Germantown Avenue's Belgian block
The commercial district runs along Germantown Avenue, still paved in Belgian block through the heart of the neighborhood, with the trolley rails visible in the street.
Chestnut Hill | Philadelphia, PA
The Northwest Corner of Philadelphia, Where Two Rail Lines End
Chestnut Hill sits at the far northwestern edge of the city along Germantown Avenue, bordered by Wissahickon Valley Park and the Montgomery County line. Chestnut Hill Philadelphia real estate and homes for sale include large stone houses, twins, carriage houses and condominiums, and the area is among the higher-priced parts of the city.
Tom Fior · Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty · Verified Google reviews below
What's It Actually Like in Chestnut Hill?
Stone architecture and large lots
Much of the housing is stone construction on lots that are large by Philadelphia standards, including detached houses, twins and former carriage houses.
Both lines stop here — and stop here for good
SEPTA's Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail lines both have their terminal stations in the neighborhood.
Your local real estate resource
Hi, I'm Tom.
Tom Fior. I help buyers and sellers navigate Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs with a simple approach: clear guidance, honest answers, and no unnecessary pressure.
I grew up in Delaware County and live in Philadelphia, so City to Suburbs isn't just a brand — it's the market I know personally. Whether you're comparing neighborhoods, moving out of the city, relocating to the area, or trying to figure out where you fit best, I'm here to help you make sense of your options.
Helping buyers understand the tradeoffs between Chestnut Hill, the rest of Philadelphia, and the surrounding suburbs.
Guidance First. Pressure Never.
The Chestnut Hill Real Estate Cheat Sheet
The stuff I'd want you to know before we started looking at homes here.
- City
- Philadelphia
- County
- Philadelphia County
- ZIP code(s)
- 19118
- Common housing
- Detached stone homes, Twins, Carriage houses, Condos, Rowhomes
- Housing era
- Much of the housing dates from the 19th and early 20th centuries, with individually notable architecture throughout.
- Center City relationship
- Chestnut Hill is at the far northwestern edge of Philadelphia, connected to Center City by two Regional Rail lines.
Chestnut Hill is generally within 19118, at the northwest corner of Philadelphia.
What types of homes are in Chestnut Hill?
Chestnut Hill's housing is largely historic stone and masonry construction — detached houses, twins and converted carriage houses — plus condominium and apartment buildings and some attached homes near Germantown Avenue. Lot sizes, house sizes and price points run well above most of Philadelphia.
Does Chestnut Hill have SEPTA access?
SEPTA's Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail lines both terminate in the neighborhood, and the Route 23 bus runs the length of Germantown Avenue. Verify current schedules with SEPTA.
Is parking available in Chestnut Hill?
Most homes have driveways or garages; the Germantown Avenue business district has street and lot parking. Confirm parking arrangements on the specific property.
What are property taxes like in Chestnut Hill?
Philadelphia bills one citywide Real Estate Tax on the assessed value set by the Office of Property Assessment, so what you pay depends on the individual property's assessment and on any programs it qualifies for — the Homestead Exemption, LOOP, or a remaining tax abatement. There is no single “neighborhood tax rate,” so always check the actual property.
Are there historic-district considerations?
Chestnut Hill contains historically designated resources, and some properties are subject to review by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. If you plan exterior work, confirm the specific property's designation status before you buy.
The local detail people miss
You are still inside Philadelphia — with Philadelphia taxes
Chestnut Hill borders Montgomery County, and buyers often assume it is suburban. It is in the city, which means Philadelphia property tax, Philadelphia school assignment and, for residents, the city wage tax.
How do schools work in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia schools are assigned by address through the School District of Philadelphia, and the city also has charter, magnet and citywide-admission options. Confirm the catchment and any eligibility for a specific address with the District before you rely on it.
School District of PhiladelphiaThe Chestnut Hill Tradeoff
Why you might consider it — and what I'd want you to understand before you buy.
Why buyers consider it
Large historic housing on substantial lots
The stock includes some of the largest and most architecturally distinctive homes inside city limits.
Two terminal rail stations
Both Chestnut Hill Regional Rail lines end in the neighborhood, giving direct service toward Center City.
A concentrated business district
Germantown Avenue provides a continuous walkable retail corridor through the neighborhood.
What you should know
Historic houses come with historic maintenance
Slate roofs, older windows, aging systems and masonry repointing are real budget items in this housing stock.
Possible historic-review limits
Where a property is designated, exterior changes may require review. Verify before planning renovations.
Higher entry price than most of the city
This is one of the more expensive parts of Philadelphia, and inventory at any given time is limited.
Live home search
Could You See Yourself Living in Chestnut Hill?
See what's for sale right now.
Browse current homes for sale in Chestnut Hill through Tom's live home search.
Still Comparing Philadelphia Neighborhoods?
See how Chestnut Hill compares with other parts of Philadelphia you may also be considering.
Mount Airy
Directly southeast along Germantown Avenue with a broader housing mix and generally lower price points.
Explore Mount AiryManayunk, Roxborough & East Falls
The other side of the Wissahickon, with denser rowhome housing and a different Regional Rail line.
Explore Manayunk, Roxborough & East FallsCenter City
The opposite end of the city's housing spectrum — condos and rowhomes with no yards, but every transit mode.
Explore Center City
Client stories
What Clients Say About Working With Tom
Real Google reviews from buyers and sellers Tom has helped.
5 on Google · 24 reviews
1 of 18
Thinking About Chestnut Hill?
Whether you're already looking at homes or still comparing Philadelphia neighborhoods, I'll help you understand the properties, the numbers and the tradeoffs before you make a move.
Guidance first. Pressure never.
Own a home in Chestnut Hill?Selling with Tom →
Chestnut Hill buyers scrutinize condition and systems in historic homes, so pre-listing clarity on roofs, mechanicals and any designation pays off.
Sources · last verified August 2026