Philly Neighborhood Guide - Northwest

NORTHWEST PHILADELPHIA 

Northwest Philadelphia is just outside downtown Philly and is comprised of Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill, all connected by the popular Germantown Avenue. 

Let’s start with GERMANTOWN, the closest neighborhood to downtown Philadelphia. The area has many historic landmarks and buildings dating back to the 17th century. Check out the Johnson House (an Underground Railroad Station) and the Germantown White House (the ​​oldest surviving presidential residence). If you’re looking for nature to clear your head, visit the nearby Awbury Arboretum or the Wissahickon Valley Park, each peaceful retreats into the woods. 

Germantown also offers a range of cultural events and festivals, including the annual Black History Month celebration and the Germantown Second Saturday arts and culture festival. Stroll down the quaint Germantown Avenue for restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and more.

A dense urban area, most homes in Germantown are row houses and the median sold price of a home in Germantown was $210,000 in 2022, making it an affordable option for those looking for a slice of history while still feeling like part of the city. 

Moving slightly northwest of Germantown is the neighborhood of MT. AIRY. A charming and diverse neighborhood, the area is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and vibrant cultural scene. In Mt. Airy you’ll find a range of activities to keep you occupied. Hike, bike, jog, or horseback ride through the Wissahickon, go to a concert at the Sedgwick Theater, or explore the many boutiques and restaurants along Germantown Avenue. 

You’ll feel a strong sense of community when you visit Mt. Airy, with many community events throughout the year. It’s a family-friendly neighborhood with parks, playgrounds, and activities for young children happening all year round.

With a handful of schools to choose from, you can’t go wrong in Mt. Airy. As of 2022, the median sold price of a home was $415,000.

Slightly further northwest of Mt. Airy is CHESTNUT HILL, a beautiful and affluent neighborhood known for its lush greenery, stunning mansions, charming shops, and delicious restaurants. 

Like Mt. Airy and Germantown, you can explore Wissahickon Valley Park, visit the Morris Arboretum, or stroll down the streets of Germantown Avenue, where live music may greet you emerging from a local brewery or restaurant. The neighborhood is also home to many cultural events and festivals, and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can’t miss the annual Harry Potter Festival in October. Residents are also proud to host the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival every year, among others. 

The neighborhood is known for its historic mansions and Victorian homes, and the median sold price of a home in Chestnut Hill was $925,000 in 2022. 

ROXBOROUGH, MANAYUNK, AND EAST FALLS

Directly south of Northwest Philadelphia is a small section of the city nestled on the Schuylkill River. This area is comprised of Roxborough, Manayunk, and East Falls. The two main throughways are Ridge Avenue and Main Street, where you can find restaurants galore, boutique shopping, a movie theater, fitness centers, and more. 

There are a handful of schools in this area, as well as parks and playgrounds. Famous Kelly Drive lies along the river, where people bike, jog, or host picnics and birthday parties on its green banks. These neighborhoods make up a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with easy access to Center City Philadelphia while still maintaining a strong sense of community.

Homes range from amenity-filled apartment complexes along the river to row houses and townhomes scattered through the area. The median sold price of a home in this area was $330,000 in 2022, making it a good option for those seeking a comfortable living environment.