Funny how people feel Germantown is not "safe." What experiences have they had which led them to feel this way? We live in Germantown and have never had a problem- had more problems when we lived in University City. The community is friendly, and interesting.

Yes, there are crime issues, like anywhere in a large urban city. Crime rates are lower than other parts of the city. I wonder if its becuase Gtown has a large black population that its seen as unsafe. "Oh my goodness! Rap music and kids wearing strange clothes!! Ethnic hair! RUN TO CHESTNUT HILL!!!!" Good, go, we don't want you here anyway.

Should you start making decisions based on maybe this or maybe that?
Live your own life, without fear or trepidation.
Safety is naturally a concern, but I have worked in every neighborhood in Philly for over 50 years. I've been in the better ones and what others consider the worst ones. I never had a problem.
If you greet your neighbors when you see them it will lead to casual converstation, treat them with respect and kindness you'll never have a problem.
I once had a store in Kensington. When I moved into the building it was graffittied, with ankle deep trash around the bldg. and prostitutes hanging out front.
I removed the trash, painted the graffitti out and spoke to the prostitutes. I told them I was running a business there and would appreciate their hanging elsewhere. I didn't want to call the cops but I woud. Other than one incident and the girl came back and apologized I never had a problem with them. They didn't hang out there even after I closed at night.
The graffitti took longer. at first it had to be painted over every week, then every two weeks then once a month. About this time one repeater said to me, 'Why bother, they'll only graffitti it again."
I responded, " And I'll paint it over again."
That was the end of the graffitti.
If your heart tells you Germantown, then that's where you should move.
My Misses and I fell in love with our house. When we first viewed it; it was a boarded up shell. Thirty years have filled it with memories. The neighbors have changed but their attitudes are the same.
Smile and say hello.

Agreed, Ry36! Germantown is awesome. I've lived here for a few decades and love it.

Although honestly I've considered living up in Chestnut Hill, with its clean streets and sidewalks, and general air of prosperity, there's an essential rhythm, a richness and variety and tolerance, that's seems missing from the "burb-ish" Chestnut Hill area.

Are there problems? Of course. But I don't know of any areas with zero problems....

Is it worth living in Germantown? Heck, yes! Considering the beautiful homes at lower prices, the friendliness, the diversity...it's a great place.

Those weighing Chestnut Hill/Mt. Airy versus Germantown might gain insight by taking the bus down Germantown Avenue from the top of the hill to Gtn & Chelten and beyond. As the bus rolls down the Ave, the streets come to life, the rhythms quicken, and the heart of this wonderful historic area beats strong.

Thanks for all of the wonderful responses. I have to say, I completely agree with respecting your neighbors and being friendly with them. That is exactly what we are hoping to find and we will gladly extend ourselves to become a part of this kind of community. However, I would venture to say that your neighbors wouldn't be the ones to break into your house and rob you so I'm not sure that befriending them will keep you safe from crime. And of course nothing can keep you completely safe from crime anywhere, even in the burbs. But there are places where it will be more of an issue. Still, I think G-town is worth taking a chance on.

And as for riding up and down the ave, my husband and I used to get to Germantown by getting off of route 1/roosevelt blvd at the hunting park exit and work our way up. I know that is not considered Germantown. Maybe Nicetown and Tioga? I'm not 100%. But we have definitely seen many times what is below (way below) Chelten ave and I don't find it inspirational. I find it kind of sad and depressing. The intersection of Chelten and G-town aves is definitely "lively" but I think it has a long ways to go before reaching its potential.

And also in our exploration of G-town (and talking with friends that live there) we have definitely witnessed drug dealers on street corners. And although crime happens all over the city, we definitely see a lot more drug activity there than other places. Just something we have to consider.

But we like the idea of being a part of an area that has energy and potential. The crime issues don't scare us but since we have small children, we just want to make sure we are also making the right decision for them. Right now we feel like G-town would be a really great move for our whole family.

Is this who I think it is?

__________________
Rich McIlhenny
Re/Max Services Inc.
www.Richmachomes.com
Rmac88@aol.com

It certainly is. I was wondering when/if we'd "run into" you here.

Not until I got your email, did I make the connection. I like your username. See ya soon!

__________________
Rich McIlhenny
Re/Max Services Inc.
www.Richmachomes.com
Rmac88@aol.com

If you don't like drug corners, stay away from Queen Lane at Pulaski and Hansberry Street at Marion. I can't honestly think of any other drug corners in West Germantown. While that is still two too many, I don't think that two drug corners for 20k people is all that bad.

Gun shots in the middle of the night and people loitering the streets at 12am does the trick for me.

Sounds like many neighborhoods in Philly... if you want to be negative and only look at the downsides, which, btw, are not everyday occurances.

You seem like a glass is half empty kind of guy.... I imagine it'd be a good idea to follow your desires and move to the suburbs.

Living in the city isn't perfect, but, there are plenty of people here, as well as amenities, that make Philly an exciting, and hopeful place. I'm personally not so interested in negativity.... maybe you'll be happier in the 'safer', and more 'predictable' suburbs.