall through.)

So how high do I go?

Either you are willing to waive the appraisal contingency (and guarantee the seller the amount on the contract, regardless of appraisal) or not waive it and understand that, in the event of a low appraisal, you may have to find that “extra cash” to prevent the transaction from falling apart. Once you’ve figured out all of that, you need to decide how high you will go to get the house. Remember, we are talking about being in a multiple bid situation, where the seller is not going to negotiate with each buyer, but, rather, will ask for everyone’s “highest and best” offer. You get one shot at it.

So how do you pinpoint that magic number? Here’s how I always explain it to my buyers:

Let’s assume you put your offer in and I call you the next day to tell you that someone outbid you. And let’s assume that, somehow, I was able to tell you in that moment what the winning bid was (which almost never happens). If you would say, “Oh no! Seriously? I would have paid that!” then your offer was not your highest. At what number would the response to that same message become “Oh no! We really wanted the house, but you know what? If we’d gotten it, but had had to pay that much, I think I would have had buyer’s remorse”.

The number at which the buyer’s response shifts to the latter one is the one that should be your highest bid.

Highest and BEST?

Note: If you look back a couple paragraphs, you’ll notice the description of the final competitive offers as “highest and best”. “Highest” refers to the price, but what about “best”? There are a lot of other terms, like settlement date, deposit amount, loan specifics, etc. that can sway a seller. Sometimes it’s not the highest offer that gets the house. There are several ways you can make your offer more appealing to a seller beyond price but I don’t really want to publish them for public consumption. Trade secrets…you know? I’d be happy to talk more about them with anyone who contacts me directly, though!

Yogurt Chicken Recipe

February 25, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Chicken recipe with paprika and yogurt — For an easy, yet very satisfying chicken dish, give this a try!

Jen LeBow’s Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Preheat oven to 400°.

Place 5-6 chicken thighs, bone-in, in a baking pan and poke it all over with a fork.

In a bowl, mix:

2/3 cup plain yogurt (Greek is best)

¼ cup white wine

2 crushed garlic cloves

1 T Dijon mustard

1 T chive or scallion

2 t paprika

Salt and pepper

Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake 30-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. The sauce goes very well over rice.

Sellers: Sell Your House, Not Your Home

February 11, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

home selling strategy — When you sell your property, look at is as a house, not as your home.

Sellers: What are you selling?

Selling your house/home can be confusing as far as the message. On one hand, you are trying to sell the experience of living there (“home”). While the layout and size, yard and location are the most important features to most buyers, you want them to remember that the property will function as more than just walls and floors. The goal is for the buyers to imagine your house becoming their home. However, what is the best way to accomplish that?

Stop thinking of it as home

Showings

As difficult as it is to do, the best thing you can do when selling is to create some emotional distance between yourself and the house (remember, stop thinking of it as home). This distance will enable you to be better prepared to leave the house for showing requests. One of the biggest deterrents to buyers is not being able to see the house at their convenience and you don’t want to miss the opportunity. They could buy something else before ever attempting a second showing request.

Neutralize

If you think of the property as a house as opposed to your home, it should be an easier pill to swallow when your agent recommends changes that will appeal to a wider market. If your premise is “I want to sell this asset”, the more people you appeal to “as-is”, the better. So paint it, even if you think the suggested color is boring, switch out the kitchen cabinet hardware, and live with “vanilla” for a little while.

Stress: home vs. house

While home is where most people go to reduce stress (as it should be), that emotional attachment is exactly what makes it stressful to sell your home. It has memories and history that are meaningful to you, but not to the buyer. When a buyer submits a lower offer than you believe is merited, being able to have some emotional distance will help you see the transaction as a business one, not a personal one. The buyer isn’t trying to insult you; he just doesn’t put the same value you do on the memories you do that have made it home to you. Having a clearer head will help reduce the stress during the negotiation process.

Depersonalize

The specific furnishings and design choices that have made it feel like your home often do not match the prospective buyers’ taste. Even if their taste is similar, the fewer distinctly personal effects (photographs, collections, etc.) there are in the house, the more easily buyers can imagine their own possessions in the house. So, while, in the end, you do, indeed, want to sell the idea of “home”, (almost counter-intuitively), the best way to do that is to depersonalize it. Paint, carpeting and fixtures should be as neutral as possible. Not only may the flocked wallpaper and dusty rose carpet reduce the appeal of your home to a buyer, but they also leave the buyer thinking, “I will have to put money aside and deal with the disruption of installation in order to change that.” Remember: you want the buyers to easily imagine how they could make the space feel like their home with little or minimal effort.

Be objective

Seeing your home objectively is nearly impossible, but try! Put yourself in the mindset of a buyer coming to the property for the first time. Note what most people would consider the negatives (on a busy corner, very small back yard, dated kitchen and baths) as well as the positives (great street, lots of storage). You may have gotten used to the train running through your back yard, but recognize that, to most buyers, that will be a “strike against”. Again, listen to your agent if she tells you that your house will be much more appealing to buyers with a coat of paint or new counter top. She knows what buyers are currently looking for. (Obviously, a cost-benefit analysis is in order prior to any investment in updating.) Being objective can help with pricing as well. Pay attention to the comparables that your agent shares with you and focus on the more tangible features (square footage, lot size, updatedness, layout) to see how yours compares.

You can still sell the idea of “home”!

I can’t stress this last point enough. The rest of this article has been focused on helping you think of your house as an asset to be made marketable to someone else. However, as I mentioned earlier, the goal is to get the prospective buyer to envision is as home. So while you need to stop thinking of it as your home when you look at the physical space, you want to demonstrate other features that communicate “home” to the buyer. For example, make up a “Why we’ve loved living here” sheet that includes neighborhood and community features as well as property characteristics. Maybe you mention the access to the train or the neighborhood book club and annual end of summer party. Talk about the great schools or dining options nearby. You might also include a list of improvements/updates you’ve done to show pride of ownership and to remind the buyers of projects you’ve done so they don’t have to budget for those updates.

See the opportunity

While you may love your home exactly as it is, try to think of your move as an opportunity to create a new home. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or moving to a new area, think of it as a blank canvas. Over time, you will put your own personal stamp on your living space and the house you bought will become your next home.

Philadelphia signature foods

January 16, 2020 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Philadelphia relocation — Visiting Philadelphia? Find out what and where the locals eat for the most iconic Philly foods.

Philadelphia local foods

Every region has certain foods that you are expected to try when in the area. Sometimes, it’s because the dish originated there, sometimes it’s because a food became very popular and all the local restaurants try their hands at it. Either way, these signature foods are identified as local favorites. In Oklahoma, it’s chicken fried steak. Maine must-haves include lobster and blueberries. In Vermont, you can’t leave without having maple syrup. In Philadelphia, we have an interesting mix of signature dishes.

Cheesesteaks

As “Philadelphia” as Rocky, the cheesesteak is a true institution. Originally made by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in the 1930s, several local establishments continue to vie for the title of “best cheesesteak”. While it can be ordered with provolone or other cheese, the favored topping is Cheez Whiz. When you order yours, to blend in with the locals, be sure to order “one Whiz wit”. You will receive a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz “wit” onions (imagine a Philadelphia accent). Click the article below for more.

https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/archive/cheesesteaks/

Hoagies

Philadelphia may not have been the location of the first sandwich that other cities refer to as a “submarine”, but we believe we do it best. Philadelphia even has its own name for this signature food: the hoagie. While they are available in many places, and some are better than others, there is agreement about a basic level of ingredient quality. Local meat and cheese purveyor like Boars Head or Dietz and Watson are common and the rolls are not some preservative-laced item you find on a supermarket shelf. Most locals would identify Amoroso’s as the roll of choice. Plenty of oil and vinegar, mayo, spices, shredded lettuce, tomatos, pickles and other condiments are part of the experience as well. Find out more below.

https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/archive/hoagies-3/

Soft Pretzels

Technically, the first soft pretzels were made in Italy. As these new snacks spread throughout Europe, they became especially popular in Germany. The earliest known ones in the U.S., though, were made in Lititz, PA, a Pennsylvania Dutch stronghold, in the 1860s. Fun fact: Philadelphians consume 12 times the national average number of pretzels every year. While other cities also have soft pretzels, Philadelphia’s are unique as far as their figure-eight shape and crust outside, with dense, doughy interior. You can find them all over the city, so be sure to grab one next time you’re here! See below.

https://www.pennappetit.com/2013/09/history-of-the-philadelphia-soft-pretzel/

Tomato Pie

While some other mid-Atlantic cities are also big on tomato pie, it is arguably most traceable to Philadelphia. It’s basically dough with tomato sauce. Again, the quality of the dough is of immense importance as is the flavoring of the sauce. For more on tomato pie, click here.

Scrapple

While not for everyone, scrapple deserves a try. It is another dish introduced by the Pennsylvania Dutch and it is a meat “loaf” but similar to breakfast sausage without a casing. It’s made from leftover pork parts combined with cornmeal and seasoned generously. It is then baked. More on scrapple below.

https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/archive/scrapple/

Water Ice

Water ice is often considered just a Philadelphia name for Italian ice and, while very similar, it actually is subtly different. Philadelphians eat a lot of it and local chains like Rita’s speak to local fanatacism over this cool treat. Eater Philadelphia says:

The texture — looser than Italian ice and smoother than shaved ice — is unique to Philadelphia producers. Chunks of fruit often signal a good product. And the pronunciation is always “wooder ice.”

To find out where to get the best water ice, click here.

Tastykakes

Tastykakes are consistently described as nectar of the gods. They are what Hostess and Little Debbie aspires to be: The very best ready-to-eat baked treats. They are available in a variety of flavors that are truly addictive. The Kandykakes (short, chocolate-enrobed cakes, available with a layer of peanut butter) are to die for and there is a large butterscotch crumpet fan club as well. The cupcakes (with the signature white stripe in the icing on the top) with their cream center are probably the most popular. Find out more and see all the choices here.

Wawa

What is Wawa? It’s a convenience store (think 7-11) but with food of an incredibly higher quality. The offerings are vast and the touch screens allow for incredible customization (want that hoagie roll toasted? regular amount of mayo or extra?) There are Wawas all over the place but Philadelphians tend to be very territorial and loyal to “their” Wawa and will often drive past three others to reach their “home” Wawa. Another reason to love Wawa is their dairy. The store began (and still has its dairy operations) as a dairy in Wawa, PA. So their milk, ice cream, sour cream, etc. is locally made and very good. Once you’ve been to a Wawa, there’s no going back to another convenience store. See why here.

Next time you’re in Philadelphia, be sure to see the iconic sights–the Art Museum, Reading Terminal and the Italian Market, Independence Mall and the historic section, the murals scattered around the city and more. When you’re hungry though, now you have a list of “must-try” foods! For more on the above and some other traditionally Philadelphian fare, click here.