Future of E. Mount Airy? (Erie, Washington: for sale, house, neighborhood)

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by KansastoSouthphilly

I am not much of a cyclist; I own a bike and sometimes take it to Forbidden drive but I don't really use it as a means to get around. I tend to walk. I have several neighbors that do bike so I don't think you will have any trouble. There is significantly less traffic than south philly and the streets are wider. There is also a well regarded bike show right next to the station. It can be hilly though. Unfortunately Germantown ave itself does not seems to be a great biking street because of the Cobblestones.


Mt Pleasant Ave is very safe. I think the bus stop near the train overpass between Devon and Sprague can be unattractive but it is nothing to worry about. It does, however, desperately need to be repaved. Hopefully that will be happening soon.


I too moved to Mt Airy from South Philly. They are very different neighborhoods but I think you will enjoy living out here.

Yeah, I think I will like it as well. I need to be home more right now in my life, and I really miss tree-lined streets. I do love South Philly too. Although, as walkable as South Philly is, it's the number of cars and traffic that annoy me the most. You'd think there'd be less traffic and cars with more walkability.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

Does anyone think the immediate area around Sedgwick station will decline in future years? It looks very nice and people seem to keep their houses nice, but I'm not sure if there's any threat of decline around that area.

Hey! As you might remember I grew up near Sedgwick station and my parents still live there-although closer to Mt. Airy Station. When I was growing up (circa 1990's), 200/100 E. Durham and 200 E. Sydney were in decline. There were boarded up homes and property values were low-it's odd because it was really just that direct area around the station while on the other side of the tracks and North of Sydney were all fine blocks with well kept homes. There used to be a nuisance bar on Boyer and Durham (before my time) which caused some issues. The garages behind the homes on 100 E. Durham also were a blight and nasty looking-my grade school yard faced those garages. Today it is completely different and while home prices have risen a great deal compared to back then I see them rising even more-especially in the area you are talking about since it had somewhat of a reputation even after it improved-not like "Dogtown" which is Chew/Gorgas/Germantown/Johnson but no Chestnut Hill either. So many new people have moved in and most take great pride in taking care of their homes. I think it is probably a wise investment. I am not practicing real estate right now-otherwise I'd look up more info for ya. It's hard to believe those new homes near the station were built probably about 15 years ago. I remember first hearing about it being developed.


But short answer-No, it has already been through decline and re-investment very recently.

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Hey! As you might remember I grew up near Sedgwick station and my parents still live there-although closer to Mt. Airy Station. When I was growing up (circa 1990's), 200/100 E. Durham and 200 E. Sydney were in decline. There were boarded up homes and property values were low-it's odd because it was really just that direct area around the station while on the other side of the tracks and North of Sydney were all fine blocks with well kept homes. There used to be a nuisance bar on Boyer and Durham (before my time) which caused some issues. The garages behind the homes on 100 E. Durham also were a blight and nasty looking-my grade school yard faced those garages. Today it is completely different and while home prices have risen a great deal compared to back then I see them rising even more-especially in the area you are talking about since it had somewhat of a reputation even after it improved-not like "Dogtown" which is Chew/Gorgas/Germantown/Johnson but no Chestnut Hill either. So many new people have moved in and most take great pride in taking care of their homes. I think it is probably a wise investment. I am not practicing real estate right now-otherwise I'd look up more info for ya. It's hard to believe those new homes near the station were built probably about 15 years ago. I remember first hearing about it being developed.


But short answer-No, it has already been through decline and re-investment very recently.

Excellent, thank you. And it seems there is a somewhat aging population as well. With city prices becoming so expensive, I would expect more to consider the area.

[AJNEOA]

Anyone have thoughts on the best places to eat or see live music in Mt Airy?

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

Anyone have thoughts on the best places to eat or see live music in Mt Airy?

Reuban's Marc (Stenton and Mt. Pleasant) is pretty well regarded for live jazz. The Mermaid Inn-technically in Chestnut Hill but right across the border-has blues/Irish/Folk/World music and open mic nights. I used to go there once a month for the Irish music sessions. Pretty niche music market up here haha.
For food--McMenamins and Earth Bread and Brewery are tops but I also like Chef Ken and grew up on Golden Crust greek style pizza--acquired taste lol.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

Anyone have thoughts on the best places to eat or see live music in Mt Airy?

Earth Bread & Brewery is my favorite spot in the neighborhood. Interesting beer and amazing flatbreads (pizza). Trattoria Moma if you are in the mood for a nicer Italian meal. On Sundays they have an amazing cash deal for three courses for $35. Jansen is also a very good fine dining establishment in the neighborhood. If you want to grab a drink and get some bar food I recommend McMenamins. The wings are excellent and so is the atmosphere.


For music your options are limited. The Mermaid Inn (which is technically in Chestnut hill) is probably your best bet. They have music most nights. Near Germantown ave and Pelham there is a Mediteranian Café called Malelani that frequently has live music. I believe they have Open Mics on Thursday and have scheduled acts on Friday and Saturday. There was a venue, 7165, that has had live music at various times but its history has been tumultuous to say the least.


If you like Jazz Paris Bistro in chestnut hill has a great Jazz café in its basement. There is also La Rose in Germantown.


Germantown ave has some solid spots but it is nothing like East Passyunk.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Reuban's Marc (Stenton and Mt. Pleasant) is pretty well regarded for live jazz. The Mermaid Inn-technically in Chestnut Hill but right across the border-has blues/Irish/Folk/World music and open mic nights. I used to go there once a month for the Irish music sessions. Pretty niche music market up here haha.
For food--McMenamins and Earth Bread and Brewery are tops but I also like Chef Ken and grew up on Golden Crust greek style pizza--acquired taste lol.

When does Mermaid Inn do Irish music? My SO would love that.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by KansastoSouthphilly

Earth Bread & Brewery is my favorite spot in the neighborhood. Interesting beer and amazing flatbreads (pizza). Trattoria Moma if you are in the mood for a nicer Italian meal. On Sundays they have an amazing cash deal for three courses for $35. Jansen is also a very good fine dining establishment in the neighborhood. If you want to grab a drink and get some bar food I recommend McMenamins. The wings are excellent and so is the atmosphere.


For music your options are limited. The Mermaid Inn (which is technically in Chestnut hill) is probably your best bet. They have music most nights. Near Germantown ave and Pelham there is a Mediteranian Café called Malelani that frequently has live music. I believe they have Open Mics on Thursday and have scheduled acts on Friday and Saturday. There was a venue, 7165, that has had live music at various times but its history has been tumultuous to say the least.


If you like Jazz Paris Bistro in chestnut hill has a great Jazz café in its basement. There is also La Rose in Germantown.


Germantown ave has some solid spots but it is nothing like East Passyunk.

Yes-good call on Trattoria Moma-was only there once for my birthday a few years ago but the meal was that memorable--gnocci mmmhh.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by KansastoSouthphilly

When does Mermaid Inn do Irish music? My SO would love that.

It's the 4th Wednesday of every Month! My old fiddle teacher runs the sessions and I'm sure would LOVE newcomers.

Ooh, and if you don't know about it already--The Irish Center is at 6815 Emlen Street and has Irish concerts all the time-many come from Ireland to play. They also have dancing lessons and ceilis every Friday. My Dad is the manager there.

[AJNEOA]

Thanks to you both. I do like Earth, Bread and Brewery. And with Chestnut Hill so close, it wouldn't be a problem for us to go there for food or other amenities.

Does anyone go to Weaver's Way Coop? Seems like a great place.

Also, how are elementary schools in East Mt Airy?