Editing Mount Airy

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Mount Airy
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Northwest Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19119, 19138, 19150
| boundaries = North: Chestnut Hill, South: Germantown, East: Stenton Avenue, West: Wissahickon Valley Park
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Chestnut Hill]], [[Germantown]], [[West Oak Lane]], [[East Oak Lane]]
| major_streets = Germantown Avenue, Stenton Avenue, Cresheim Valley Road
| transit = SEPTA Regional Rail (Chestnut Hill lines), Bus Routes
| notable_landmarks = Wissahickon Valley Park access, Cresheim Valley, historic houses
}}

'''Mount Airy''' is a neighborhood in Northwest [[Philadelphia]], nationally recognized as a model of successful racial integration. The neighborhood developed in the mid-20th century as one of the first American communities to intentionally promote and maintain integrated housing. Today, Mount Airy is known for its diverse population, Victorian architecture, progressive community activism, and proximity to [[Wissahickon Valley Park]].<ref name="westmountairy">{{cite web |url=https://www.wmana.org |title=West Mount Airy Neighbors |publisher=West Mount Airy Neighbors |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Early Development ===

Mount Airy developed in the 19th century along the railroad lines connecting Philadelphia to Germantown and Chestnut Hill. Wealthy Philadelphians built Victorian homes in what was then a suburban retreat.

=== Integration Movement ===

In the 1950s and 1960s, as many American neighborhoods experienced "white flight" following integration, Mount Airy residents organized to maintain a diverse community:

* '''West Mount Airy Neighbors''' (founded 1959) - Promoted integration
* Homeowners committed to staying
* Active marketing to Black families
* Fair housing advocacy

Mount Airy became a national model, featured in academic studies and media coverage as proof that stable, integrated neighborhoods were possible.

=== Modern Era ===

Today, Mount Airy maintains its integrated character:
* Diverse population by race, income, and age
* Strong community organizations
* Progressive political identity
* Active community life

== Geography ==

Mount Airy is divided into two sections:

=== West Mount Airy ===

* More affluent
* Larger Victorian houses
* Access to Wissahickon Valley Park
* Commercial corridor on Germantown Avenue
* Strong community organization (WMANA)

=== East Mount Airy ===

* More modest housing
* More diverse economically
* Along Stenton Avenue
* Own community identity

== Character ==

Mount Airy has a distinctive character:

=== Architecture ===

* Victorian houses (stone and frame)
* Arts and Crafts bungalows
* Larger lots than Center City
* Tree-lined streets
* Some apartment buildings

=== Community ===

* Diverse by race, religion, and income
* Progressive political orientation
* Active neighborhood associations
* Community events and festivals
* Strong environmental consciousness

=== Atmosphere ===

* Quieter than Center City
* Family-friendly
* Access to nature
* Local shops and restaurants
* Intellectual and artistic community

== Wissahickon Valley Park ==

West Mount Airy borders [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]:

* 2,000+ acres of urban wilderness
* Hiking and biking trails
* Historic Valley Green Inn
* Cresheim Creek access
* Multiple trailheads in the neighborhood

== Germantown Avenue ==

The Mount Airy section of Germantown Avenue offers:

=== Dining ===

* '''Cedars House of Falafel''' - Middle Eastern
* '''High Point Cafe''' - Coffee and cafe
* '''Trolley Car Cafe*** - Neighborhood cafe
* McMenamin's - Pub

=== Shopping ===

* Independent shops
* Food co-op
* Bookstores
* Antiques

=== Services ===

* Banks and professional services
* Pharmacies
* Local businesses

== Getting There ==

=== SEPTA Regional Rail ===

* '''Chestnut Hill East Line:''' Mount Airy Station
* '''Chestnut Hill West Line:''' Carpenter Station, Allen Lane Station

=== Bus Routes ===

* Route 23 along Germantown Avenue
* Route 77 along Stenton Avenue

=== Driving ===

* Lincoln Drive from Center City (scenic route)
* Germantown Avenue
* Stenton Avenue

== Living in Mount Airy ==

=== Housing ===

* Victorian single-family homes
* Some duplexes and apartments
* Large lots by Philadelphia standards
* Moderate to high prices (less than Chestnut Hill)

=== Schools ===

* C.W. Henry School (public)
* Miquon School (private, progressive)
* Several other public and private options

=== Demographics ===

* Racially diverse
* Economically mixed
* Many families
* Professionals and academics
* Artists and activists

{{FAQ
| q1 = What is Mount Airy known for?
| a1 = Mount Airy is nationally recognized as a model of successful racial integration. In the 1950s-60s, when other neighborhoods experienced white flight, Mount Airy residents organized to maintain diversity. It remains one of America's most successfully integrated communities.
| q2 = What is the difference between East and West Mount Airy?
| a2 = West Mount Airy is more affluent with larger Victorian houses and Wissahickon Valley Park access. East Mount Airy has more modest housing and is more economically diverse. Both share the neighborhood's integrated character.
| q3 = Is Mount Airy a good neighborhood?
| a3 = Mount Airy is known for Victorian architecture, racial and economic diversity, progressive character, Wissahickon Park access, and strong community organizations. It's popular with families, professionals, and those seeking diverse, urban-suburban living.
| q4 = How do you get to Mount Airy?
| a4 = SEPTA Regional Rail serves Mount Airy via the Chestnut Hill East Line (Mount Airy Station) and Chestnut Hill West Line (Carpenter and Allen Lane stations). Bus Route 23 runs along Germantown Avenue.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Chestnut Hill]]
* [[Germantown]]
* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Northwest Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Mount Airy Philadelphia - Diverse Neighborhood Near Wissahickon Park
|description=Guide to Mount Airy, Philadelphia's model integrated neighborhood. Victorian homes, diverse community, Wissahickon Valley Park access, and progressive character in Northwest Philadelphia.
|keywords=Mount Airy Philadelphia, West Mount Airy, East Mount Airy, integrated neighborhood, Wissahickon access, Germantown Avenue Mount Airy, Northwest Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]