Welcome to Chestnut Hill
A historic and affluent community with a charming downtown and lush landscapes.
Located in a region of Pennsylvania known as the garden district, Chestnut Hill is a small neighborhood with large parks, inviting gardens, and a deep history. The community has long been a place where business and industry meet the landscape's natural beauty, and it stands as a charming and bounteous home to many. Chestnut Hill is named after the chestnut trees that once covered its rolling hills — and considering American chestnuts have long been virtually extinct, it’s a name that indicates the longevity of the neighborhood. Today, the neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, fine restaurants and bars, and weekly farmers markets.
Chestnut Hill is located a short drive from downtown Philadelphia. The neighborhood is a popular place to live due to easy access to downtown and a place within the highly sought-after Chestnut Hill community. Many of the impressive homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places — the borough is home to luxury living in the form of elaborate 19th-century mansions and new, modern homes.
What to Love
- Historic homes, buildings, and architecture
- A healthy mixture of charm and modern living
- Lush landscapes and scenic views
- Walkable downtown with shops and eateries
Local Lifestyle
Chestnut Hill is home to many small family-owned businesses, many of which sit on the walkable Main Street, which is lined with unique shops, cafes, and local attractions. The variety of outdoor activities in the area — from hiking to kayaking to fishing — is a big draw for locals and neighboring communities. Downtown Chestnut Hill is filled with history and stunning architecture. The walkable area is a charming and lively area where residents can shop, dine, and explore.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Chestnut Hill has an impressive collection of upscale dining and shopping, which is a great way to relax. The neighborhood is home to many popular local restaurants and bars and has a variety of things to do without having to travel far.
The Chestnut Hill shopping district sits along Germantown Avenue and has cobblestone, tree-lined streets and small-town charm. Residents can shop and dine all in one convenient location. If you’re visiting the neighborhood before buying, stay at Chestnut Hill Hotel, a historic colonial hotel with 18th-century decorated rooms and modern amenities. The hotel also has dining accommodations and nearby shopping.
In terms of dining, Valley Green Inn is an upscale eatery with a rich history and beautiful grounds where events are held. It serves classic American cuisine in a cozy dining area and patio. Another beautiful dining setting is Jansen, which operates from the historic (18th-century) Cresheim Cottage on Germantown Avenue. Serving dishes like lamb shank and oysters Rockefeller, Jansen is an ideal date-night spot. Finally, for New American fare, try Mount Airy Tap Room. Its pub food and exhaustive beer list make it one of the best places around for happy hour.
Things to Do
Chestnut Hills has many hiking trails and unique areas to visit; there is something for nearly everyone in the community. Wissahickon Valley Park is more than 1,800-acres of gorge with forests and meadows, and the park encompasses Wissahickon Creek. Residents can hike, bike, or ride horses on the trails and soak in the preserved nature.
The annual Chestnut Hills Home and Garden Festival is an event for garden enthusiasts to dive into plants, crafts, art, and education from more than 100 vendors. The event also has shops, music, food, and family activities like face painting and rides. Fall for the Arts Festival is another annual event where residents can enjoy art, music, food, and boutique shopping. The festival features more than 75 artists from the region, from photographers and painters to jewelry designers.
Schools
The School District of Philadelphia serves Chestnut Hills and surrounding areas in the greater Philadelphia area. The district provides high-quality education to more than 200,000 students.
