Dear Friend,
I think you’d love it here. Roxborough and Manayunk—two neighborhoods that coexist in perfect balance—have a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into something special, something just a little different from the rest of Philadelphia. I used to live in East Falls, moved away, and eventually found my way back, settling on the border of Manayunk and Roxborough. There’s just something about this area that calls you back.
When I first arrived, I remember feeling like I had entered “somewhere else.” Manayunk, in particular, with its hillside perch above the Schuylkill, has the energy of a self-sufficient, tucked-away mountain town. The way it nestles into the river, its winding streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafes—it reminds me of places I’ve visited up north, like Lake Placid. You get the charm of an old-world village but with the convenience of a city, and I never get tired of wandering its streets.
And then there’s Roxborough, where the pace shifts ever so slightly. It’s quiet but connected, its streets weaving through the city like a hidden labyrinth. There’s value here—not just in real estate, but in the way life unfolds. You’re close to Center City, the Main Line, and the suburbs, but it never feels rushed. It’s a place that works for the long haul, a place people grow into.
On weekends, my favorite ritual is grabbing a bite and a drink at The Goats Beard, a solid staple on Main Street with great cocktails and a menu that always hits the mark. But if you know me, you know my weakness—Mexican food. Taqueria Amor has become my go-to. It’s not the most authentic spot in the world, but I can always count on the food and drinks to be consistent.
If the weather’s nice, I head to the Towpath, a hidden gem that doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves. While Kelly Drive is often the go-to for walkers and runners, the Towpath is where I find a bit of solitude. It runs alongside the canal and the Schuylkill, stretching all the way to Conshohocken and beyond. It’s a reminder of the history woven into this place—where city meets nature, where you can escape just a few steps from the bustle of Main Street.
For shopping, I always make a stop at Gary Mann Jewelry, a longtime neighborhood business run by two incredible people, Gary and Norma. Their collection of bespoke and estate pieces is unmatched, and even if you’re just browsing, it’s worth stepping inside. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to grab a coffee across the street at Volo, a place where the owners and staff never fail to welcome you with a smile.
And speaking of local legends, I have to give a nod to Blondie, a bar and restaurant owned by fellow realtor Ashley Molenski. I respect anyone who has the guts to open a business during the pandemic and then keep it thriving. Her place has become a staple in my rotation, thanks to a killer cocktail program and a bar scene that always feels alive.
The energy here is infectious, especially during the Manayunk Arts Festival. It’s one of those events that reminds you why these neighborhoods work so well together—Manayunk with its restaurants, galleries, and small businesses, Roxborough with its breweries, bodegas, and old-school staples. There’s a rhythm to life here, a balance that makes it feel like its own little world.
If you visit, I’d tell you to start your day with a walk along the Towpath, then spend some time window-shopping on Main Street before grabbing a meal at one of the many amazing restaurants. And if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble into one of the rotating gallery exhibitions, where the art scene quietly thrives.
What makes this neighborhood special isn’t just one thing—it’s the collective of it all. The scale of Manayunk, the value of Roxborough, the feeling that you’ve landed in a nearly complete version of what a neighborhood should be. It’s self-contained, but never isolating. City-adjacent, but never overwhelming. It’s a place you can grow into, one that welcomes you back even if you leave.
I hope you’ll come see it for yourself. There’s a coffee waiting for you at Volo, a trail to walk, and a new favorite restaurant just waiting to be discovered.
See you soon,
Mark
Once its own town, today Roxborough is a beautiful neighborhood most characterized by its abundance of parks developed from the peaked prosperity of local Manayunk mills. Although primarily a residential area of larger front lawns and garages, Roxborough’s commercial “hub” lines Ridge Avenue. Here several coffee shops, boutiques, and yoga studios await you to make a perfectly leisurely weekend.
Roxborough’s Fairmount Park also serves as the perfect scenery for a Sunday picnic or a morning jog. Roxborough is also characterized by its proximity to Philadelphia University and St. Joseph’s University. Easy access to both institutions are available through numerous bus routes and bike lanes which give Roxborough connections to Center City Philadelphia and more.
11,140 people live in Manayunk + Roxborough, where the median age is 38 and the average individual income is $46,381. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Manayunk + Roxborough has 5,344 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Manayunk + Roxborough do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 11,140 people call Manayunk + Roxborough home. The population density is 20,354.872 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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