7.0 out of 10

Manayunk

Ranked 25th best neighborhood in Philadelphia
40.0285951064865 -75.2227446878093
Great for
  • Nightlife
  • Eating Out
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Public Transport
Not great for
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A peaceful place"

I live in the east falls section Near Henry Avenue and Roberts, which is kinda like Manayunk related I guess, but I think I moreso live in east falls lol. But anyway, I walk to a post office in Manayunk on ridge avenue pretty often and everytime, the people there are so nice. They're always friendly and most are ready to smile or say hello as we pass each other by. It makes me feel so good as an African American. Seeing people of another color be so kind always makes my day whenever I'm in a suburban or suburban-like neighborhood. I'm black and I have a beard, so it's good to know that people are not intimidated by me, because I'm somebody that loves people and would give anybody my last penny. So Manayunk/East falls is a great place to live.
Pros
  • The people are nice and friendly
  • It's a nice environment
  • Clean
  • Great for college kids
  • small town vibe
  • clean
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"A 20-something haven"

Manayunk is the place to be if you want both city energy and suburban charm. Many recent grads and young couples opt for Manayunk as an alternative to Center City living; the cost of living is more affordable than downtown Philadelphia, but Center City is only a 20 minute train ride away.

Manayunk is known for its Main Street, which is full of shops, restaurants and bars that appeal to a 20 to 30-something crowd. Many hot spots are independently run, which gives the area a quaint, eclectic vibe. Friday and Saturday nights can get very rambunctious on the main drag, but once you travel a few blocks away from the nightlife, it becomes a much quieter, residential experience.

As for the occasional city-goer, the Manayunk and Ivy Ridge train stations are both located in the area. There are also a number of buses that run from Main Street and local apartment complexes into the city. You will find a large percentage of Manayunk residents commute into the city daily for work and school. Although public transit is aplenty, the commute can be time-consuming. It is convenient to have an alternate mode of transportation, such as a car or bike. Most high-traffic streets have bike-friendly lanes, but the area is very hilly which may pose a problem to the novice bicyclist. The hills are also not ideal for street parking or severe weather – flooding becomes a major issue in heavy rain and snow.

There are very few families, since there is a limited number of schools and daycares in the area. Overall, Manayunk is a great transition town for the younger crowd between college and settling down. The result is a large number of renters and fewer settled residents.
Pros
  • Transition town
  • Great for college kids
  • Lots of nightlife options
  • small town vibe
Cons
  • Parking is awful
  • steep hills
  • flooding
Recommended for
  • Professionals
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Small town inside of a big city"

Manayunk sits on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. This small town inside of the city is where everyone is welcome and there is never much time for boredom. The neighborhood has a relaxed and uptempo feel all at the same time This can be accredited to the infamous Main Street with the Schuylkill River in the backdrop.

Along Main Street in Manayunk, you can find all kinds of boutiques, art galleries, cafes, housewares stores, fitness centers, and restaurants to choose from. Many of the shops are independently owned, which adds to the uniqueness of your shopping finds. The nightlife isn't too shabby either. There are bar & grills and pubs around the area to make for a nice night. While it's a nice place to be, Main Street does allow for a lot of foot traffic.

Another cool place to be is beyond Main Street. There lies a trail used by locals, as well as visitors, to walk, run or bike. Also, along the Schuylkill River, there is kayaking and boating. And just in case you're a dog owner, Manayunk is said to be a great place for dog lovers.

Aside from having an awesome strip and recreational aspect, Manayunk also acts as a median for going back and forth between the city and the suburbs. Whether you drive, take public transportation or you decide to bike, the neighborhood serves as a "director of traffic" in and out of the city.

The homes in Manayunk range in styles from lofts and townhouses to Victorian row homes. The architecture accents the small town feel of the neighborhood with a variety in its subtlety. However, Manayunk is filled with hills, so that is something to keep in mind.

Manayunk is a cozy neighborhood perfect for college kids and growing families. There is always something to do and everybody knows your name.
Pros
  • Great for college kids
  • Lots of nightlife options
  • small town vibe
Cons
  • Parking is awful
  • Hills everywhere
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A Neighborhood That Feels Like "Little Philadelphia""

About 8 miles outside of Philly, Manayunk holds its own as a sort of "Little Philadelphia." Complete with a Main St and several little neighborhood-esque areas within the neighborhood itself, there is a lot to discover about this tiny place that runs along the Schuykill.

Residents here are mostly college students or recent graduates. This means that each townhouse in Manayunk most likely houses between 3-5 people, making parking miserable and the lines to get into bars during the summer slightly out of control. However, if you're looking for a place to meet new friends that are in the 20-26 age range, you couldn't find a better place than Manayunk.

The restaurants and bars in Manayunk have stepped up their game to accommodate the growing population of this neighborhood. Spots like the Brew Pub, Pitchers Pub, Kildares and Bourbon Blue are all great spots to grab a bear. Several great restaurants, like Chabaa Thai and Manayunk Tavern serve up great food and offer outdoor seating when the whether is nice. And if going out in Manayunk isn't your thing, you can always hop on the train and be in the city within 20 minutes.

In my opinion, the good outweighs the bad in this neighborhood. The rowdy college atmosphere, lack of parking and large population of under-30s would most likely prevent many people from buying here, but it is a great area for renters.
Pros
  • Great for college kids
  • Lots of nightlife options
  • small town vibe
Cons
  • Parking is awful
  • steep hills
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Manayunk on a Bike"

If you up for an in-town weekend then Manayunk is your spot. The city has its own San Francisco with hilly residential streets rising above Main Street. Shopping, bar hopping, and exotic restaurant faire are all available along Main Street. Jewelry and antique purveyors appeal to the wealthy.
Manayunk is a Lenape Indian name and is where the first canal in the United States was started.

Manayunk was settled by German, Polish and Irish immigrants as well as a large number of African Americans. Located on the banks of the Schuylkill River, there is an island frequented by residents in the middle of the river. Two Naval ships have been christened the USS Manayunk.

Gentrification is the atmosphere prevalent today. Old world charm abounds with cobblestone streets and quaint flower gardens. The area is usually the first to shut down with cancelled public transportation at the slightest snow. Each June, an international bike race takes on the challenging hills and brings loads of tourist to the area.

Most of the working class residents who worked in nearby manufacturing plants have sold their homes and moved on. What remains are small row homes that young professionals have embraced and renovated. Alongside are many students who have chosen to commute.

Today, if you are visiting Manayunk make sure your wallet is filled.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A town on a hill"

Manayunk is a neighborhood located in the northwest section of Philadelphia. It is located in the hilly region of the city bordering East Falls. The neighborhood is home to many young professionals and college students.
Due to it being on the outskirts of the city, Manayunk retains a small-town charm and includes cobblestone roads, cozy two and three-story row homes and a plethora of shops, restaurants and bars. Main Street is the main drag of Manayunk and is the retail hub of the neighborhood. It is a popular nightlife destination for many of the area’s college students.
Manayunk is one of the nicer sections of Philadelphia to live in. It is removed from the city, so crime rates in this area are relatively low. There is also easy access to Interstate 76 and plenty of public transportation sources including the SEPTA Manayunk/Norristown line.
Parking can be an issue in Manayunk due to its hilly conditions. Many of the streets are on a sharp slant, so be sure to put your emergency brake on after you park your car.
Manayunk is a great place to live for young people and offers a fun and inviting atmosphere with plenty to see and do.
Pros
  • Great for college kids
  • Lots of nightlife options
  • Cute
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Hills everywhere
  • Parking is awful
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"It doesn't feel like Philadelphia"

Manayunk feels more like its own town than an extension of Philadelphia. And if you are new to the area the locals can usually tell. The small town feel also has a San Francisco vibe to it as well. This has a lot to do with the steep streets of the neighborhoods. They look intimidating when you are driving up them in a small car, but going down can be fun, especially if you are taking part in the soap box derby that takes place annually.

It is ideal to have a car or bike if you are going to live in Manayunk as taking public transportation can be overwhelming and time consuming if you are traveling to other parts of the city. Those who live in the neighborhood stay close. And you can’t really blame them. The pubs, cute boutiques, coffee shops and dining establishments all have a welcoming, at home vibe.

The downside of Manayunk is that during less than favorable weather the area can become next to impossible to leave or enter. Heavy snow tends to keep cars stuck in their parking spots and the Schuylkill River sometimes overflows causing flooding during heavy rainfall. This doesn’t deter people from buying a home because the pros outweigh the cons.
Pros
  • small town vibe
  • clean
Cons
  • flooding
  • steep hills
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees

Travelling to Manayunk?

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Best Streets in Manayunk

1

Hermitage St

2.5/5
""A little bit of old and new.""
40.0325913412078 -75.2278981448387

Unranked Streets in Manayunk

Gates St

3.5/5
"Clean and Quiet yet extremely convienent."
40.033064041206 -75.229091404644

Green Ln

2/5
"Remember to fold in your rear-view mirrors"
40.0288555089009 -75.2243693644361

Lyceum Ave

3.5/5
"The Manayunk Wall"
40.028939046561 -75.2201733420165

Main St

2.5/5
"Gentrification at its finest"
40.025301530753 -75.2232218836886

Mansion St

2.5/5
"Heart of Manayunk"
40.0304716037859 -75.2274620209161

Shurs Ln

2.5/5
"Its quieter at the top"
40.0231496322292 -75.2167577834884

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