GERMANTOWN
40.0293° N, 75.1746° W
40.0293° N, 75.1746° W
Germantown is a vibrant, historic neighborhood of northwestern Philadelphia, known as ‘Freedom’s Backyard,’ for its proud heritage of abolitionism and commitments to upholding civil freedoms. The town’s northern border is the quaint, cobbled Germantown Avenue where Germantown meets neighboring Mt. Airy. Germantown Avenue serves as the neighborhoods central hub, boasting local stores and restaurants. With small farms, Germantown provides fresh produce via CSAs and farm stores. Located in the Wissahickon Valley, Germantown’s west side is bordered by the 1,800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park. It has 50 miles of trails that traverse meandering streams, rugged hillsides, and gravel pathways, for walkers, bikers, and equestrians. Germantown’s welcoming atmosphere is expressed in its many commercial, historical, and recreational establishments which regularly host community gatherings, including workshops and classes, music and arts events, dinners, and festivals.
With many historical houses, buildings, and events that commemorate a local past, Germantown is a delight for the lover of culture and history. Eighteen historic sites, many dating to the period around the Revolutionary War, are preserved by the local partnership with Historic Germantown, which supports research, cultural events, and exhibitions at these sites. Germantown is home to multiple historic districts that boast leafy streets and varied architecture attesting to the gradual growth of the suburb from the 18th century onwards. The annual Revolutionary Germantown Festival presents a reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, family-friendly activities throughout town, and rounds off the day with Oktoberfest celebrations at Grumblethorpe, a historic 18th-century mansion. Germantown is also the site of Johnson House, one of the last standing locations on the Underground Railroad.
When they’re not exploring the great outdoors in the rambling expanses of Wissahickon Valley Park, browsing local fare on Germantown Avenue, or connecting with friends at local markets, Germantown locals are indulging their diverse interests by learning something new or taking in some art and culture. Visit the La Salle University Art Museum on a rainy day or to enjoy a new exhibition. Join a class at Rittenhouse Town in paper arts, sign up for a workshop exploring horticulture, food or history, at Wyck House Home Farm Foodways’ series, or spend the afternoon at Awbury Arboretum, offering art exhibitions, concerts, wellness classes, lectures, and kids’ activities.
Grab a joe at Ultimo Coffee, a local coffee chain with four locations while you explore local craft foods, brews, and hip stores on Germantown Avenue and beyond. Brighten up your life or give a recurring gift with a weekly bouquet subscription from Pomelo, a boutique flower, plant, and gift shop, and pick up freshly-baked breads at Merzbachers, home of the original Philly Muffin. Don’t forget to try their cinnamon-swirl French toast loaf, a local favorite.
For an enjoyable night of music, head to La Rose Jazz Club, which presents live jazz four or more nights a week. The neighborhood boasts a range of delicious, health-centered vegan and vegetarian foods. For vegan soul food, head to the Nile Cafe, Philly’s oldest vegan restaurant, or visit All the Way Live for a raw vegan menu. The award-winning craft brewery, Attic Brewing offers a wide variety of beer styles, live music, and events, including an afternoon outdoor market.
If there’s anything Germantown loves, it’s fun, family-friendly festivals! Some options are to spend the last long days of summer at the Philadelphia Honey Festival at Wyck House, or attend the celebrated People’s Poetry and Jazz Festival hosted every summer by the Black Writers’ Museum.
Board your horses or sign up for horse riding lessons with one of three stables in Wissahickon Park, or join the upscale Germantown Cricket Club, offering social events as well as tennis, cricket, squash, and swimming facilities.
Germantown is served by the School District of Philadelphia, and is home to five Elementary Schools, six Middle Schools, and two High Schools (including charter schools). Private schools include Christian, Islamic, and Quaker religious schools, a Waldorf school, a school for the Deaf, and a Special Education school.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, obsessively scrolling for a house, planning a relocation to the area, or just feel unsure where to start, we can help. Reach out for a zero-pressure 30-minute phone or video meeting to get started. We are here to listen, support, and educate so you can feel confident with your decisions in our swiftly moving market.
