Chestnut Hill – neighborhood profile

Philadelphia seduces gradually. Maybe you won’t be struck by love at first sight, but once you allow it to reveal itself to you, it will surprise you in a very pleasant way. Take Chestnut Hill, located in the North West section of the city, puts on a calm, safe feeling, with the cobblestones and old village look, reminding you of Christmas even during the summer.

The neighborhood of Chestnut Hill has a dusty vacation air to it, a subtle reminder that back in the late 18^th century Chestnut Hill was one of the many popular local summer vacation spots due to its elevation of 400-500 feet above the sea level. The architecture is mainly from the 19^th and 20^th century, and the historic ambiance is enhanced with preserved historic homes. Chestnut is known as one of the more affluent sections of the city, a desirable but pricey neighborhood where it isn’t always easy to find a home.

Quaint cafes, excellent restaurants and adorable boutiques are among the local retail offerings. The Woodmere Art Museum and the Stagecrafters Theater are here to appease the cultural needs of residents and tourists. Skaters and ice-hockey fans have the Wissahickon Skating Club to join in order to develop their skills in the sport.

The first German settlement in the area, Chestnut Hill historians have preserved old architectural pieces like Wilson Eyre’s Anglecot, the Druim Moir Historic District with its Romanesque Revival mansion designed by G.W. & W. D. Hewitt, and the 1850 Inglewood Cottage designed by Thomas Ustick Walter.

Housing in this area is expensive, but the demand is high. The reasoning behind it is simple: this neighborhood has everything it needs right there – the Chestnut Hill College, public and private schools, public library and impressive parks.

Morris Arboretum is home to over 13,000 rare plants and trees, set in a romantic Victorian landscape of 92 acres, part of the national register of historic places. It is the ideal place to walk your thoughts after a rewarding shopping session and delicious meal along Germantown Avenue. Wouldn’t you like to live here?