Mount Airy: What To Know

Upsala Mansion was the site of an American concentration of forces during the Battle of Germantown, used as a staging ground for the attack on the British forces as Cliveden.

If Mount Airy was personified it would be the progressive girl seen in a street-style blog with light purple hair, an ethnically mysterious face, and a penchant for knowing where the best midnight snack food is located. People are enthralled by the area and the recent cultural revival.

Entering Mount Airy
The neighborhood is full of murals, bringing even more color to the vibrant culture of the area.

Business is booming in the neighborhood because it has become a hot spot in the past few years. The diversity of Mount Airy creates a lively atmosphere bringing excitement to a historical district. There are five things that combined make Mount Airy unlike anywhere else to live, because to be an It Girl takes a combination of uniqueness and cool factors.

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Residents and history buffs dress up in authentic Revolutionary War garb to reenact the Battle of Germantown at this historical site in Mount Airy.

History:

One Underground Railroad house, one Revolutionary War battle site, one yearly reenactment, one yearly celebration of the abolition of slavery, and one neighborhood. The history that has taken place and is kept alive in the cobblestone streets and leafy woods of Mount Airy is astounding. The feel of small-town America that the area maintains lets residents preserve their neighborhood’s history.

 

The Juice Room is a juice bar providing a healthy option with a wide variety of fresh, made-to-order juices and smoothies.
The Juice Room is a juice bar providing a healthy option with a wide variety of fresh, made-to-order juices and smoothies.

Arts & Diversity:

While Mount Airy has a lot of special and specific historical significant, its diversity could not be more unlimited and rampant. Culture is everywhere in the neighborhood. It can be seen in the people, in the religions, in the food, and in the nightlife. The area is a blended mix of color, ethnicity, and style. Everything from fresh baked German bread to healthy African-American soul food to wheat grass smoothies to Mexican fare can be found along the Avenue. Jazz music, wine bars, art exhibits, even drag queen shows, can all be found as well. With such a variety of people, it makes sense the area would use their vibrancy to create a beautiful conglomeration of culture.

 

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Those looking to start families or businesses look to Mount Airy for a neighborhood that provides a desirable lifestyle.

 

Affordability:

With so much to offer, it is important to know that Mount Airy is still relatively reasonable in cost especially in comparison to neighboring Chestnut Hill. Residents know that the area offers safety, political power, programs for children, good schools, and housing costs that could certainly be costlier for a well-kept Philadelphia suburb.

 

One of Mount Airy Business Improvement District rain barrels. The barrels, are used to reduce storm water run-off and to care for BID's greenery projects.
One of Mount Airy Business Improvement District’s rain barrels. The barrels are used to reduce storm water run-off and to care for BID’s greenery projects.

Sustainability:

Making sure the area stays beautiful is important to residents. With nature all around, from Lincoln Drive to Fairmount Park to the Wissahickon Valley Park, there are many picturesque spots surrounding the neighborhood.  Neighborhood groups such as the Mount Airy Business Improvement District plan beautification strategies for the area. They create strategies such as hanging flower baskets for stores and also initiate clean and green programs to preserve the nature located all around.

 

The Lovett Branch of the Philadelphia Free Libraries will undergo improvements this year for the first time since 1999.
The Lovett Branch of the Philadelphia Free Libraries will undergo improvements this year for the first time since 1999.

Activities:

Mount Airy also wants to provide neighborhood resources to its residents. Providing programs to the children of the area is one way that the area does this. Book drives, outdoor movie screenings, and other activities cater to the needs of the children.

– Text and images by Logan Wilson and Sinead Cummings

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