Jenkintown: Pros and Cons

Jenkintown is a charming borough in Montgomery County that offers a walkable downtown, excellent schools, and easy SEPTA access to Philadelphia. Located just 12 miles north of Center City, this compact community delivers a unique small-town feel with big-city convenience.

Pros

• Downtown: Walkable main street with shops, restaurants, and services. The downtown core along Old York Road and West Avenue is one of the most pedestrian-friendly in Montgomery County.
• Schools: Jenkintown School District serves the borough directly, one of only a handful of independent K-12 districts serving a single small borough in the county.
• SEPTA: Regional Rail access to Center City in about 30 minutes, making it one of the shorter commutes from the northern suburbs.
• Community: Strong sense of community with active civic organizations including the Jenkintown Community Partnership.
• Parks: Lorimer Park (230 acres), Baederwood Park, and Alverthorpe Park provide significant green space.
• Walkability: Higher walkability than most Montgomery County suburbs, with many daily errands doable on foot.

Cons

• Price: Premium pricing for Montgomery County. Jenkintown commands higher per-square-foot prices than many neighboring communities.
• Size: Small borough with limited housing inventory. The compact geographic area means fewer homes available at any given time.
• Traffic: Greenwood Avenue and Old York Road congestion during peak hours, particularly through the downtown corridor.
• Property Taxes: The independent school district means residents shoulder the full cost of education locally, contributing to higher property tax rates.

Housing Market Overview

Jenkintown's real estate market is characterized by limited inventory and strong demand. The housing stock includes historic homes, early 20th-century twins and singles, and some newer construction. The walkable downtown and independent school district create consistently high demand, with well-priced homes often receiving multiple offers within the first week of listing.

Community and Lifestyle

Jenkintown punches above its weight in community offerings. The Jenkintown Library, established in 1896, remains a vibrant community hub. The Jenkintown Music Festival brings live performances to the downtown area. Lorimer Park provides hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking along Pennypack Creek. The Abington Art Center offers rotating exhibitions and classes just across the border.

Schools and Education

The Jenkintown School District operates Jenkintown Elementary School and Jenkintown Middle/High School. The district is known for its personalized approach, small class sizes, and strong academic outcomes. Students consistently perform well on state assessments, and the high school offers a range of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities. The district's small size allows for individualized attention that larger districts cannot match.

Common Questions

Is Jenkintown a good place to live?

Yes, Jenkintown offers walkability, excellent schools, and SEPTA access in a charming borough setting. It is consistently ranked among the top small communities in Montgomery County.

Does Jenkintown have its own school district?

Yes, Jenkintown has its own school district, one of the few independent borough districts in Montgomery County, serving students K-12.

How long is the commute from Jenkintown to Philadelphia?

The SEPTA Regional Rail ride to Center City takes approximately 30 minutes, one of the shortest commutes from the northern suburbs.

How walkable is Jenkintown?

Jenkintown is one of the most walkable communities in Montgomery County, with a Walk Score well above the suburban average. The downtown core offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and the train station.

What is the housing market like in Jenkintown?

Jenkintown has a competitive housing market with limited inventory and strong demand. Homes often sell quickly, and buyers should be prepared for potential bidding wars.

How does Jenkintown compare to Glenside?

Jenkintown offers its own school district and a more compact walkable downtown, while Glenside tends to have more affordable housing and a larger geographic area.