Welcome to Germantown
Where historic charm meets contemporary design
Named for the 1777 Battle of Germantown, this charming neighborhood just 20 minutes outside of Center City Philadelphia is where mansions, historical homes, and contemporary businesses thrive. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and features unique annual festivals, incredible small businesses and restaurants, and excellent, high-achieving schools.
Founded by German, Quaker, and Mennonite families in 1683, Germantown was the birthplace of the American antislavery movement, Revolutionary War battles, and the home of dozens of politicians, scholars, and activists throughout the years. The neighborhood features numerous parks and several historic landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the beautiful tree-lined streets of Germantown, peruse the shelves of notable independent bookstores, and enjoy the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere of this century-old neighborhood.
What to Love
- Bursting with incredible historic architecture
- Fun, contemporary places to visit like the iMPeRFeCT Gallery
- Close proximity to Center City Philadelphia, allowing quick and easy commutes
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Germantown enjoy a relaxed, yet fun, neighborhood. With unique annual festivals, charming shops and restaurants, and historical landmarks around every corner, Germantown is a quaint neighborhood to explore. Located near several high-achieving public and private schools and just 20 minutes from the city, Germantown welcomes many families, students, professors, and professionals. Homes in this area are mostly residential, single-family dwellings with ample yards along tree-lined streets with a few modern, luxury apartments found in the commercial sections of the neighborhood.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Located along Germantown Avenue is the celebrated independent bookshop, Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books. A visit to Uncle Bobbie’s is a must for bibliophiles and coffee aficionados — the cafe serves high-quality coffee and treats and the shop carries a diverse collection of books and partners with the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library to host big-name author events.
Warm up with a cup of coffee at Ultimo Coffee Roasters or place an order in advance for freshly roasted coffee beans so that you can enjoy a fine cup at home.
Things to Do
The Johnson House Historic Site hosts a Juneteenth event each summer that brings the Philadelphia community together to embrace history through educational events that are free of charge to attend in Historic Germantown.
iMPeRFeCT Gallery began to inspire action and change in the art community. Encouraging artists to present themselves with as much freedom as possible and bring transformative work to the world, iMPeRFeCT hosts workshops, monthly exhibitions, and performances.
Enjoy time spent outdoors at the beautiful Wissahickon Valley Park. Germantown is bursting with gorgeous natural wonders and many can be found in this historic park. Bring your dog or your horse to explore the 1,800 acres park which spans over five miles of trails, fish along the Wissahickon Creek, or enjoy a quiet moment birdwatching in the dense forest. The park is visited by over one million people each year and is a popular place for family picnics. Located in the park, Historic Rittenhouse Town is the site of the nation’s first paper mill, and with trails, including 100 Steps and Wissahickon Creek, it’s an excellent afternoon excursion.
Cliveden of the National Trust connects the community to over 250 years of history. Home to several generations of the Chew family, the house was the site of the 1777 Battle of Germantown and renowned for its Georgian architecture. Today, historians are extensively researching Cliveden’s past, learning more about its place in American identity. The property is open for exploration during the day and hosts in-person and virtual events throughout the year. The Revolutionary Germantown Festival happens each year on the Cliveden grounds and features unique experiences from 1777 Germantown.
Awbury Arboretum is a nature sanctuary in the heart of Northwest Philadelphia. Once the private enclave of a Quaker community, the arboretum is now home to 56 acres of historic landscapes.
Schools
