Mt. Airy / Chestnut Hill
Beginning as a summer resort for wealthy Philadelphians during Colonial times, Mt. Airy has since transformed into a leafy green oasis that effortlessly combines its rich historical roots with the surrounding wilderness. Gently jutting from the Wissahickon River, Mt. Airy is a charming neighborhood replete with cozy coffee shops, art museums, cultural attractions, and public green spaces.
Miles of multi-use trails wind their way through the historic 18th and 19th-century homes. Mt. Airy and its neighbors Chestnut Hill and Germantown have become popular places for those raising a family thanks to the welcoming community, excellent schools, and civic-minded residents motivated to work toward an inclusive place to live.
What to Love
- Miles of trails
- Historic architecture
- Social activities
- Walkable
- Excellent schools
- Diversity is key
People & Lifestyle
Chestnut Hill perfectly complements the neighboring community of Mt. Airy. Both districts are family-oriented and bursting with opportunity. Living in Chestnut Hill is ideal for those who want to embrace a rural life while remaining close to big city amenities.
A compact neighborhood, Chestnut Hill housing options vary from spacious apartments to Victorian rowhouses, single-family residences, and historic estates. Housing in Mt. Airy is pricey and in high demand, so it's harder to find vacancies since everyone is after the prestigious properties sequestered within this quiet neighborhood. Some folks settle in Chestnut Hill instead because it has a similar vibe with more variety.
Residing to the east of Mt. Airy is Germantown, a similarly intimate enclave of artists and creatives attracted to the local arts scene and history.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Award-winning Baker Street Bread Co. in Chestnut Hill has been winning over foodies since 1992. Baking artisan bread and rolls in-house daily, you won't be able to resist following the scent of freshly-baked bread billowing down Germantown Ave.
International options include Biryani Bowl, a casual eatery with dine-in and takeout options that serves the best and most affordable Indian fare in the city. CinCin is an ambitious neighborhood hotspot serving Chinese-French fusion like their famous fish special or traditional moo shu pork. Splurge on margaritas and tasty Mexican food at El Poquito, a local tequila bar and cantina.
A Chestnut Hill staple for more than three decades, Bredenbeck's Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor provides customers with delicious pastries, custom-made cakes, pies, and other sweet treats. Bredenbreck's decadent desserts are perfect for every special occasion.
For a casual night out, visit Chestnut Hill Brewing Company for classic Neapolitan pizza and craft beers alongside a rousing game of ping-pong.
If you'd rather stay in and cook something delicious at home, visit Market at the Fareway— previously known as the Chestnut Hill Farmers Market. As one of the longest continuous farmers’ markets in the city, the Market offers a charming and unique shopping experience while promoting sustainable living and wellness.
Things to Do
Fittingly called the Garden District, many of the best attractions in Chestnut Hill and its surrounding communities are outdoor. You'd be remiss to skip out on the famed Morris Arboretum. Part of the University of Pennsylvania, the arboretum is 92 stunning acres of meadows, ponds, trees, gardens, and exhibits. Anyone with a green thumb will enjoy participating in the Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival, which spotlights home and garden design.
Pastorius Park sprawls across 16 acres and features an open-air amphitheater. It's an excellent spot for a family picnic. 1,500-acre Wissahickon Valley Park resides at the epicenter of Mt. Airy, Germantown, Roxborough, and Chestnut Hill. With 50 miles of walking trails, every walk will be different than the last.
Woodmere Art Museum is dedicated to celebrating art from Philadelphia artists. Artsy minds will delight at Paris Bistro & Jazz Café, a local hotspot serving French-influenced cuisine with a space for live jazz below ground. Despite the name, The Mermaid Inn is a lively tavern known for rhythm, blues, rock, and poetry. It's something of a secret among locals.
Weavers Way Co-op in Chestnut Hill is a local market selling organic meats, produce, and a bulk section, with extensive discounts for members. There is a similar co-op in Mt. Airy.
Schools
- Henry H. Houston School (K-8)
- Charles W. Henry School (K-8)
- Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences (K-8)
There is also a wide range of private school options throughout the region, including:
- St. Peter's School- (PK-K)
- The Philadelphia School - (PK, 1-8)
- Springside Chestnut Hill - (5-8)
- Masterman - (5-12)
- Greene Street Friends - (PK-8)
- Friends Select - (PK-12)
- Germantown Friends - (PK-12)
- Germantown Academy - (PK-12)
- Friends Central - (PK-12)
- Abington Friends - (PK-12)
- The Shipley School - (PK-12)
- The Haverford School - (PK-12)
- Agnes Irwin - (PK-12)
- William Penn Charter - (PK-12)
Available Homes in Mt. Airy / Chestnut Hill
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