Mt Airy, Chestnut Hill, Germantown

Once a Colonial-era summer resort, Mt. Airy has since evolved into a beautiful, diverse community that conveniently marries urban to suburban living while clinging to its historical roots. Jutting up from the Wissahickon River, Mt. Airy flourishes as a charming town replete with many verdant green spaces, art museums, coffee shops, boutiques, and dozens of cultural attractions.

Not only do residents benefit from the eye-catching decorum and well-maintained historic homes, but they’ll discover the dense surrounding wilderness, including an extensive system of trails and dozens of parks. Nearby Chestnut Hill and Germantown are popular with young families who flock to the exciting range of entertainment options, excellent schools, and civic-minded communities.

Germantown sets itself apart from its nearby communities as an intimate sector of emerging creatives attracted to the area for its legacy and thriving arts scene. Those interested in the family-oriented vibe might prefer Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood with a small-town vibe and big-city amenities. Chestnut Hill is famous for its elegant Victorian rowhouses and esteemed estates with acres of yard space.

Mt. Airy is a highly sought-after place to live, and as such, the pricing tends to be exorbitant. In-demand properties go quickly on the market, so many people settle down in Chestnut Hill or Germantown if they can’t live directly in Mt. Airy. Nonetheless, all three communities are lively and picturesque, giving way to a tranquil, slow-paced lifestyle.

There is no better spot in the area for authentic Italian cuisine than Trattoria Moma. This upscale-casual eatery is housed inside of a snug, easy-to-miss storefront, but you’d be remiss to skip over this Mt. Airy staple. The Trattoria has reinvented the wheel when it comes to Italian cooking. From savory wild mushroom ravioli to tangy lemon sorbet, this restaurant has enough choices to please even the pickiest of palettes.

Not far from Trattoria Moma is Jansen, also situated along the famous Germantown Avenue. The perfect place to take your visiting family members or a date for a romantic evening out, this cozy establishment is inside the refurbished Cresheim Cottage. The chef-driven menu includes New American fare such as grilled tuna served over a bed of rice noodles.

For breakfast, you’ll love the aptly-named Breakfast Boutique (also on Germantown Ave.), an all-day breakfast eatery that provides a sublime taste of old-fashioned Southern hospitality.

Of the many parks located in Mt. Airy, the 2,042-acre Wissahickon Valley Park stands out as the epicenter of Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill. Boasting over 50 miles of walking trails and multiple historical landmarks, you’ll never run out of new things to see.

Mt. Airy Day is a fun annual event started by a small group of volunteers over 50 years ago. This yearly festival unites the community to celebrate the town and planned entertainment like live music, children’s performances, food trucks, sweets, crafts, and vendors.

Another significant annual event is the Fall for the Arts Festival in Chestnut Hill. This exciting day of art, culinary delights, boutique shopping, and music is one to be remembered! Chestnut Hill and the entire area of Germantown Avenue, between Willow Grove and Rex Avenues, is transformed into a colorful arts and crafts marketplace. Other festival attractions include a children’s amusement zone, live music, more than 150 vendors, and much more!

The Julia Reynolds Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School is a middle and second school located in the Spring Garden neighborhood. Masterman has twice been named the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and is ranked first in the School District of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.