{"id":106929,"date":"2020-07-29T01:38:30","date_gmt":"2020-07-29T08:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=106929"},"modified":"2026-01-22T01:13:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T09:13:51","slug":"step-back-in-time-in-philadelphias-chestnut-hill-neighborhood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/step-back-in-time-in-philadelphias-chestnut-hill-neighborhood\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy Some Victorian Charm in Philadelphia\u2019s Chestnut Hill Neighborhood"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dubbed the \u201cGarden District of Philadelphia\u201d, Chestnut Hill is the old, beautiful neighborhood that somehow feels both comfortable and luxurious. Victorian houses with shaded, wrap-around porches radiate out from a charming \u201cMain St\u201d style strip of shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n

Mature oaks and pines are gracefully perched on sloping lawns and along residential streets. With Wissahickon Valley Park next door, Chestnut Hill feels miles away from the busy, concrete streets of downtown Philadelphia, but it\u2019s really just a quick train ride from the conveniences of city life.<\/p>\n

Where is Chestnut Hill?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The entire Southern and Western corner of Chestnut Hill is bordered by the lush green space of Wissahickon Valley Park. Mt. Airy, another desirable residential neighborhood and Olney – Oak Lane in Philly flank the other sides of Chestnut Hill. This is the last area of Philadelphia County before entering into Montgomery County.<\/p>\n

History<\/strong><\/p>\n

Originally added to the city in the 1850s, Chestnut Hill started out as a retreat for wealthy Philadelphians to get out of the city during the peak of the summer\u2019s heat. Much of the area is layered in history and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. It features sprawling, green lawns and magnificent mansions, some of which date back hundreds of years.<\/p>\n

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In the time since, developers have taken an interest in revitalizing the neighborhood while retaining its old-world charm. Like Ken Weinstein, who has invested money and resources into bringing old buildings to life. One of his most popular projects among locals, The Trolley Car Cafe, served up milkshakes and delicious diner food before recently closing in the adjacent neighborhood. He\u2019s also invested in former factories and historically designated properties and tastefully rebuilt them as apartments.<\/p>\n

Lifestyle<\/h3>\n

What to do<\/strong><\/p>\n

Germantown Ave is the main thread of Chestnut Hill, resembling a Main Street in a small, country town. It\u2019s lined with restaurants, galleries and boutiques, and hosts festivals and pop-ups throughout the year. Small stone buildings house local ice cream shops and bakeries, with locals often spending sunny afternoons strolling down these quaint blocks.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Chestnut Hill, Philadephia (@chestnuthillphilly)<\/a> on