Chestnut Hill Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on June 08, 2020
Chestnut Hill is a picturesque town located in the northwest section of Philadelphia. The neighborhood’s main street, Germantown Avenue, stretches approximately ten blocks and is full of highly-recommended restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
While Chestnut Hill is known for being one of the more expensive areas of Philadelphia, it offers a wide range of housing options that continue to attract local homebuyers with varying budgets.
Where is Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia?
Chestnut Hill is adjacent to the Philadelphia neighborhood of Mt. Airy as well as Oreland, Wyndmoor and Lafayette Hill of Montgomery county. When looking at a map, Chestnut Hill is bounded by Northwestern Avenue to the northwest, Wissahickon Gorge on the west side, Stenton Avenue on the northeast, and Cresheim Valley on the southeast.
Architectural Appeal
Chestnut Hill has a diverse and grand set of housing stock for its local residents. From modest rowhomes, to 19th century farmhouses, as well as stunning stone mansions, Chestnut Hill has something for everyone regardless of what aesthetic or type of home you are searching for.
Browse homes for sale in Chestnut Hill
Getting Around Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill has a variety of public transportation options. The neighborhood is served by two SEPTA trains including the Chestnut Hill East Line and Chestnut West Line, city division buses (23, 77, and L), as well as suburban division buses (94, 97).
Drinking & Dining
Go for the food, stay for the music! Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe, located next to the Chestnut Hill Hotel, offers a classic French bistro menu. Thursday through Sunday, head to the location’s lower level to enjoy some live music. There is an entertainment fee of $15 per person. Some items to try on the menu are the Sampler Tartine & Croque Monsieur Crepe.
McNally’s Tavern is an historic pub dating back to 1921, and is home of The Schmitter® sandwich and tasty homemade soups. The Schmitter sandwich is a version of a cheesesteak that is served on a round kaiser roll with fried onions, tomato, salami and special sauce served with potato chips. Locals say this is a must-have sandwich if you are in the area. The ambience in the restaurant is cozy, warm and invitingly casual. Some say its one of the perfect places to enjoy a pint in Philadelphia.
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company serves up craft beers and brick-oven pizza, with the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor seating options. Located behind the Chestnut Hill Hotel, the brewery has a low-key vibe with a friendly neighborhood feel. A good option is to take advantage of the beer sampler option so you can have a chance to sample several of their beers.
Feeling like fusion? Look no further than Cin Cin - a Chinese and French fusion restaurant located on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. The restaurant has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a menu that includes pan-asian dishes with a French flare. Some favorites are the hot and sour soup, pan fried pork dumplings, and the beef with brandy-infused hoisin sauce.
Best Cheesesteak in Chestnut Hill
As mentioned earlier, The Schmitter ® Sandwich at McNally’s Tavern is delightful. Even though it's not presented on a long hoagie roll like a traditional cheesesteak, it's an amazing twist on the classic Philly sandwich.
Things to Do
Explore fresh produce and artisanal goods…
Every Saturday, the Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market offers something for everyone. You can get everything from fresh locally-roasted coffee, made-from-scratch baked goods, made-to-order deli sandwiches, fresh produce and much more. The farmers’ market is described as having the charm of a country store with the sophistication of the chestnut hill lifestyle.
Visit historic homes…
Chestnut Hill is home to several notable buildings that can be found on the National Register of Historic Places: The John Story Jenks School (designed by Irwin T. Catharine), Thomas Mill Bridge (the only traditional covered bridge in Philadelphia), and Wissahickon Inn (now Chestnut Hill Academy), just to name a few.
Another great place to visit in chestnut hill is Wissahickon Valley Park. The park offers a wooded valley with the Wissahickon Creek running through it. A scenic destination if you are seeking a day out filled with walking, biking, horseback riding, jogging or picnicking.
Market Snapshot
Prevu buyers are always on the lookout for amazing homes, here are 4 homes for sale in Chestnut Hill that recently caught our team's eye:
Interested in buying a home in Chestnut Hill? Browse listings and see how much you could save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer commission rebate in Philadelphia.
