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On the Market: A serene Wissahickon beauty in West Mount Airy

The stone colonial on Wayne Avenue boasts five bedrooms, a lush garden and 90-foot-tall oak and poplar trees.

On the Market profiles homes for sale in the Philadelphia region.

Joseph Kopetsky and his wife Pam Nagy were living in East Falls when they decided it was time to move closer to Wissahickon Park, where they spent most of their time running and walking their dogs.

"We're outdoor enthusiasts and fitness athletes," Kopetsky said.

The couple zeroed in quickly on West Mount Airy, which offered easy access to the park and something else they were looking for: diversity.

"West Mount Airy attracted us because of the reputation it had," he said, "as one of those great, diversified neighborhoods in the country."

Kopetsky said variety there comes in all forms, including culture, race, socioeconomic factors and even architecture.

"It's a really great mix of people who converge in neighborhood activities," he said.

When they were house hunting in 2002, there wasn't a lot on the market within their price range, Kopetsky said. They were the second of three couples to tour the five-bedroom home on Wayne Avenue, and all three put in offers for the asking price.

"My wife was away to a race in New England," he said. "She said, 'just get it.'"

After moving in, they fenced the large yard for their dogs and renovated the interior. The kitchen features custom cabinetry and built-in appliances including a warming drawer and wine storage. One of the three full bathrooms has new, radiant heated flooring.

"There's just a really good vibe to the place," Kopetsky said.

Outside, the property includes a newly finished patio and a two-car garage. The patio is ringed by a lush garden and 90-foot-tall oak and poplar trees.

"It's a real sort of serene setting in the city," Kopetsky said.

Nagy has accepted a position in Connecticut, so it's time to move, Kopetsky said. Their home is being offered at $635,000 by Ann Csink of BHHS Fox & Roach.

"The same things that attracted us will probably attract somebody else," Kopetsky said. "The stone colonial and revival colonial architecture is so Philadelphia that it speaks to a lot of people who really love the city and connect with it."

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