A Love Letter to Philly’s Most Underrated Duo: Roxborough-Manayunk
There’s something about Roxborough and Manayunk that feels different from the rest of Philly. Maybe it’s the way Manayunk clings to the hillside like it belongs in a European village, or the way Roxborough stretches out with its tree-lined streets and unexpected pockets of quiet. These aren’t neighborhoods that scream for attention, yet once you’re here, they have a way of pulling you in.
Roxborough and Manayunk are a study in contrast—the old and the new, the energetic and the laid-back, the river views and the rolling green spaces. One minute, you’re navigating a steep hill past Victorian rowhomes; the next, you’re sipping an espresso along a cobblestone street, debating whether you should quit your job and open an art studio.
These neighborhoods aren’t just places to live—they’re places to find your rhythm.
A Little History (Because These Streets Have Stories)
Before the boutique fitness studios and third-wave coffee shops, Roxborough and Manayunk were working-class strongholds—textile mills, factories, and enough industrial grit to keep Philly’s economy humming.
Manayunk’s claim to fame? It was once called Flat Rock, but thankfully someone thought to consult the Lenape language and landed on “Manayunk” instead, meaning “place to drink”—a prophecy that modern-day Main Street has certainly fulfilled.
Roxborough, meanwhile, had a reputation for being a little more buttoned-up. The grand stone homes and Victorian twins were home to mill owners and business leaders, and the neighborhood still carries that air of quiet dignity. If Manayunk is where you go for craft cocktails and late-night pizza, Roxborough is where you retreat to grill in your backyard and enjoy a porch beer.
The old mill buildings? They’ve been transformed into sleek apartments. The historic homes? Many are still standing, their stone facades whispering stories of a different time. But make no mistake—these neighborhoods have evolved.
A view of the Pennsylvania Railroad Manayunk Bridge spanning the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) in Philadelphia.
The Architecture: Character, Hills, and Some Stunning Views
Walking through Manayunk feels a little like stepping into a mountain town—narrow streets, steep inclines, and homes that look like they were stacked on top of each other by a slightly overconfident architect. Brick rowhomes with vintage details dominate the landscape, with the occasional industrial loft conversion adding a modern twist.
Roxborough, on the other hand, gives you a little more breathing room. Think stone twins, charming rowhomes, and the occasional mid-century rancher that makes you wonder if you should start collecting vintage furniture. The streets here are quieter, wider, and lined with trees, making it the kind of place where you actually hear birds in the morning (a rare Philly phenomenon).
And while these neighborhoods feel a world apart from Center City, they’re still just a quick drive or train ride away. The best part? You get the space without the sticker shock of other sought-after Philly neighborhoods.
What It’s Like to Live Here (According to Someone Who Actually Does)
Ask anyone who lives here and you’ll get some version of the same story: “We were looking in other neighborhoods, but then we came here—and it just clicked.” Maybe it’s the walkability, or the small businesses that remember your name. Maybe it’s the Schuylkill River Trail, the towpath behind Main Street, or the fact that you can be downtown in 20 minutes without sacrificing your sanity.
Manayunk tends to pull in first-time buyers and creative types looking for energy and access. Roxborough’s got more space to grow into—families, second homes, people who want that urban-suburban hybrid without the HOA newsletters. And with home prices here still averaging comfortably below $400K, it's one of the few parts of Philly where you can get a three-bedroom with a yard, without selling your soul or your sneaker collection.
Inventory moves quickly (especially anything with parking), but it’s not cutthroat. There's still a chance to fall in love with something that isn’t already pending by the time you finish your latte.
A Love Letter from Mark Taubman
Mark Taubman has been around long enough to know all the best spots, the hidden gems, and the shortcuts to avoid getting stuck in traffic on Ridge Avenue. He’s lived in East Falls, Manayunk, and now Roxborough, and if you ask him, he’ll tell you this is the best place in the city to put down roots.
"I love this new town I moved to in Philadelphia. I can get anything I need within minutes, and with a quick three-minute Uber ride, I’m on Main Street meeting new friends or discovering something new to do. Today I stumbled upon a small entrance to the Tow Path (the walking path behind all the shops along the river) and found myself alone next to the canal, clutching my coffee and dreaming of that place we once visited in New England. It felt like a mountain town—and even smelled like it! What a beautiful city. And tonight? I’m heading to dinner in Center City, which is only 15 minutes away. Looking forward to when you can visit so I can show you every nook and cranny."
[This excerpt is from a real postcard Mark wrote about the neighborhood—because yes, he’s that in love with it.]
Mark’s Go-To Spots
🌮 For an easy, consistently solid meal – Taqueria Amor (his go-to Mexican fix, even if they go a little heavy on the salt)
🍸 For a Sunday cocktail with friends – Blondie (owned by fellow realtor Ashley Molenski, who opened this place mid-pandemic and made it a staple)
☕ For the perfect espresso + people-watching session – Volo Coffeehouse (bonus points for its La Colombe brews)
💎 For unique jewelry finds – Gary Mann Jewelry (a staple of the neighborhood, with estate pieces you won’t find anywhere else)
🌿 For a peaceful walk away from the crowds – The Tow Path (a hidden gem that runs parallel to the canal and the Schuylkill)
🎨 For the best community event of the year – The Manayunk Arts Festival (because nothing beats a neighborhood that truly supports its artists)
Should You Move Here?
If you’re looking for a Philly neighborhood that’s got charm, space, and personality, Roxborough-Manayunk is it.
It’s got all the perks of city life—great food, small businesses that actually care about their customers, and an unbeatable sense of community—without the sky-high price tags and fight-for-parking madness of other hot Philly spots. And as Mark puts it:
"When buyers are looking for a home, I always tell them to consider Roxborough and Manayunk. For what you get—proximity to the city, an actual yard (sometimes), and an affordable price tag—it’s hard to find a better deal."
So whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or just see what all the hype is about, consider this your official invitation to Philly’s most underrated neighborhood duo.
And if you need a local guide? Mark’s got you.
