Upper Montgomery County

Upper Montgomery County is a desirable Pennsylvania community with well-maintained homes, nearby country clubs and a high-performing school system. The area includes portions of the Upper Gwynedd township and the city of North Wales.

The community has a range of housing options, including well-preserved vintage homes constructed over 200 years ago. There are midcentury split-levels, simple Cape Cods and American Foursquares. Houses built between the early 20th century and the 1960s can cost between $375,000 to upwards of $650,000. The housing stock also includes sizeable homes with generous lots and executive estates spanning over 4,000 square feet. These larger residences show a mix of architectural styles, such as contemporary Colonials and modern farmhouses. Those seeking luxury living can purchase a three-level home on two acres. Houses over 3,000 square feet may cost between $600,000 and several million for larger homes or mansions. The area also contains condos valued between $225,000 and $375,000, while townhouses range from $350,000 to $550,000.

Local students are served by the Wissahickon School District. Lower Gwynedd Elementary is one of the top ten public elementary schools in the county and earned an A on Niche. Sixth to eighth graders spend the day at Wissahickon Middle, one of the top five middle schools in the county, according to Niche. Wissahickon Senior High has an A-plus on Niche and earned the No. 3 spot for the Best Public High Schools category on Niche. In addition to a robust academic curriculum, the high school offers technical training through the North Montco Technical Career Center. Programs include concentrations in engineering, horticulture, health and human services, cosmetology and visual communications. Parents may also choose the private school option, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High. The community is home to the faith-based Gwynedd Mercy University.

Penllyn Park is a great gathering spot for sporty residents. They can take advantage of the onsite basketball and tennis court or cheer on the young athletes at a Little League baseball game. Locals can spend the afternoon enjoying the playscapes and paved paths at Pen-Ambler Park. Treweryn Farms Trail is a place to immerse oneself in nature and wander the community. The trail system leads locals through a scenic landscape of stone bridges, a slow-flowing creek and gurgling waterfalls. The area also contains the Ambler Area YMCA for indoor recreation. Swimmers enjoy the pool or a post-workout sauna after spending time in the fitness center. Upper Montgomery County also has an avid golfing community. Locals can practice their swing and stay social at the nearby country clubs, The Penllyn Club, Talamore or Squires Golf Club.

Route 309 leads shoppers to the Gwynedd Crossing Shopping Center and Shoppes At English Village. The retail corridor contains ALDI and Trader Joe's for convenient grocery shopping. There's also a Whole Foods to the east, in the Spring House Village shopping center. The area has a number of retailers, clothing shops, restaurant chains and local eateries. Pancheros is a casual establishment that offers comforting Mexican-style cuisine. Spring House Tavern is inside an updated 18th-century inn that is a popular spot for drinks or date nights. After dinner, residents can head to AMC Cinema to catch the latest blockbuster.

Commuters can stop by the Gwynedd Valley station off Plymouth Road to take the SEPTA to surrounding communities. Routes 202 and 309 invite residents to explore the region; the thoroughfares led to I-276 and I-76, respectively. Upper Montgomery County is about 25 miles from downtown Philadelphia, providing residents a charming place to call home, away from the city.

Written By

Ashley Kennedy

Photography Contributed By

Jay Ratchford

Video By

Francesco Basti