You Wouldn't Catch Me Dead On... Which Streets in Philly to Avoid (Unless You're Into That)
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks, and... streets that would make a traffic cone beg for mercy. We all know Philly has its quirks, but some roads here are downright Dickensian. Buckle up (or maybe white-knuckle it) as we explore the contenders for the title of Philly's Worst Street.
Roosevelt Boulevard: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams (and Cars)
This 11-mile monstrosity cuts through Philly like a concrete scar. They call it the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," but let's be honest, it's probably more like the "Boulevard of Broken Axles and Deflated Tires." Potholes the size of swimming pools, questionable lane markings, and enough traffic lights to rival a Christmas tree farm make this a journey best reserved for those with nerves of steel (and maybe a dashcam).
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Fun fact: There's a rumor that Roosevelt Boulevard is where they filmed Mad Max: Fury Road. Turns out, they didn't need much set dressing.
Kensington Avenue: Where Even Google Maps Takes a Detour
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Kensington Avenue is a whole different beast. This neighborhood has its own... unique charm, let's say. Navigating the sidewalks here requires a certain parkour-esque skillset, and unless you're looking to practice your dodgeball reflexes, maybe take another route.
Pro tip: If you see a cheesesteak stand with a line longer than the wait for a Wawa hoagie on a Sunday morning, you're probably in the good part of Kensington.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Broad Street: From City Hall to Crash Site (Hopefully Not)
Broad Street might seem fancy, running right through the heart of Philly. But don't let the fancy stores fool you. Traffic on Broad Street is a chaotic ballet of impatient drivers, confused tourists, and those jittery SEPTA buses that seem to stop on a dime (or maybe a nickel).
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Word on the street: There's a rumor that crossing Broad Street at rush hour grants you three wishes. We wouldn't recommend trying it though.
What is The Worst Street In Philadelphia |
So, How Do You Avoid These Streets?
Here's the real question: how do you navigate Philly without encountering these, ahem, "interesting" roads? Fear not, intrepid traveler, for we have some tips:
How to Become a Philly Traffic Jedi Master?
- Master the art of the side street. Philly has a labyrinthine network of smaller roads. Learn them, love them, and use them to your advantage.
- Invest in a good GPS. And by "good," we mean one that can reroute faster than you can say "Schuylkill Expressway" (another contender, but we'll save that story for another time).
- Embrace public transportation. Philly's SEPTA system might not be perfect, but it's a great way to avoid the aforementioned traffic nightmares.
- Develop a taste for walking (if you dare). Just watch out for those pesky double-parked cars and the occasional rogue cheesesteak vendor with a questionable cart.
Remember, a little planning goes a long way in Philly. With the right knowledge and maybe a bit of luck, you can avoid the worst streets and experience the City of Brotherly Love in all its glory.