Ambler

Ambler’s small-town charm is deep-rooted in the community’s big heart and the beautiful old homes and buildings that embellish the Montgomery County borough. Real estate agent Lisa Carlomagno of Houwzer says, “There’s always something going on. People are always out and about, and it’s a really friendly and beautiful atmosphere with historic homes.”

Most houses in the neighborhood were built in the early 1900s, including intricate Victorians made of stone with castle-like turrets, a variety of roomy American Foursquares and Colonials. Many homes were built by stoneworkers who emigrated from Maida, Italy, Ambler’s sister city. You can enjoy viewing these charming stone homes as you stroll through the neighborhood along the tree-lined sidewalks. While some homes have driveways, street parking is fairly common around Ambler. Depending on the house, some yards are more spacious than others, however, trees surround most, so you’re always close to nature. Home prices in Ambler start around $275,000, with a median price of about $500,000.

Gene McGonagle, the owner of Ambler Flower Shop, referred to as “Mr. Ambler” by Carlomagno, has lived in Ambler his whole life for more than 50 years. He says, “I love that it’s a hometown community where folks know each other. There’s lots to do, plenty of entertainment and good friends.” Locals flock to Ambler’s quaint downtown area on Butler Pike to eat, shop and hang out. “It’s a wonderful little street,” says Carlomagno, “It’s very walkable, which is why a lot of people move here.” Several shops and restaurants line the busy street. Start your morning with a caffeine push at Backyard Beans Coffee Co. Head to The Pizza Box for various specialty pizzas named after celebrities, including the Al Pacino, a pizza stuffed with lasagna. Enjoy casual comfort foods in an old Victorian building with secret doorways at Gypsy Blu or try craft beer from around the world at Harry’s Blue Bell Taproom. Whether you’re looking for vintage home décor from Home by Kristen, shopping for groceries at Weavers Way Co-op or need a spa treatment from Salon Envy, there are plenty of local shops to explore as well. According to McGonagle, a lot of these businesses came following the renovation of Ambler Theater in 2007. Built in 1928, the community movie theater specializes in art and foreign films and features guest lectures. You can also catch a show at Act II Playhouse, which has won several Barrymore Awards since it opened in 1998.

Ambler is known for hosting events on Butler Pike just about every month. The Ambler Arts & Music Festival is one of the most popular events. The two-day festival is held every June, filling the streets with vendors, live music, food and activities for people of all ages. Similar fun can be had during First Fridays, held from May through October. There’s also the annual Ambler Auto Show, which began in 1997, featuring hundreds of antique and classic vehicles.

Ambler is served by the top-rated Wissahickon School District. Students are split between Lower Gwynedd Elementary School and Shady Grove Elementary School. They all go on to Wissahickon Middle School and Wissahickon High School. Each school has an A to A+ rating by Niche. The high school is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education and is ranked the 18th best school in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report.

When class is over, kids can head to Knight Park and run around the playground, shoot some hoops or hit the ramps at the outdoor cement skate park. You can also stroll through shady paved trails and grab a table for a relaxing picnic in the open grassy fields. Immerse yourself deeper into nature at Ambler Borough Park and explore the woodsy trails beside the creek.

SEPTA offers several bus stops throughout Ambler. You can also hop on a train at SEPTA’s Ambler Station, which runs on the Lansdale/Doylestown Line. The train allows for a convenient 17-mile trip to Center City, which takes about 40 minutes.