And, I'd like to add the Walking Fish Theatre, www.walkingfishtheatre.com not too far from that area!

Other posters will be able to comment on dog parks. I believe that there are plenty around, but probably not walkable. I do see lots of people with dogs off leashes at the hill near the Rite Aid. It would be scary though if the dog decided to bolt and take off to Aramingo!

I lived in Somerville for years - Newbury St (near Teele Sq) and Ten Hills near the Assembly Sq Mall. I got my MFA at Tufts U/SMFA. One of these days, I'm hoping to start a vegetarian supper club, but my dream kitchen is a DIY renovation so it will be awhile. Maybe we can plan a Phillyblog meetup at some local watering hole or cafe.

Oh, wow- I lived in Davis (right near Orleans if it was there when you were here) and then up near Tufts on Chetwynd Rd (about a block from Professor's Row). Right now I'm in Winter Hill, but definitely prefer West Somerville.

My dog and I spend tons of time at the Fells reservation in Winchester and I know I will have a tough time ever replicating the acres of off-leash romping just 10 min away.

Considering that I know only a few people in Philly, I'm happy to meet for a drink! I'm in town next week.

where in Queens?.... I'm most recently from Sunnyside myself!

I was broke in Phlly living on the edge of center city(during grad school) and did not enjoy it much but now that I am back I am much more into it. Just take it for what it is and dont expect it to be NY or Boston (it is anentirely different animal with its own benefits and chalenges or you will be frustrated). Philly can be a great place to live if you throw yourself into it. You are moving into an area with a great sense of community and lots of old timers and newcomers.

There are tons of dogs in the hood and a dog park at Girard and 95 (Thriangle dog park) that is pretty close to you... not even a little bucolic but still useful.

I lived in Astoria, right off of Steinway.

Thanks for the tip about the dog park. I'm going to research if there are any hiking spots within a reasonable distance because his interest is mostly in wildlife rather than making doggy friends.

I'm not a big fan of dog parks, so I take my mutt up to Frankford Creek. A car is necessary, but it isn't a bad drive. Also, there is always the Wissahickon.

I live in the general vicinity too (up in Port Richmond) its a nice area, you'll like it.

I think this article from Wednesday's Daily News sums up what life is like Port Richmond - the very good and the very bad

HE DIDN'T DIE ALONE AT ALMOND & SCHILLER
By PATTY-PAT KOZLOWSKI
ON May 17, the community of Port Richmond held a Mass for Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski at Nativity BVM Church. I was asked to speak at the end of the Mass on behalf of the people of my neighborhood to address the Liczbinski family. This is adapted from what I said.
Let me tell you about the corner of Almond and Schiller streets.
You don't just pass by Almond and Schiller; you have to be going there. It's an intersection of porch homes and minivans, kids playing hockey in the street, people sitting on their front steps.

http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/19129949.html

I dont know of any really close.... if you drive a bit though Fairmount Park and the Wissahickon are really beautiful and expansive. You can also daytrip it up to Delaware Water Gap

http://www.fairmountpark.org/TrailsIntro.asp

Tacony Crreek Park and Pennypack are closer in the NE I have never been to them though I should make that one of my goals this summer.

I love Astoria. I was on 40th off QB... I really miss the food and pubs in queens sometimes but not the crowdedness or the rent or the parking.