Living in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
Germantown, Pennsylvania, is a neighborhood on the northwest end of Philadelphia. Founded in the 1680s as its own town, it became absorbed into Philadelphia in 1854 and has been a wonderful part of the city for the past 150 years. Today Germantown is a bustling neighborhood where diversity and affordability meets historic buildings and parkland.
Things to Do in Germantown
Germantown is located about eight miles northwest of Center City, and is divided into two neighborhoods: East Germantown, which lies to the east of Germantown Avenue, extending to Wister Street and the Awbury Arboretum, and the Germantown neighborhood, which stretches from the west side of Germantown Avenue to Wissahickon Avenue. Germantown Avenue is dotted with an eclectic assortment of small, casual restaurants that reflect the interests of the people who live here: vegetarian cafes, soul food, and Asian buffets are just some of the most popular options, along with plenty of fast food chains west of Germantown Avenue.
Living in Germantown means being surrounded by historical architecture. Many mansions and spacious homes are private residences, but you can tour the historic Cliveden and Wyck mansions for a glimpse of life in Old Philadelphia. You can sample locally grown produce at the Friday night farmers market and hear children's laughter at the many festivals and events held here. In October, the Revolutionary Germantown Festival attracts visitors from all over southeastern Pennsylvania to sit in the beer garden and watch reenactments of Revolutionary War battles.
Germantown Real Estate
The Germantown neighborhood has a mix of housing, with most built before World War II. You can find properties that range from small townhomes with a patch of green grass and historic row homes to classic apartment communities and a few modern high rises. Homes for sale in Germantown are largely more affordable than in other areas of Philadelphia, though prices rise the farther north you move along Germantown Avenue. The extra money buys a little more space and a bigger yard, as well as proximity to the expansive Wiccahisson Valley Park, a green space filled with running trails and rushing water that delights local joggers, cyclists, and picnickers on warm days.
Getting Around Germantown
A big perk for residents is that Germantown is well-connected to downtown Philadelphia by SEPTA services. East Germantown residents use the Chestnut Hill East line, while the Chestnut Hill West line has stops on the other side of Germantown Avenue. Bus service is also convenient, and many residents find scenic Kelly Drive a quick alternative to the busy Schuylkill Expressway for driving to Center City.
