Chestnut Hill is a leafy, walkable neighborhood at the northwest edge of Philadelphia, often called the city’s Garden District. Renters love it for its cobblestone main street, its easy access to Wissahickon Valley Park, and two SEPTA Regional Rail lines that run straight to Center City. If you’re thinking about renting here, this guide covers what daily life looks like, how to get around, and what to expect from apartments in the 19118 ZIP code.

Where is Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia?

Chestnut Hill sits in Northwest Philadelphia, at the city’s highest point, with Mount Airy to the south and Montgomery County just beyond its northern edge. Wissahickon Valley Park runs along its western side. The whole neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, so many of the stone homes, churches and storefronts date back more than a century.

What makes Chestnut Hill unique?

It feels like a small town inside a big city. Germantown Avenue, the neighborhood’s cobblestone main street, is lined with independent shops, bakeries, cafés and restaurants, many of them family-owned. Gardens and old trees are everywhere, which is how the area earned its Garden District nickname. And because it’s mostly residential, evenings are quiet while the shops and parks stay close by.

What is there to do in Chestnut Hill?

• Walk or bike the Wissahickon. Wissahickon Valley Park has miles of trails, including Forbidden Drive, a wide gravel path along the creek, and the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge.
• Visit Morris Arboretum & Gardens. The University of Pennsylvania’s public garden is right in the neighborhood and makes an easy weekend outing for all ages.
• Shop Germantown Avenue. Browse local boutiques, a century-old hardware store, bookshops and bakeries, then stop for lunch.
• Pick up groceries at the Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market. It runs every Saturday, year-round.
• See art close to home. Woodmere Art Museum focuses on Philadelphia artists and hosts exhibitions, concerts and film nights.
• Enjoy the seasonal festivals. The Home + Garden Festival fills Germantown Avenue each May, and the Fall for the Arts Festival takes over in October.
• Relax in Pastorius Park. This neighborhood park has open lawns, a pond and shady paths, good for a picnic or an evening walk.

How do you get around Chestnut Hill?

Chestnut Hill is one of the few Philadelphia neighborhoods served by two Regional Rail lines. The Chestnut Hill East line and the Chestnut Hill West line both run directly to Center City, so commuting downtown doesn’t require a car. Several SEPTA bus routes also stop in the neighborhood. Germantown Avenue is easy to explore on foot, and drivers can head toward Center City on Lincoln Drive.

Is Chestnut Hill a good place to rent an apartment?

For many renters, yes. It suits people who want green space, a walkable main street and a calmer pace while staying connected to the rest of the city. Families appreciate the parks and the quiet streets, and dog owners have trails and green space right outside. The trade-off is distance: Chestnut Hill is about ten miles from Center City, so the commute is longer than from neighborhoods closer to downtown. Apartment buildings are also less common here than single-family homes, which makes a well-run community with modern amenities worth finding.

How does Chestnut Hill compare to nearby neighborhoods?

Renters looking at Chestnut Hill often consider Mount Airy, Manayunk and East Falls too. All four are in Northwest Philadelphia and have Regional Rail service, but each has a different feel.

Distances are measured along each neighborhood’s Regional Rail line.

Which one is right for you? Choose Chestnut Hill if you want the most green space and a quiet, historic setting. Mount Airy offers a similar leafy feel with a strong community spirit. Manayunk suits renters who want restaurants and nightlife steps from home, and East Falls puts you closest to Center City.

Renting at Chestnut Hill Village Apartments

Chestnut Hill Village Apartments is at 7715 Crittenden Street in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA 19118, a short walk from the Wyndmoor station on the Chestnut Hill East line. The community offers renovated one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with hardwood floors, stainless-steel appliances, in-home washers and dryers, and large closets.

Outside your door, you’ll find a landscaped pool, a fitness center with cardio and spin equipment, a yoga room, a playground, fire pits, a BBQ and picnic area, and an outdoor Wi-Fi lounge. The community is pet-friendly, with a pet spa and a bark park for your four-legged family members. See everything on our Amenities page, or browse floor plans to find the right fit. You can also take a look around in our photo gallery.

Chestnut Hill at a glance

• Location: Northwest Philadelphia, ZIP code 19118
• Known as: Philadelphia’s Garden District
• Main street: Germantown Avenue
• Parks: Wissahickon Valley Park, Pastorius Park, Morris Arboretum & Gardens
• Transit: SEPTA Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail lines, plus local bus routes
• Distance to Center City: About 10 miles

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP code is Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia?

Chestnut Hill is in the 19118 ZIP code in Northwest Philadelphia.

Can you get to Center City from Chestnut Hill without a car?

Yes. Two SEPTA Regional Rail lines, Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West, run directly from Chestnut Hill to Center City.

Is Chestnut Hill or Mount Airy better for renters?

It depends on what you want. Both neighborhoods sit along Germantown Avenue and border Wissahickon Valley Park. Chestnut Hill is quieter and more historic, while Mount Airy is a bit closer to Center City and known for its diverse, close-knit community.

Are there pet-friendly apartments in Chestnut Hill?

Yes. Chestnut Hill Village Apartments at 7715 Crittenden Street is pet-friendly and has an on-site pet spa and bark park.

Are there apartments with a pool in Chestnut Hill?

Yes. Chestnut Hill Village Apartments has a landscaped outdoor pool, with a fitness center and yoga room next to it.

Have more questions about renting here? Visit our FAQ page.

Ready to see Chestnut Hill for yourself? Schedule a tour of Chestnut Hill Village Apartments or call us at (215) 242-3500. We’d love to show you around.