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Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill

4.4
$1,015,506 Average Value
$401 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

Historic suburb with local amenities

Chestnut Hill is a sprawling historic community at the highest point in Philadelphia. The community is one of the oldest in the United States, starting as a getaway for the Philadelphia elite and developing into a thriving community. Craig Lerch, a local realtor at EXP Realty with over $63 million dollars in local sales, says, "Chestnut Hill is like a small town living in the suburbs. It's one of the most historic communities in the city. It's got a very Old World character, cobblestone streets, and 100-year-old storefronts." Ornate houses and townhouses are just a short distance from bustling local markets and lush nature reserves.

Streets paved with Belgian blocks give Chestnut Hill a European feel.
Streets paved with Belgian blocks give Chestnut Hill a European feel.
Tudor-style homes are not hard to find along many streets in Chestnut Hill.
Tudor-style homes are not hard to find along many streets in Chestnut Hill.
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Period-style homes and townhouses

Residents live on quiet, forested streets lined with the old stone and stucco facades typical of Chestnut Hill's period architecture. From stone Colonial-revival and half-timber Tudor houses to Italianate and Cotswold-style estates, Chestnut Hill's architecture hearkens back to the residential boom from the 19th to 20th centuries. Amenities for single-family houses include extensive rear gardens and expansive floorplans. At the same time, townhomes and rowhouses offer community amenities and proximity to local thoroughfares. Typical suburban streets have street parking and driveways, and streets with townhomes and rowhouses have ample off-street parking for residents. Home prices in the area are some of the highest in Philadelphia, ranging from $650,000 to as much as $3.1 million dollars, depending on the size, condition and type of home.

This home made from stone, brick, and half-timber is unique among Chestnut Hill houses.
This home made from stone, brick, and half-timber is unique among Chestnut Hill houses.
Rowhomes with mansard roofs sit next to red brick houses on this Chestnut Hill street.
Rowhomes with mansard roofs sit next to red brick houses on this Chestnut Hill street.
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Hiking through Wissahickon Valley and discovering the fauna at Morris Arboretum

Proximity to freshwater creeks and the lush Fairmount Park is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Pastorius Park is located in the center of the neighborhood, featuring playgrounds and green spaces that serve as the stage for the park's summer concert series. Forested suburban streets and walkways lead pedestrians to sprawling parks and nature reserves. Wissahickon Valley Park has miles of forested trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, as well as a rushing creek frequented by anglers for its large trout population. Just up Valley Green Road from the park is the Wissahickon Skating Club, an ice rink for public use and hockey and figure skating programs. Northwest of the valley is the Morris Arboretum. The 19th-century estate has a diverse collection of flora operated by the University of Pennsylvania. The public arboretum features guided tours around the different gardens and historic structures. Local athletes can head to the Water Tower Recreation Center, home to indoor gymnastic arenas and outdoor basketball and pickleball courts. The recreation center also has several youth sports clubs and after-school programs for local children.

Hiking along the Wissahickon Trail is a popular outdoor activity any time of year.
Hiking along the Wissahickon Trail is a popular outdoor activity any time of year.
Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill is a green escape form the hustle and bustle of the city.
Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill is a green escape form the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Shops and restaurants along Germantown Avenue

Independent boutiques and cafes can be found along either side of Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill's main commercial thoroughfare and one of the oldest streets in the United States. Fresh produce and meats can be found at Weavers Way Co-op, a community-owned grocery store specializing in sustainable and locally sourced foodstuffs. Avid readers will enjoy Booked., an independent and woman-owned bookstore home to an expansive collection of titles ranging from memoirs and local authors to contemporary bestsellers and classic fiction. Lauded as "one of the best bakeries in the city" by local realtor Craig Lerch, Bredenbeck's Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor is well-known for specialty wedding cakes along with its extensive menu of sweet treats. The Chestnut Grill & Sidewalk Café offers classic American fare and casual outdoor dining along Germantown Avenue. Famous McNally's is a well-known spot, particularly for the iconic Schmitter sandwich and other Philadelphia delicacies.

Chestnut Hill folks line up for the tasty treats cooked up by Bredenbeck's Bakery.
Chestnut Hill folks line up for the tasty treats cooked up by Bredenbeck's Bakery.
Many Chestnut Hill folks like to shop hyper-local at Weavers Way Co-op.
Many Chestnut Hill folks like to shop hyper-local at Weavers Way Co-op.
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Career headstarts at School District of Philadelphia

Chestnut Hill's public school students are served by the School District of Philadelphia, beginning their academic careers at schools like John S. Jenks School. The school has an overall C-rating on Niche and teaches from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students move on to secondary institutions such as Roxborough High School. The high school has specialized programs that give students experience in career fields such as business, visual arts and the health sciences.

John Story Jenks Academy Entrance
John Story Jenks Academy Entrance
Roxborough High School serves 841 students in grades 9-12.
Roxborough High School serves 841 students in grades 9-12.
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Walking the Chestnut Hill

Locals can easily walk and bike around thanks to sidewalks and bike paths. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Regional Rail has two lines through Chestnut Hill and also services the neighborhood with public bus lines providing commutes to Center City twelve miles to the south.

Chestnut Hill's human scale makes it walkable much like in European neighborhoods.
Chestnut Hill's human scale makes it walkable much like in European neighborhoods.
Chestnut Hill's St Martins Station is a major hub in and out of Center City Philadelphia.
Chestnut Hill's St Martins Station is a major hub in and out of Center City Philadelphia.
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Ian Burke
Written By
Ian Burke
Joe Pulcinella
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Benjamin Rose

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

41 min drive

Train

Gravers

Train

Chestnut Hill East

Train

Wyndmoor

Train

Chestnut Hill West

Train

St. Martins

Train

Highland

Bus

Evergreen Av & Ardleigh St

Bus

Germantown Av & Willow Grove Av

Bus

Germantown Av & Mermaid Ln

Bus

Evergreen Av & Germantown Av

Bus

Germantown Pk & Northwestern Av

Bus

Germantown Av & Waterman Av

Bus

Bethlehem Pk & Newton St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.4 16 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
5/8/2015 Niche Review
In warm weather, people are out jogging all of the time in town and in Valley Green. Many people here own and walk their dogs around Chestnut Hill as well. There are so many dogs that some businesses will have water bowls outside for the furry friends. Chestnut Hill hospital is located nearby, but most people will recommend going to Einstein or Abington Hospital over Chestnut Hill. The facilities are clean, but the staff seems unreliable.
5.0 Niche User
5/8/2015 Niche Review
Chestnut hill is a top notch place if you're looking for different restaurants to try on a night out. Chestnut Hill Brewery is very popular and a local favorite, as well as Chestnut Grill for just about anything, Stella Sera for great Italian food, Osaka for Japanese cuisine and sushi, and many, many more. There are also some great pubs like Tavern on the Hill and McNally's for the best schmitter in town. The only thing is that there are no dancing clubs around, since it's mostly a quiet town.
5.0 Niche User
7/10/2016 Niche Review
There really is no crime here, very safe to live in.
4.0 Niche User
7/10/2016 Niche Review
It is great to live here, the town has pretty much everything you need.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chestnut Hill US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Chestnut Hill Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$962,500
Median Sale Price
$942,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,215,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$642,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$735,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
100
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
30%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$401

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,560
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Median Year Built
1925
Months of Supply
1.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,347
Significantly above the national average
1,928
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,642
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,215
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,330
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Dec 13
    1 - 2:30pm

    104 E Bells Mill Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19118

    $1,595,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 4,428 Sq Ft
    • 104 E Bells Mill Rd
    • New 4 days ago

    *Showings start on Saturday 12/6 at the Open House from 12-2pm* Welcome to 104 E. Bells Mill Road — a rare mid-century modern retreat in the heart of historic Chestnut Hill. Set back more than 130 feet from the road and on over half an acre of lush greenery, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of living space in one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Step

    Michele Cooley BHHS Fox & Roach-Center City Walnut

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,535
Median Age
47
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.7%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$103,966
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$135,794

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
74%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

49 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Chestnut Hill