$240,352Average Value$173Average Price per Sq Ft76Homes For Sale
Rowhomes, bodegas and traffic lights
Before World War II, West Oak Lane was almost entirely made up of farmland. Today, residents would hardly know, considering the densely packed, gridded streets of rowhomes, bodegas and traffic lights. Located in North Philadelphia, just outside Montgomery County, West Oak Lane is valued for its affordability and ease. “You don’t have to have a car if you don’t want to,” says local Realtor Stacy Hulayev with RE/MAX Regency Realty. “There’s a lot of transportation there; there are busses and major transportation centers for shopping. Plus, it’s very close to the suburbs. You can get in and out of the city quickly if needed.”
Many homes in the West Oak Lane neighborhood have porches, and some owners plant gardens.
West Oak Lane, PA has a vast number of options for homebuyers.
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Accessible living in West Oak Lane
Affordability is a major factor for those moving to West Oak Lane, where tightly packed, cottage-style rowhomes are offered at an accessible rate. Properties range in price between $150,000 and $400,000, about average for Philadelphia. However, square footage typically trends above average. Many properties rest atop elevated, grassy knolls with spacious sidewalks just below. Stone and brick façades are complemented by small gardens and shaded verandas, giving this dense, urban neighborhood a more comfortable atmosphere. Street parking is the norm, but some residents have cement pads out back for personal vehicles. “I think a lot of people appreciate the reasonable prices,” Hulayev explains. “Philadelphia has cheaper taxes, and it’s overall just a nice little spot for people to be able to have their kids with schools nearby and somewhat cheaper living.”
Some residents have planted gardens on their front lawns in West Oak Lane.
Streets in West Oak Lane have sidewalks and on street parking.
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Well-loved, family-owned eats
Markets and retail outlets line Cheltenham Avenue, a central thoroughfare in West Oak Lane. Locals shop at H Mart Elkins Park, as well as Save A Lot, less than 2 miles down the road. Greenleaf at Cheltenham is a nearby hub offering Target and Home Depot, while Walmart is less than a mile up the road at Cedarbrook Plaza. “I’d say most of the residents in West Oak Lane come up and use the Targets in Abington, too,” Hulayev says. “It’s only a 15–20-minute ride.” Those who prefer walkability can grab the essentials from bodegas and corner stores throughout West Oak Lane. As for eats, Gilben’s Bakery is a specialty sandwich shop and bakery run by a former Amtrack conductor and his family, a well-loved, black-owned business. Jamillah’s Garden Soul Food & BBQ is almost always packed with a line outside, and Paganos Steaks & Hoagies has been open for more than 50 years, always serving freshly sliced meats.
West Oak Lane residents have easy access to large shopping centers.
In West Oak Lane Gilben's Bakery is the place to go, they also have a sandwiches.
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Philadelphia’s vibrant institutions and festivities
Living just 11 miles from Center City has its perks. Residents of West Oak Lane are a bus ride away from some of Philadelphia’s premier concert venues, including The Fillmore and Wells Fargo Center. Residents can spend an afternoon at The Franklin Institute or Philadelphia Museum of Art, or simply attend one of the city’s many annual festivals. From the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Juneteenth Parade & Festival and Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival, locals need only walk to their closest SEPTA stop to reach the vibrant events scene in their own backyard.
Two catchment areas, one shared high school
Students are divided between two catchment areas in The School District of Philadelphia. Most will begin at William Rowen School and continue on to General Louis Wagner Middle School, both of which earn a C-minus on Niche. Others are zoned for Samuel Pennypacker School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade institution that also earns a C-minus on Niche. Both catchment areas feed into Martin Luther King High. Though this secondary school earns a D-plus on Niche, students are encouraged to join extracurricular programs, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, geared toward youth mentorship.
William Rowen School in West Oak Lane has students in K-5th grades.
General Louis Wagner Middle School in West Oak Lane has a student-teacher ratio of 12-1.
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Farming, fishing and ice-skating
Residents have plenty of opportunities for recreation within a few miles of the neighborhood. The closest is Simons Community Recreation Center, a 13-acre space with sports fields, ball courts, a gymnasium and an ice-skating rink. Nearby, Awbury Park’s arboretum has been free and open to the public for more than 100 years, neighboring a community pool and farm where guests can garden, take workshops or engage with co-op farming. Perhaps the grandest of all is Wissahickon Valley Park, which attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Along with a handful of trails bordering Wissahickon Creek, guests can catch and release fish or picnic at one of many designated areas.
In West Oak Lane Simons Recreation Center offers after school programs for the children.
Playing basketball with a friend at Simons Recreation Center in West Oak Lane.
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Commuting to Center City
Public transportation is highly accessible throughout West Oak Lane, with walkable SEPTA bus stops offered on many of the neighborhood’s gridded streets. Train stations run parallel to North Broad Street, the closest stations being Melrose Park and Fern Rock. Commuters to Center City can expect an 11-mile ride on Interstate 76, whereas Philadelphia International Airport is closer to 18 miles south. Those preferring to bike won’t find designated lanes on residential streets, but surrounding thoroughfares typically offer them. Further, the closest emergency room is located at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, less than 2 miles south along North Broad Street.
Catching the Route 6 bus on Ogontz Avenue in West Oak Lane.
Residents of West Oak Lane can easily get around using the Melrose Park Train Station Platform.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
With all the new fast food restaurants renovations things look better and it'll attract more customers, and hopefully they all continue to keep up the good tastes of the food.
4.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
Philadelphia is a place that I'd call home, any day of the week. I have had opportunities to live else where and the atmosphere is always different. While some places are more friendly than good 'ole Philly, nothing beats home.
4.0Niche User
8/13/2015Niche Review
This area is a good, well kept, almost quiet ever day area. There are many children and elderly people who live there.
3.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
People are not very quick to be discriminatory which is important to me.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Oak Lane
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West Oak Lane Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $243,800, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE DROP! $5k. OPEN HOUSE (SAT 9/20/25 1:30 pm - 3:30pm). Look for 9/20/ or 21 OH. We ARE back on Market! Buyer financing issues. Welcome to W. Oaklane. This 3 bed room, 1 bath airlite design offers turney living. There are hardwood floors through out the home. The main bathroom has been redone.The basement is finished and adjacent is the utility room. The gas forced air heater is
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home where comfort meets modern design! Step into a spacious living room flooded with natural light and showcasing premium laminate flooring. This unique home is also 18 foot wide which wider than your typical home in Philadelphia and provides a ton of comfort. Continue into the heart of the home — your fully renovated kitchen —
Welcome to this 3 bedrooms 2 baths row home in the West Oak Lane section of the city. This home features a front porch for your relaxation. Enter into a cozy living room, separate dining room that leads into the kitchen. The property had a small fire from the back bedroom down to the kitchen, this home have been renovated though out, starting with a new kitchen, brand new electric system, new
Freshly Remodeled 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments - Find your new home at Mandela Apartments in Philadelphia, PA. These beautifully renovated apartments include upgraded kitchens, appliances and bathrooms as well as new flooring throughout. Amenities include on-site laundry, elevator, intercom and 24hr on call maintenance.Mandela Apartments is a low-rise community in West Oak Lane conveniently
Welcome to 1913 Elston Street, a charming home located in the heart of Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood. This property combines comfort and convenience, offering a thoughtful layout with modern updates throughout. The home features modern appliances for everyday ease, along with a washer and dryer for added convenience.The finished basement provides additional living or storage
Oak Lane is located in a lively neighborhood in uptown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Life at West Oak Lane offers residents the urban suburban mix feel. There are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in West Oak Lane. The property is located in close proximity to public transportation and directly across from a public playground and park area with a rec center.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
