Section Image

East Germantown

East Germantown

Urban Core Neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County 19138, 19144

$183,793 Average Value
$137 Average Price per Sq Ft
83 Homes For Sale

Living among historic sites and century-old homes

Less than 10 miles north of Philadelphia’s City Center, East Germantown stands out as an urban area with an abundance of greenery. This is partly due to the district’s efforts to preserve history, including the sites at Cliveden House and Awbury Arboretum. “The tree-lined streets in East Germantown amaze a lot of people because it’s rare to find that in the city,” says Bob Merritt, a 20-year resident of the neighboring Germantown and one of the first African American Brokers to own a RE/MAX franchise in Philadelphia. History is also maintained in the architecture of homes and churches throughout town, as several were built over 100 years ago using a distinguishable stone foundation. With La Salle University next door and a direct passenger train into the city, East Germantown continues to grow. “It’s a thriving neighborhood. La Salle University is growing and responsible for a big shopping plaza,” Merritt says. But many residents choose to walk along the cobblestone of Germantown Avenue, popping into boutiques and grabbing takeout.

East Germantown homes to many historical homes and an abundance of quaint row homes.
East Germantown homes to many historical homes and an abundance of quaint row homes.
Historic Vernon Park boasts many monuments remembering the early settlers in East Germantown.
Historic Vernon Park boasts many monuments remembering the early settlers in East Germantown.
1/2

Italianate twin homes and Victorians houses

The majority of homes for sale in East Germantown are rowhomes and twin homes. “A lot of the twin homes are made of stone, all the way up to the roof,” Merritt says. “It’s part of the beauty of the Germantown area. And the insides are spacious, more than the normal square footage.” These properties come in differing styles, from Gothic Revival and Italianate to minimal brick. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, perhaps with a private backyard, can range between $130,000 and $350,000. Standalone dwellings with Victorian, Second Empire or Craftsman influences, many with detached garages or sheds, can cost upwards of $550,000. There are also smaller two-story rowhouses, some with covered front porches, that are priced as low as $65,000 to about $100,000.

The two-story twin homes stand side by side like mirror images.
The two-story twin homes stand side by side like mirror images.
Turrets and other architectural designs are located in East Germantown with Victorian Era vibes.
Turrets and other architectural designs are located in East Germantown with Victorian Era vibes.
1/2

History at Cliveden and Awbury Arboretum

The East Germantown and Germantown communities come together at Vernon Park, a green area nestled near the business district on Shelton Avenue. “There’s always something going on at Vernon Park,” Merritt says. “They throw concerts on the outdoor stage, hold picnics and neighborhood celebrations.” More pocket parks nearby are Cliveden Park, which features a paved walking trail through the hilly green space and a playground, and Mallory Park, which also offers athletic fields and courts. Adjacent to this park is the Cliveden House, which was designated as a Historic Landmark in 1972 for its role in the American Revolution’s Battle of Germantown. Tucked away behind mature trees and shrubbery is Awbury Arboretum, a public park that spans 56 acres of historical grounds. Dog walkers stroll through the trail that loops around the property, and children run around the natural Adventure Woods play area. The Francis Cope House was once the home of a prominent Quaker family and is now used as an art gallery and event space. The arboretum also includes a pond and meadow, where nature lovers can admire frogs and turtles in their wetland habitat. On the other side of Ardleigh Street, athletes practice on the outdoor courts while swimmers jump into the pool at Awbury Park.

The Cliveden house has historical roots in the mid-nineteenth century and East Germantown.
The Cliveden house has historical roots in the mid-nineteenth century and East Germantown.
Enjoy the beautiful Awbury green space rarely seen around Philadelphia in East Germantown.
Enjoy the beautiful Awbury green space rarely seen around Philadelphia in East Germantown.
1/2

Admiring Federalist and Colonial architecture

The entire Germantown area teems with historic sites, and the Revolutionary Germantown Festival draws visitors to the Cliveden mansion every summer. Some of the homes and churches also reflect this Federalist and Colonial architectural era. “There’s a church within two blocks in any direction, and a lot of them are still in their original building from over 100 years ago,” Merritt says. Other picturesque attractions include Wyck House, a National Historic Landmark and home to one of the country's oldest rose gardens. The area offers several walking tours of these historic buildings, homes and landmarks.

Cobblestone streets of Germantown Avenue

Residents head to Germantown Avenue for a walk along the cobblestone streets that connect boutiques, diners and buildings with vibrant murals. In the morning, people might sit down for a classic American breakfast at Happy Restaurant, and then peruse the bookshelves and sip an afternoon pick-me-up at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books. Hot Clucks is a popular takeout spot that serves Nashville Hot Chicken. There are several neighborhood markets to choose from when in need of groceries, including The Fresh Grocer of LaSalle near the University’s campus and Save A Lot.

In East Germantown, locals head to Happy Place Restaurant for all things breakfast.
In East Germantown, locals head to Happy Place Restaurant for all things breakfast.
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books is a productive atmosphere for locals in East Germantown.
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books is a productive atmosphere for locals in East Germantown.
1/2

Philadelphia public, charter and private schools

Students living in East Germantown can begin at John Wister Elementary, a charter school with a D-minus Niche grade. They can progress to a 13-1 student-teacher ratio at Roosevelt School and then a 12-1 student-teacher ratio at Martin Luther King High School, both of which receive a D-plus. Private school options in the area include Lotus Academy for students in prekindergarten through fourth grade, and Mastery Charter School serves kindergarten through twelfth-grade students.

Roosevelt Theodore Middle School is located off East Washington Lane in East Germantown.
Roosevelt Theodore Middle School is located off East Washington Lane in East Germantown.
John Wister Elementary School educates students from Kindergarten through 5th grade.
John Wister Elementary School educates students from Kindergarten through 5th grade.
1/2
Olney Transportation Center  makes traveling through East Germantown and Philadelphia easier.
Olney Transportation Center makes traveling through East Germantown and Philadelphia easier.

Commuting on the public SEPTA system

East Germantown is well connected with a robust grid of roads and rail lines. Two SEPTA Regional Rail lines connect the neighborhood to Center City Philadelphia, and multiple SEPTA bus routes allow commuters to leave their cars behind. “A lot of people live here and work in the city, taking the bus or the Regional,” Merritt says. “I used to take the bus into Center City when I worked there.” U.S. Route 1, Interstate 76 and Interstate 95 are easily accessible from the outskirts of town, the latter running about 100 miles to New York City. On the flip side of public transportation conveniences, living near the city comes with a higher-than-average crime score. According to CAP Index, East Germantown scores a 6 in comparison to the national average of 4, with crimes related to homicide scoring a 10.

Mary Beth Greene
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Mark Barakat
Video By
Mark Barakat

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Madalyn Eleby, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

33 min drive

Train

Wister

Train

Germantown

Train

Washington Lane

Bus

Chew Av & Locust Av

Bus

Walnut Ln & Morton St - Mbfs

Bus

Chelten Av & Lena St

Bus

Chelten Av & Boyer St

Bus

Chelten Av & Morton St

Bus

Ogontz Av & Church Ln

Bus

Wister St & Medary Av

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime East Germantown US
Homicide 10 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$162,500
Median Single Family Price
$220,000
Median Townhouse Price
$160,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$312,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$137
Number of Homes for Sale
83
Last 12 months Home Sales
254
Months of Supply
3.90
Median List Price
$175,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
7,752
Median Year Built
1925
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,818
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,217
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,522
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,117
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10am - 12pm

    5380 Chew Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138

    $399,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 1,850 Sq Ft
    • 5380 Chew Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    This beautifully FULLY RENOVATED twin home offers a perfect blend of classic charm and modern convenience, featuring 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms across three finished floors all sitting on a 186ft LOT! No stone has been left untouched including new PEX/PVC plumbing, roof, electrical, flooring, windows, doors, drywall, lighting, kitchens and bathrooms! The first floor welcomes you with a

    Ryan Stawasz KW Empower

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 2pm

    6478 Musgrave St, Philadelphia, PA 19119

    $189,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,160 Sq Ft
    • 6478 Musgrave St
    • New 30 days ago

    Affordable & move-in ready in East Mount Airy! Welcome to 6478 Musgrave, a charming rowhome nestled on a quiet block with 2-car parking and an attached garage. This home offers a number of recent updates including a new dishwasher (2025), new washing machine (2025, all new interior paint (2025), roof touchups (2025), parged garage wall (2025), kitchen light fixture (2025) and more! This home is

    Benjamin Gemberling-Johnson Coldwell Banker Realty

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    52 E Pastorius St, Philadelphia, PA 19144

    $400,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,783 Sq Ft
    • 52 E Pastorius St
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to Your Next Chapter at 54 E Pastorius Street! Brand new construction located in the heart of East Germantown.Looking for a fresh start in a beautiful, move-in-ready home? This 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths gem in East Germantown is the perfect match for families, first-time buyers, or anyone craving comfort, convenience, and style.From the moment you step inside, you'll fall in love with the

    Manny Adames Opus Elite Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Madalyn Eleby, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
29,160
Median Age
37
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$31,551
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,159

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.4%
College Graduates
17.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.6%
% Population in Labor Force
57.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

63 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the East Germantown neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
East Germantown
Madalyn Eleby
Opulent Realty Group LLC
Section Image