MANAYUNK

Originally Published in Manayunk.com Magazine

By Elyse Castillo

Photography By Carolyn Clement Photography (carolynclementphotography.com)

When settling down with a family, the possibilities are seemingly endless. You want your child to have everything - a close-knit community, academic prestige, and a scenic and safe environment all at their fingertips. Since my childrens' births, I've chosen Manayunk as the neighborhood to give them the very best start in life.  I've been continuously impressed with Manayunk's vibrant community and all it has to offer for my family, and I'm not alone in that experience.  Manayunk has become a hotspot for urban parents looking for the optimal neighborhood to raise their children. Read our top 10 reasons you should consider Manayunk as a home for your family, with quotes from local parents who have been thriving here for years.

1 – Greenspaces

Enjoying the banks of the scenic Schuylkill River and Manayunk Canal may not be a typical part of an urban child's daily experiences, but they can be when that child is a mini-Yunker. Located right along Main Street, the Canal's Towpath is a gorgeous opportunity for children to ride bikes, run, and walk along the water  - and parents can enjoy those same benefits, as well.  Local children might even catch a sight of the ducks, geese, heron, and turtles that choose to live here in Manayunk's waters.

"Our many Manayunk greenspaces provide our children and families outlets to connect with nature and build a community we are proud of. From farmer’s markets to bike paths, there is always somewhere fun to meet with our friends outdoors!"  - Sarah Kurliand, Manayunk Parent & Blogger at Our Spirited Life (ourspiritedlife.com)

2 - Children's Activities & Programming

Year-round, parents have a vibrant selection of fun and educational classes for children of all ages.  Favorites of local children include Merge Dance Studio, Miss Jackie's Tot Gym, Miss Jeanette's School of Dance, Soccer Shots, and more.  Extensive programming is also available through North Light Community Center, a non-profit which offers karate, yoga, art, choir, and more.

"Having access to numerous children's activities really helps to make Manayunk a true community. Within walking distance of our house we take our kids to dance classes, tot gyms, soccer classes, story time, and art classes. Having the ability to do all this without leaving our community allows both children and parents to make new friends with families in our neighborhood, strengthening our community." - Jason Blank, Manayunk Parent of Two

3 - High-Quality Schools

Manayunk's public school system has an active group of supporters from locals who love their schools. With well-respected public schools like Greenwoods Charter School, Dobson Elementary, and Cook-Wissahickon Elementary, children and their parents have academic excellence at their fingertips. 

"We are very happy to send our son to Dobson Elementary School.  I love that my son is attending a public school in our neighborhood, with other kids that he's grown up alongside at the playground.  It makes Manayunk and Roxborough feel very much like a small town when we can send him to a school with other families that we already know." - Mollie Ashley, Manayunk Parent of Two

4 - Welcoming Parenting Groups & Resources

It takes a village, and Manayunk is just that. MOMS Club of Northwest Philadelphia, Manayunk-Roxborough Parent Network, and Manayunk Moms Meetup all offer support, resources, and friendship to local parents through organized events and meetups.

 "Manayunk Moms (Meet Up) helps connect parents in Manayunk & the surrounding area.  So many of our members are in all different stages of parenthood and we offer a wide range of meet ups, such as play dates at a home, music classes, meeting at child-friendly Manayunk events, & so much more.  Everything from parenting advice, swapping child-friendly recipes, emotional support; we have become a community on this journey of parenthood, together.  I am so thankful to be a part of Manayunk Moms & to connect with so many fabulous caregivers and their sweet kids!" - Melissa Marcolina, Manayunk Parent & Official Organizer Of Manayunk Moms Meetup 

5 - Accessibility To Healthful Foods

Children in Manayunk have plenty of opportunities to know their farmer and enjoy nutritious, whole foods.  Pretzel Park Farmer's Market and the Gorgas Park Farmer's Market are just a couple ways for local families to get their fresh-picked fruits, veggies, and specialty items such as raw honey, molasses, and even handmade soaps.  Organic CSA Henry Got Crops is a local favorite, as well, offering a place for Manayunk residents to bring compost and participate in their CSA program or farmstand - and children love viewing the many horses, sheep, and cows grazing on their urban farm.

"My family looks forward to the Pretzel Park Farmer's Market all year long and almost never misses once it starts. I look forward to supporting the local farmers and buying delicious food, and my kids look forward to scooting around the park with their friends. It is my favorite free family activity in Manayunk and has really made us feel like a part of a community. We have met lots of people and made many new friendships by spending Saturdays at the Pretzel Park Farmer's Market." - Anne Politz, Manayunk Parent of Two

6 - Close-Knit Community

With playgrounds, greenspace, schools, and the Main Street business corridor all within walking distance, it's easy for children and their parents to make friends in our neighborhood.  

"Living in Manayunk/Roxborough is like living in a small town within a big city's limits.  I can spend days without getting in my car; we walk to playgrounds, school, play dates.  My children know they will bump into a friend almost every where we go, and I have a close-knit group of friends only minutes away. The community in this neighborhood is very special." - Becky Noone Ries, Manayunk Parent of Two & Usborne Books & More Consultant

7 - Engaging Cultural Events & Development

Manayunk has numerous family-friendly events throughout the year, including Manayunk Arts Festival, Bike Race, and the semi-annual Manayunk StrEAT Festival. The neighborhood is continuously improving, thanks to the work of local volunteers within the Manayunk Civic Association, the Manayunk Neighborhood Council, and the Manayunk Development Corporation. The new Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center  was recently completed, featuring a home for the Manayunk Theatre Company and a splash park for children. Also in the works - the highly anticipated Manayunk Bridge Trail, which will connect the Cynwyd Heritage Trail to the heart of Manayunk.

"Within Manayunk we have access to incredibly scenic paths that lead to the city via Art Museum Circle, the country via Schuylkill River Trail, and deep in the woods via Wissahickon Trail and Forbidden Drive - not to mention our own world famous Manayunk Wall. I’ve spent many hours bicycling with my kids around the Manayunk tow path, pointing out wildlife and helping them make their own connection to nature. And by the end of this summer I look forward to the opening of the Manayunk Bridge Trail  - a crown jewel which will provide us with even more access to parks and trails. It’s a great way to stay in shape while having fun with your kids and teaching them a great life skill." Todd Young, Manayunk Parent of Two & Founder of BikeDiddley.com

8 - Proximity To The Library & It's Events

Another asset to our community is our proximity to the Free Library of Philadelphia (Roxborough Branch). Story times, cultural events, book clubs, homework assistance and more are frequently hosted by this active library.

"The library is a vital part of our community, providing a variety of free programming and resources to people of all ages. Story times, held twice weekly, teach our children that books are fun, that reading is pleasurable, and that reading is a community activity to be shared with friends and loved ones." - Jackie Merchant, Roxborough Parent of Three & President of Roxborough Library

9 - Accessibility To High Quality Children's Healthcare

Healthcare is a must for young children, and Manayunk has a wide variety of options, including CHOP Roxborough and the new On Demand Urgent Care within just a few minutes drive.

 "The pediatricians at CHOP Roxborough have really made being new parents a lot less scary. They are always available to answer any questions we have and their office hours are the best I've ever seen. Whenever my husband and I have been concerned about our son in any way, they were able to give reassuring advice over the phone or have us run over, (they're two minutes away!), to be seen right away. When Ryan was having some more serious issues, the pediatrician got us seen by a specialist at CHOP that same day. I can't say enough about the local pediatricians!" - Taryn Homolash, Manayunk Parent & Educator

10 - Small Town Feel In Big City

In addition to all of the benefits Manayunk holds for families, one of it's most appealing qualities is it's proximity to Center City Philadelphia. Just a short train ride allows locals to take advantage of all the theater, restaurants, and cultural events that Philly has to offer.

"Living in Manayunk and raising our young child here has so many benefits. Not only are we able to experience all the great restaurants and local shops, but we so often run into our friends along the way and get the sense of really belonging to this community. Being able to walk everywhere has been fantastic and now that our son is getting older, we can easily expand our day trips to include Center City and all it has to offer. We love it here!" - Carolyn Clement, Roxborough Parent & Owner at Carolyn Clement Photography

Okay we couldn’t just pick 10 so here’s one more…

11 - Opportunity To Support Small, Locally-Owned Businesses

A truly unique aspect of Manayunk is the local business corridor along Main Street, with many business owners choosing not only to have their businesses along Main Street, but to reside and raise their children here, as well. Families are able to feel confident in frequenting these local shops, as it's common for Manayunk business owners to be in their shops daily, welcoming and getting to know their patrons. 

“My family and I greatly benefit from having accessibility to small, locally-owned businesses. We value the relationships that we have with the store and restaurant owners, who know us by name and vice versa. There is a real sense of community in Manayunk which is fostered by these relationships. I also like the feeling of directly supporting the owners of these small businesses as opposed to large nameless, faceless companies." - Liz Briganti, Manayunk Parent of Two