Manayunk Philadelphia, PA

Once the neighborhood harnessed the power of the canal water, many factories and mills were formed. For the next 100 years, it was considered the manufacturing mecca in Philadelphia. Historically a blue-collar community, Manayunk is significantly gentrified. With the emergence of top restaurants and local nightlife, the population has shifted to upper middle class professionals and families.

Though the neighborhood does not have any museums, the Barnes Foundation and Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion are only ten minutes away.

Residents appreciate the annual StrEAT food festival and restaurant week. Main Street presents live music, a moon bounce for kids, and most importantly, amazing food from over 40 restaurants in the area. The well-known Manayunk Arts Festival also brings in many people from all over Philadelphia every year. Enjoy the beautiful work of talented artists, including paintings, sculptures and jewelry, all while indulging in food from local restaurants.

Peppered with an eclectic array of local eateries, Manayunk offers something for everyone in the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. Just a stroll down Main Street presents dozens of options for your dining pleasure, whether you're looking for a quick meal to go or a pleasant sit-down experience. Enjoy a plate of sweet potato fries at Winnie's Le Bus Manayunk, or some kung pao chicken at Han Dynasty.

Lucky's Last Chance focuses on artistic burgers and serious hot dogs. Customers go wild over the creative menu of burgers, featuring the Mak Attack, PBJ burger and the incredibly spicy Inferno. Take your taste buds to sensory heaven at this neighborhood hot spot.

The Goat's Beard on Main Street offers homemade dishes from an eclectic menu with fish tacos, sirloin mac and cheese, and mouth-watering burgers as customer favorites. The efficient staff and cool vibe only add to the enjoyable dining experience.

Indulge in contemporary Japanese cuisine at Yanako. Affordable prices, fresh ingredients and an innovative menu make this romantic restaurant a Manayunk must-visit for sushi lovers. Bring your own alcohol and come with a big appetite.

Notorious for its jumping nightlife, residents always find something exciting to do in Manayunk. The Grape Room on Grape Street features an extensive cocktail list and open mic nights on Monday evenings. Enjoy a cigar or flavorful hookah at SMOKE Cigar & Hookah Lounge. Share a pitcher of beer with friends at Castle Roxx on Shurs Lane or Pitchers Pub on Main Street, both ideal places for a night with friends. For lots of laughs from local comedians, visit Gaily's Crazy Cow Comedy Club. Bring a friend and your own liquor for some good adult fun.

Conveniently located by the Schuylkill Expressway, residents travel throughout the city with ease. Though Manayunk is a largely car dependent, many errands can be accomplished on foot in this highly walkable neighborhood. With the high hills throughout the area, there are not many accessible bike lanes. Parking can be difficult to find, as the majority of residents choose to drive. Two affordable parking garages on Main Street, Park America Inc and New Manayunk Corp, attempt to alleviate that problem. Residents take advantage of available public transportation. SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown rail line takes you to Center City and University City, while the SEPTA bus routes stop at the Wissahickon Transportation Center and the bustling Ridge Avenue. If you need a taxi, call Uber to schedule your next trip.

If you're looking for a great running or cycling trail, Schuylkill River Trail is the place for you. This scenic trail along the river goes for 26.5 miles and brings people from all over the area. For a fun afternoon out, bring your family and pets to enjoy time in the pleasant Manayunk weather.

Pretzel Park on Silverwood Street offers residents an escape to nature with its grassy field and playground area. Your dog will enjoy this green space with its long, fenced-in dog run. Meet other pet owners in the neighborhood or have a picnic in this hidden oasis. The park also hosts regular events like concert nights, Saturday Farmers Market and the annual fall festival, which offers live music and several activities for families to celebrate Halloween.

Close proximity to Schuylkill River in this prosperous urban community surprisingly doesn't come with too high a price tag. A $2.25 fare will get you a one-day pass to the heart of Philadelphia. The cost of an imported beer averages at $5, while gas prices are 6.7 percent higher than the nation's average. Utilities and health care expenditures are comparable to the whole of Philadelphia, but housing expenditures soar past the average for the entire state. Just over half of residents own homes. The community does draw in a high percentage of young renters, with average rental rates at $1,073 per month for a one-bedroom space. Because of the high housing costs and the community's central location, the cost of living in Manayunk is 10 percent higher than the whole of Philadelphia.

Manayunk provides dozens of unique boutiques and shops, particularly on Mai Street. A true shopper's paradise, spend an afternoon enjoying endless hours of fun perusing the many available stores. For fun thrift shops and vintage pieces, visit Greene Street and Worn Yesterday. Nadeau Furniture with a Soul, also on Main Street, features custom furniture full of character for affordable prices. Residents frequent Bleu Denim or Nicole Miller, chic stores selling fashionable, high-end women's clothing. The Little Apple sells quirky gifts and speciality decoration items for the home. Browse the custom stationary, get something monogrammed or simply enjoy the wide selection of Philadelphia-themed housewares.

For groceries and household items, Mason's Grocery on Lyceum Avenue, A A A Superstore or Palm Tree Market. Pretzel Park Farmer's Market sells locally grown fruits, vegetables and cheeses. Located on Silverwood Street, swing by any Saturday morning.

Manayunk Main Street Historic District, Pretzel Park Farmers Market, Manayunk Arts Festival, and Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, Manayunk Bridge