Manayunk is a vibrant and hip town on the banks of the Schuylkill River about 8 miles outside of Center City. The buzzing energy can be traced back to the area’s come-up as a major player in the manufacturing and textile industries. The vintage Victorian-era establishments that housed these businesses – which earned Manayunk recognition as a National Historic District in 1983 – have been transformed into trendy boutiques and eateries that line the walkable Main Street. This inclusive community embraces diversity and creativity as murals, festivals and niche art galleries pour color over historic buildings and walkways. Artists might find inspiration from the scenic Schuylkill River Trail that runs right through town and attracts outdoor enthusiasts to the area. “It’s desirable for cyclists and joggers, too, because they can hop on the trail from Main Street,” says Jessa Eskin, a native Philadelphian who is now a Realtor with Compass. “So, there’s a mix of artsy residents and athletic residents. First-time buyers in their twenties and thirties, all the way to high-end buyers.”
Taqueria Amor serves of classic Mexican cuisine on Main Street Manayunk.
Hand crocheted art pieces add character to Manayunk streets during sunset.
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Indulging in the Main Street scene
Manayunk is known for its robust art scene and young, trendy population, with Main Street as the area’s main artery. Home to galleries and shopping boutiques, this commercial corridor also includes many popular restaurants and bars. Some residents prefer the burgers and atmosphere at Bar Jawn, while others claim that Lucky’s Last Chance has the best burgers in Manayunk. The Couch Tomato has been serving pizza for more than 20 years, and The Goat’s Beard locally sources their American cuisine. When in the mood for Mexican food, residents can dine in the colorful setting at Taqueria Amor, and when craving Vietnamese, head to Mi ‘N Tea. For after-dinner sweet tooths, Chloe’s Corner is the go-to ice cream shop. A bustling nightlife continues on Main Street, with options for any palate. Those who are feeling fancy might head to Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar, and those looking for an Irish brew can stop into Ryan’s Pub. For a spacious brewery setting with patio seating overlooking the Schuylkill River, Manayunk Brewing Company is the spot. Furry friends don’t have to be left behind when residents head south to Bark Social, a new bar with an off-leash dog park.
Manayunks' walkable Main Street invites families to arts and dining during golden hour.
SOMO Manayunk is a new American eatery offering small plates, sandwiches & elevated entrees.
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Brick rowhouses and riverside condos
Many of the residential stone-paved streets feature brick rowhouses and contemporary townhomes. In some areas, Victorian textile mills from the 1800s have been converted into modern lofts and chic condos with riverfront views. More modest units in 1,000- to 2,000-square-foot rowhouses and twin homes are priced between $240,000 and $475,000. Newer townhomes and condos with attached garages, some with rooftop lounges and updated interiors, run anywhere from $550,000 to $1.5 million. Many of these million-dollar condos are on the desirable Venice Island, which comes with a flood warning due to its location between the canal and riverside.
Stone row homes in Manayunk sit 3 stores high and stand the test of time.
Take in the views along the Schuylkill River in Manayunk with condo living.
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Annual festivals from February through June
Foundational to Philadelphia's art scene, Manayunk hosts the Manayunk Arts Festival each June, the region’s biggest outdoor, juried arts festival that’s been running strong for more than 30 years. “I can remember going when I was young,” Eskin says. “My mom was an artist. Today, the galleries are more niche and high-end.” Community events also include Founders Philly Freeze in February, where ice sculptures line Main Street and beer flows from Founders Brewing Co. In April, The Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival showcases more than 50 food trucks and vendors accompanied by live music. “Local restaurants will set up pop-up tables for to-go meals,” Eskin says. “And the Main Street shops will have sidewalk sales.” Local musicians are showcased at the annual Sing Us Home Festival on Venice Island’s outdoor stage in May. “Venice Island used to just be a parking lot, and then they revamped it with performance space,” Eskin says.
The Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival brings live musical performances on two stages.
Manayunk celebrates 200 years strong with community activities like Manayunk StrEAT Festival.
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Creative inspiration on the Schuylkill River Trail
Named for the shape of its walking paths, Pretzel Park is a neighborhood park with play structures and green space that hosts the Pretzel Park farmers market on Saturdays. Towering over the south side of the park is St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, unmissable with its Gothic Revival architecture and distinctive turret clock. For a cityscape view, residents can walk the Manayunk Bridge Trail, which crosses over the Schuylkill River and connects to other trails. Before crossing the bridge, the trail links up with the 80-mile Schuylkill River Trail. Once over the bridge, walkers can stroll the 2-mile Cynwyd Heritage Trail. Venice Island is home to the Performing Arts Center, where concerts and plays take place. Athletes can take lessons and play games on the indoor PADELphia courts, or head outside for more court space.
The Manayunk Bridge Trail opened in late 2015 to great fanfare, and for good reason.
Walk the dog on the Schuylkill River Trail along the Manayunk Canal.
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Philly public and private education options
Public school students living in Manayunk can attend kindergarten through eighth grade with an 11-1 student-teacher ratio at James Dobson School, graded a C-plus from Niche. They can then progress to a 13-1 student-teacher ratio at Roxborough High School, graded a C-minus. A nearby private school option is William Penn Charter School, the oldest Quaker school in the world. Colloquially called Penn Charter, this school serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade and receives an A-plus Niche grade.
The James Dobson Elementary School is an historic American elementary school in Manayunk.
Roxborough High School serves 841 students in grades 9-12.
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Taking the light rail into Philly
Residents can grab the light rail at the Manayunk station, and the SEPTA bus services the town. Vehicles are convenient, as the Schuylkill Expressway – or Interstate 76 – can be accessed just across the Green Lane Bridge.
Get to Center City Philadelphia on Septa Regional Rail from Manayunk Station.
Manayunk is centrally located just 15 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and King of Prussia.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Grosskopf,
an experienced agent in this area.
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