A suburban pocket with parks and creek views
McKinley is a small, welcoming community in Abington Township that covers about four blocks by four blocks. Alverthorpe Park, donated by the Alvethorpe family in the 1960s, is the heart of the community, and Jenkintown Creek carves a gentle path through the neighborhood. “People stay here for generations. Parents, their kids, their grandchildren—homes get passed down for decades,” says Carol Godfrey, a local Realtor at Quinn & Wilson, pointing to the area’s tight-knit, rooted feel. Reflecting on her own experience, Godfrey shares, “I lived on the other side of Alverthorpe Park for most of my life, and being so close to it made me not want to leave the area. The park and the school district are the major draws here.”
Tree-lined streets with classic homes
Leafy, grid-style streets frame a mix of housing styles, from historic two-story colonials with Cape Cod details to contemporary split-level and traditional designs. Ranch-style and raised ranch-style homes add variety. Home prices range from about $150,000 to $450,000, with larger or more upgraded properties commanding higher prices within this range. Brick condos are available, blending with the traditional architectural elements found throughout the community.
Standout A.C.T.I.V.E. learning programs
Local kids can start school at McKinley Elementary, which earns an A-minus from Niche, then continue to the B-rated Abington Middle School. Abington Senior High receives an A-minus rating and provides A.C.T.I.V.E. Academy, a specialized program tailored for young adults with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Through a blend of classroom instruction and community-based experiences, the A.C.T.I.V.E. Academy teaches essential vocational, travel and independent living skills, helping students prepare for life beyond high school.
Township residents have access to Alvethorpe Park
Alverthorpe Park is open to Abington Township residents and offers a softball field, tennis courts, a walking trail and a seasonal wading pool. “The park isn’t federally funded so it’s semi-exclusive to residents of Abington,” says Godfrey. “It means the nearly 2-mile walking trail is never crowded. It’s really nice. Of course if you have a kid that is playing a baseball game at the park or something, you’re welcome to attend the game even if you aren’t a resident, but if you’re coming alone you will need to show your drivers license to prove that you’re a Township resident.” Nearby Ethel Jordan Park features a par-three golf course for casual rounds close to home, while Abington Art Center hosts art classes and rotating exhibits inside historic Alverthorpe Manor, giving residents a place to explore creativity and local culture year-round.
Retail along Old York Road
Most day-to-day needs are covered along Old York Road, where residents can pick up groceries at GIANT, browse deals at Dollar Tree and Burlington, or grab a casual bite at Applebee’s. The strip is convenient for quick errands as well as last-minute weeknight dinners. Nearby, McKinley Tavern serves classic bar bites and cold beer in a laid-back setting, while Trios Tomato Pie is a local go-to for comfort food favorites, including specialty pizzas like buffalo chicken.
Simple commutes to Philadelphia and SEPTA transit
Commuters can take Interstate 76 to Philadelphia in 15 miles, or to Philadelphia International Airport in 21 miles. Trenton is a 25-mile drive north along U.S. Route 1, which takes just under an hour. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) buses make stops along major neighborhood streets, such as Township Line Road, Fox Chase Road and Forrest Avenue. The Jenkintown-Wyncote station is 2 miles west of McKinley, for rail access through Philadelphia, West Trenton and Doylestown.
