moving to East Mt Airy (Bethlehem, Washington: apartments, low crime, houses)

[meeschka]

While apartment hunting I came across a beautiful place in East Mount Airy. It's an old victorian house converted into apartments and seems to be exactly what I have been searching for. It's on Mt Airy Ave. a few blocks over from Germantown Ave.

I've driven through the area a bunch on my way to other places but I don't know much about East Mt Airy itself. What are the demographics like? As a young female, should I be concerned any more than usual about my safety when walking around? How friendly are people and is there a sense of community? Any other info you think I should know before closing the deal on this place? Thanks in advance for your help!

[RightonWalnut]

You should be fine there. Great middle class place.

[2e1m5a]

East Mount Airy is a great neighborhood overall. The East/West division is not really what some people make it out to be. You'll be a few blocks from the shared "Downtown Mount Airy" so a very good location. Very diverse/accepting and very quiet. There is a small square pocket, "Dogtown" to the locals that is between Gorgas Lane to the North, Washington Lane to the South and between Germantown and Chew Aves. It is poorer and crime rates are higher, but even this area has exceptions and continues to improve. The community group is EMAN (East Mount Airy Neighbors) which is the counterpart of WMAN(West Mount Airy Neighbors). Also Mt Airy USA, Mt Airy Learning Tree, Weavers Way (WMA location and now Chestnut Hill), etc.

[tintin19119]

You will be fine and you will love all the shops on Germantown ave.Germantown ave from Mt. Pleasent to Bethlehem pike,runs from Mt.Airy to Chestnut Hill and is full of cool shops and restaurants. I know the apartments you are talking about and I always thought they were pretty nice.Plus most of the tenants are young hipsters. If I was you ,I would spend every chance I can get walking and driving around to get a feel for the area. Most people are friendly and approachable, so ask a lot of questions.What I think is nice,might not be nice to you.

[G Goo]

Originally Posted by meeschka

While apartment hunting I came across a beautiful place in East Mount Airy. It's an old victorian house converted into apartments and seems to be exactly what I have been searching for. It's on Mt Airy Ave. a few blocks over from Germantown Ave.

I've driven through the area a bunch on my way to other places but I don't know much about East Mt Airy itself. What are the demographics like? As a young female, should I be concerned any more than usual about my safety when walking around? How friendly are people and is there a sense of community? Any other info you think I should know before closing the deal on this place? Thanks in advance for your help!

As a resident of EMA I'd say 2e1m5a is right on the money. We've been on E Allens Lane for 5 years and love the neighborhood for the neighbors, beauty of the homes and proximity to transportation, and Germantown Ave (in both Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill).

[chris123678]

From what I've heard, it's pretty good up there, low crime, great houses.

Only problem is, if you ever need to get in the city, and you don't want to drive, you'll be taking about 2 trains and a bus

[FamousBlueRaincoat]

Originally Posted by chris123678

From what I've heard, it's pretty good up there, low crime, great houses.

Only problem is, if you ever need to get in the city, and you don't want to drive, you'll be taking about 2 trains and a bus

Not really - OP would be within walking distance to Regional Rail that gets him to Market East in less than 30 minutes. I imagine there are buses that connect to the BSL too, probably headed towards Olney.

People really undestimate public transit in Philly. There are probably better places than East Mount Airy to be entirely transit dependent. But I've been in NW Philly for a couple months now, and my area is a breeze not only to get downtown (either by RR or bus to subway), but other areas of the city as well.

[chris123678]

Originally Posted by FamousBlueRaincoat

Not really - OP would be within walking distance to Regional Rail that gets him to Market East in less than 30 minutes. I imagine there are buses that connect to the BSL too, probably headed towards Olney.

People really undestimate public transit in Philly. There are probably better places than East Mount Airy to be entirely transit dependent. But I've been in NW Philly for a couple months now, and my area is a breeze not only to get downtown (either by RR or bus to subway), but other areas of the city as well.

Yeah, your right. I live In Northeast Philly, I'm not to familiar with Mount Airy. Lived in Philly for all my life

[FrankInPhilly]

Originally Posted by FamousBlueRaincoat

Not really - OP would be within walking distance to Regional Rail that gets him to Market East in less than 30 minutes. I imagine there are buses that connect to the BSL too, probably headed towards Olney.

People really undestimate public transit in Philly. There are probably better places than East Mount Airy to be entirely transit dependent. But I've been in NW Philly for a couple months now, and my area is a breeze not only to get downtown (either by RR or bus to subway), but other areas of the city as well.

Agreed. The apartment that the OP mentioned is a short walk to the Sedgwick and Mt Airy stations on the Chestnut Hill East line, and not that much farther to the Allen Lane station on the Chestnut Hill West line. It's really a very well-served area, transit-wise, and a great place to live (friendly, low crime, attractive [like living in a big park]).

[Tjam]

You can take the #23 bus anywhere on Germntown Ave and be in center city (at 11th & Mkt streets) - around 30 min from Chestnut Hill.