West Mount Airy

Ask Philadelphia residents about Mt. Airy, you'll get two responses. The first type of response is glowing and complimentary; there will be comments on the exceptionally serene tree-lined blocks and friendly residents, quaint coffee shops and community characteristics. The other type of response? "I've never heard of it."

That's the thing about West Mt. Airy. Either you know about it, or you don't. Those that do know about it can talk about quality schools, family friendly activities and stores, historic homes and educated communities. Those that know about it can point to the iconic Lincoln Drive (there really is no better scenic drive into the city) as the perfect artery that separates the hustle and bustle of the city into the quiet neighborhood of good living. Those that know understand that W. Mt. Airy's Germantown Avenue is a cornerstone of culture and vibrant lifestyle. You can buy everything from fresh baked German bread to healthy African-American soul food to wheat grass smoothies to Mexican fare.

Those that don't know about it wouldn't be able to tell you about their neighborhood activities, it's closely connected and involved library that sponsors programs for kids. Those that don't know about it don't tell you about it's political power and it's high safety rating. Those that don't know about it couldn't tell you about it's exceptional diversity; everyone smiles, everyone cares and just about everyone values their differences.

Now that you know about West Mt. Airy, I suggest you give it a visit. Provide the same energy that Mt. Airy is providing you. If you have a family and aren't looking to hear traffic outside your door all day and night, this is the place for you. If you don't mind driving or waiting at a train station while reading a copy of "The Great Gatsby" this place is for you. If you don't mind historic homes and plenty of gardens and trees this place is for you. There's a reason people spend their entire lives here.

As the name implies, West Mount Airy is a dream neighborhood to the west of Germantown Avenue. The Regional Rail stop is along the western edge and is reliable most of the time with the exception of inclement weather.
West Mount Airy is the home of Weavers Way. It is one of the original food co-ops in America and will be an active participant in International Cooperatives Month sponsored by the United Nations.

Weaver’s Way sponsors farms and bike co-ops. As a part of the fall calendar, Monday’s are deemed as “Meatless Monday’s” and Apple Days are a part of this month’s calendar.

The neighborhood is diverse with many African American professionals settling in the comfortable tree-lined streets. Within the past 6 years, properties have increased in value by sixteen percent according to a recent survey by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Known for its liberal political leanings, Comcast Executive David L. Cohen played host to President Barack Obama this past spring. On the other side of the political spectrum, mayoral candidate Sam Katz has called West Mount Airy home.

West Mount Airy is the location for some of the best schools in the region including St. Barnabas Episcopal Academy and the Springside School

West Mount Airy is a neighborhood located in the North section of Philadelphia. The neighborhood has a very hazy boundary line between itself and neighboring areas, but the common consensus is that Johnson Street binds it to the west.
West Mount Airy is a very pretty area and offers lots of pleasant housing options including two and three-story row homes, apartment complexes and condos. It is situated near Fairmount Park, which is the largest urban park in the entire country. Fairmount Park offers a plethora of things to do including jogging, biking, hiking and roller-skating. It allows city residents to get a taste of nature.
West Mount Airy does not have a high crime rate and enjoys a diverse residency made up of African Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics.
Parking can be an issue in this area because it is very hilly. The streets are also somewhat narrow and that combination can become a pain. If you choose to live in this area, it is recommended that you walk, bike or take public transportation so that you do not have to find a parking space all of the time.
West Mount Airy is a nice part of the city and offers a lot to the people that live there

West Mount Airy is considered the more prominent section of Mount Airy as a whole and is praised as being one of the most successfully racially integrated communities in the United States. A liberal community with a large amount of Jewish, lesbian and African American families residing in the area West Mount Airy has become the neighborhood of choice for local politicians.

Many of the homes in West Mount Airy showcase the architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. While it is a predominantly residential area there are still lots to do in the neighborhood. Germantown Ave is pretty much the dividing line between West Mount Airy and East Mount Airy. The avenue is home to a variety of restaurants and shops and every first Friday of the month, much like Old City, the neighborhood establishments showcase the work of local artists and extend their hours.

Mount Airy is relatively easy to get to my car and there is a fair amount of off street parking, some metered and some not. If you don’t want to drive, public transportation is active in the area as well.

Since West Mount Airy is the wealthier half of the district the property value is high, making living there a little on the pricier side. But don’t fret you can always live in East Mount Airy and visit the West often.