Hippie/Green Neighborhoods in Philly (Philadelphia, Clark: live in, shops, moving)

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by ElijahAstin

Fishtown seems far more hipster than crunchy, but that's just me--not that I don't think the two groups coexist.

Agreed. "Hippie/Green" is Mount Airy and Germantown to me. Parts of West Philly/University City too and maybe South Philly could work.

[FrankInPhilly]

Originally Posted by emilyp61

My fiance and I have been looking to move to the Philly area in a couple of months. We've been looking a Manayunk and love the small town vibe of it, but we notice it's not very "eco-friendly/green" or "hippie" (not saying it was expected to be).

We were just wondering where are the hippie neighborhoods of Philly? I've heard of Germantown and W. Mt. Airy, but we've never visited, so we're wondering how they compare to Manayunk based on amenities, being dog-friendly, and friendliness of the people (how hard is it to make friends?).

We're a younger couple, and we love doing things, hiking is probably our favorite, and after that come access to amenities, like coffee shops, boutiques, pubs and dive bars. Also, is Wissahickon within walking distance of these neighborhoods?

Thanks!

The vibe I get from Manayunk is that it's more hipster than hippie (it's probably an age thing, I always feel like the oldest person on the street whenever I'm there ) But as a minor point: "eco friendly/green" and population density kind of go hand-in-hand: there may be a dearth of composting in M'unk, but you can live without a car, walk to most places, and have regional rail stops close by. So even though it may not have some of the green trappings (grass roofs, bike lanes, whatever ...) I'd bet the carbon footprint of someone living there (or Fishtown, NoLibs, places like that) is pretty low compared to other urban 'hoods (and certainly the 'burbs).

If you want access to the Wissahickon plus the other amenities you mentioned, NW Philly is ideal: Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill meet most of your criteria, save for the dive bars (McMenamin's is a good bar, but not dive-y). Both neighborhoods have good access to the Wissahickon: you can park at various locations and there are numerous access pedestrian-only access points.

[Flyers Girl]

West Mount Airy. Close to Wissahickon too.

[MKE8244]

I'd agree Fishtown is more hipster than crunchy but I think the two have a lot of overlap. I'd check it out as an option. The one downside is that I feel like there is no green space. I have never considered it for myself bc of that.

Having lived in Mt Airy I think its worth looking at. it is crunchy but its also very family oriented and there are not that many bars and restaurants. Great hiking though! and close to chestnut hill for more amenities but CH is not crunchy.

Probably my top pick would be Univ City…less crunchy and more hipster than Mt Airy but way more of the amenities you might like, plus closer to CC. You'd have to drive to hike but Clark Park is really pretty.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by MKE8244

I'd agree Fishtown is more hipster than crunchy but I think the two have a lot of overlap. I'd check it out as an option. The one downside is that I feel like there is no green space. I have never considered it for myself bc of that.

Having lived in Mt Airy I think its worth looking at. it is crunchy but its also very family oriented and there are not that many bars and restaurants. Great hiking though! and close to chestnut hill for more amenities but CH is not crunchy.

Probably my top pick would be Univ City…less crunchy and more hipster than Mt Airy but way more of the amenities you might like, plus closer to CC. You'd have to drive to hike but Clark Park is really pretty.

Most of CH is now solidly progressive lite, and a crunchy element is starting to sneak in as well. A lot of people, like me and my fiancée, that conceivably would have settled in WMA a generation ago are opting for CH today. That's not to imply I think WMA is bad or declining. CH just has better access to key/quality amenities, as you said.

[2e1m5a]

It also helps that Chestnut Hill has the nicer/bigger Weavers Way haha.

[emilyp61]

Thanks everyone for the replies! Yes, I know Manayunk is definitely not hippie, that's why I'm asking these questions. I guess I was just trying to compare areas, knowing that Germantown/Mt. Airy are fairly close to Manayunk (I love Manayunk's location to things) and are pretty much equal distance to Wissahickon. I was more wondering the amenities available in Germantown and Mt. Airy and which parts of those neighborhoods would be walking distance to those amenities.

Regardless, if we set ourselves on Manayunk, any of those areas are just a short distance away to spend some time in their downtowns to get my dose of "hippie" for the day!

Also, we just prefer to have a more small town neighborhood feel, rather than being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. I've lived in a few different neighborhoods in philly, being fairly central. We would just prefer being in a neighborhood with more green space, and more removed, yet still being close. That's why we like Manayunk. It's like it's own "small town", yet you're still somewhat part of the city. We both like New Hope, but I think that's a little too hippie for us and we'd get bored with it.

Also, I don't think I've ever been to Fishtown and we're going to check it out. I've heard it was a shady neighborhood always and just never found myself to stumble upon it. Does it have that vibe of being it's own town (removed) like Manayunk? Or it is pretty central feeling to the city? I just can't justify trying to get in and out of the city with a car if need be either. (And yes I know Manayunk gets congested as well, but I feel like I'd be able to handle that over downtown.)

Thanks everyone again!

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Mt. Airy is probably the City's most "hippy" neighborhood. It definitely skews older. I live in Mt Airy and am in my early thirties and feel much younger than most of the residents. It has some good coffee shops like both of the Highpoints, Little Jimmy's and Malelani café. The weavers way co-op is also very popular. You can walk to the park depending on where you live in the neighborhood. Generally living closer to the park will take you farther away from other amenities. Personally I would rather live closer to amenities than the park.


Mt Airy is seriously lacking when it comes to bars in my opinion. The earth bread brewery is excellent but I get frustrated by their very limited menu sometimes. Cresheim Valley Grain Exchange is a decent gastropub type place. Goat Hollow is a decent beer bar. McMenamins is the most popular bar in the neighborhood and is always packed. It can be a lot of fun and has a decent beer selection. There is a new bar that is owned by the same people who own the read and eat used bookstore (and two other businesses that have since failed). Like read and eat it seems to be a good concept poorly executed.


That is a pretty much it. It is a fraction of what is available in Manayunk or University City. I know you said you want to be further out but I think the Clark Park area is probably your best bet. The area is very green, chock full of hippies, and has many amenities.

[Becca8377]

Originally Posted by emilyp61

Thanks everyone for the replies! Yes, I know Manayunk is definitely not hippie, that's why I'm asking these questions. I guess I was just trying to compare areas, knowing that Germantown/Mt. Airy are fairly close to Manayunk (I love Manayunk's location to things) and are pretty much equal distance to Wissahickon. I was more wondering the amenities available in Germantown and Mt. Airy and which parts of those neighborhoods would be walking distance to those amenities.

Regardless, if we set ourselves on Manayunk, any of those areas are just a short distance away to spend some time in their downtowns to get my dose of "hippie" for the day!

Also, we just prefer to have a more small town neighborhood feel, rather than being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. I've lived in a few different neighborhoods in philly, being fairly central. We would just prefer being in a neighborhood with more green space, and more removed, yet still being close. That's why we like Manayunk. It's like it's own "small town", yet you're still somewhat part of the city. We both like New Hope, but I think that's a little too hippie for us and we'd get bored with it.

Also, I don't think I've ever been to Fishtown and we're going to check it out. I've heard it was a shady neighborhood always and just never found myself to stumble upon it. Does it have that vibe of being it's own town (removed) like Manayunk? Or it is pretty central feeling to the city? I just can't justify trying to get in and out of the city with a car if need be either. (And yes I know Manayunk gets congested as well, but I feel like I'd be able to handle that over downtown.)

Thanks everyone again!

Totally understand what you're getting at. I'm not too familiar with CH/MA/GTown areas but I'm sure other posters can give more direction on those.

Fishtown can be block-by-block, but it's generally fine. Its amenities are a little more spread out than Manayunk though. I had considered Fishtown when I was moving here, but Manayunk was just an absolute slam dunk in everything I was looking for, so Fishtown became not even an option. I go up that way several times per year at least though for events and to hang out as I do like the neighborhood... I was just up there 2 weeks ago! It's far enough from CC that you don't get that total urban vibe and similar to Manayunk in that it's mostly a rowhome neighborhood.

Here's the Visit Philly site for Fishtown that's got some good info - Fishtown - Philadelphia Neighborhoods — visitphilly.com

I think it's def worth checking out and if you hate it, then you hate it

[Becca8377]

Also, just found this article - Why Fishtown is the best neighborhood in Philadelphia | PhillyVoice