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Go Mt. Airy Initiative
Sometimes a name so perfectly fits a neighborhood that it immediately creates an accurate mental image.
Gently rising from the banks of Wissahickon Creek roughly 20 minutes from Center City, Mt. Airy combines dense leafy parkland, miles of multi-use trails, tree-lined streets and a historic cobblestoned business corridor attracting aspiring entrepreneurs.
Mt. Airy’s varied architecture recounts its historical roots. Structures dating back to the 18th century commingle with Victorian and 20th-century homes.
The community’s Quaker roots might be one reason Mt. Airy became a model of diversity early on. Since the 1950s, the community has earned a national reputation for welcoming families of all races, genders, religions and nationalities who share a fierce commitment to civic engagement and social activism.
Mt. Airy began as a resort for Philadelphians to get away from it all. Though the bustle increased since then, it still serves as a welcome respite from city life thanks to its lush greenery.
Escape to Mt. Airy for leafy parkland, miles of trails, cozy cafes and more.
East Mt. Airy and West Mt. Airy are united by historic Germantown Avenue, where British troops once marched during the Battle of Germantown.
Now a commercial corridor, imaginative entrepreneurs are re-energizing the cobblestoned avenue with new restaurants and shops. Cozy cafes, chic galleries and small businesses line this happening main street, which draws visitors from all over the region.
Mt. Airy is served by two SEPTA Regional Rail lines. The Chestnut Hill East Line stops at the Mount Airy, Sedgwick, Stenton and Washington Lane stations in East Mt. Airy. The Chestnut Hill West line stops at Allen Lane, Carpenter, Upsal and Tulpehocken stations in West Mt. Airy.
For many folks, Mt. Airy inspires thoughts of Wissahickon Creek and its surrounding parkland.
More than 57 miles of trails wind through the 1,600-acre park, where hikers, cyclists, horseback riders and runners pound it out on various terrains suited to their skill level — Valley Green and Forbidden Drive are particular favorites. For anglers, the creek is a peaceful place to sink lines, and rock climbers take on the challenge of Livezey Rock.
The National Audubon Society designated Wissahickon Creek as an Important Birding Area, and birders flock to Carpenter’s Woods.
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