Moving to Cheltenham Township, PA? First established in 1682 as part of Philadelphia County, it was later redefined as part of Montgomery County in 1784, where it became the smallest township in the new county. The area was fueled by the development of mills along Tookany Creek and later became one of the most prominent communities in the Philadelphia area during the late 19th to early 20th century.
Today, Cheltenham Township is known for the charm of its historical homes, communities, and streets and has 13 listings on the National Register of Historic Places. When living in Cheltenham Township, you’ll enjoy the beautiful tree-lined residential neighborhoods with their vintage architecture combined with modern recreational facilities and diverse residents who take pride in their community.
Here’s what you have to look forward to after moving to Cheltenham Township, PA!
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Where is Cheltenham Township?
Cheltenham Township is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, about five miles from Center City, Philadelphia. The home rule township is surrounded by Abington, Jenkintown, Philadelphia, and Springfield. It’s about 9.5 miles from Cheltenham Township to Philadelphia via N. Broad St and many people live in the township and commute to work in Philadelphia.
The Montgomery County Office of Aging and Adult Services collaborates with Cheltenham Township to provide free public transportation for residents ages 65 and older within the township. Transportation is available on weekdays between 9 am and 3:30 pm within Cheltenham Township, The Pavilion shopping center in Abington, and the Jenkintown-Wyncote Train Station.
Cheltenham Township Population & Demographics
The population of Cheltenham Township is 37,452 as of the 2020 US Census. The population has remained stable between the 2010 and 2020 US Census. The population includes several notable people, including Brandon Bing, a professional football player for the NY Giants, comedian Bill Cosby, and Robert J Myers, the co-creator of the United States Social Security program.
Demographics
- 47% men vs. 53% women
- Median age: 40.3
- Racial and ethnic composition:
- White: 49%
- Black: 35%
- Asian: 7%
- Two+: 4%
- Hispanic: 4%
- Median household income: $96,136, which is 1.4 times the amount of Pennsylvania’s median household income of $67,587
- Educational attainment:
- 96.6% graduated high school or higher
- 56.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 12.6%
Cheltenham Township is an extremely safe place to live. In 2018, there were just 70 reported violent crimes. The Cheltenham Township Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe neighborhood with round-the-clock street patrols and seven police officers on staff.
Cost of Living in Cheltenham Township
The cost of living in the Philadelphia PA Metro Div is about 9% higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 109 which makes it about 9% more expensive than the national average. Grocery expenses in the Cheltenham Township area are the most expensive, with costs about 17% higher than the national average, while health care is the most affordable, with a cost of living index of 99.2.
Housing in the metro area is about 10% higher than the national average, with the median sales price of houses for sale in Cheltenham Township PA is $365,000, which is about $174 per square foot. If you’re planning to rent in the Cheltenham Township area, you can expect to pay an average of $2,200 or $19 per square foot.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would require an annual income of $103,321 to live comfortably in Montgomery County, PA.
Typical Cheltenham Township Living Expenses in the Harrisburg, PA Area
To give you an idea of what typical expenses cost when living in Cheltenham Township and the surrounding areas, here’s a list of common living expenses from Numbeo:
- Meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant: $45
- 1 gallon of milk – $3.29
- Dozen eggs – $3.70
- 1 pound of chicken fillets – $5.32
- Average monthly bills in Cheltenham Township (according to Doxo): $1614, which is 19.4% lower than the national average
Cheltenham Township Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Cheltenham Township
There are many neighborhoods within the Cheltenham Township boundaries. The best neighborhoods in Cheltenham Township will depend on your needs and whether you’re looking to rent or buy a home, whether you have children, or if you need to commute to the city every day.
Melrose Park – Great Place to Raise a Family
An unincorporated section of Cheltenham Township, Melrose Park is on the Philadelphia line. Most homes in the neighborhood are single family homes, and the median listing price is $330,000.
Glenside – Best Neighborhood to Commute to Philadelphia
Glenside is a census-designated place located partially in Cheltenham Township and partially in Abington Township. Most people in Glenside own their own homes, and many commute to Philadelphia for work.
Cedarbrook – Affluent Neighborhood in Cheltenham Township
Cedarbrook is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 309 and Greenwood Avenue. Cedarbrook is an affluent neighborhood, and about 62% of residents send their children to private schools.
Cheltenham Township Weather & Climate
The weather and climate in Cheltenham Township is a Köppen classification that borders humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) zones. The high temperature in July reaches 86 degrees, while the lowest temperatures are typically in the month of January at an average of 26 degrees. If you want to visit before moving to Cheltenham Township, schedule a trip in May, June, or September for the most pleasant weather temperatures.
Precipitation is common in the township, with about 112 days per year receiving rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Cheltenham Township gets slightly more rain than the rest of the country, at 48 inches per year, but they average 16 inches of snow per year compared to the US average of 28 inches.
Things to Do in Cheltenham Township
Cheltenham Township’s location near Philadelphia and Harrisburg means there is no shortage of things to do within a few minutes’ drive. There are several museums, historical parks, and maybe the best thing to do near Cheltenham Township with kids – the Philadelphia Zoo. You’ll also enjoy unique and convenient shopping opportunities at Greenleaf at Cheltenham and More Shopping Center LP.
Duba Karaoke and Pub
Duba Karaoke and Pub is the best place to go with your significant other or a group of friends for a night out on the town. The menu features standard pub grub served by friendly waitstaff. Enjoy the karaoke entertainment, or sing a few yourself!
1333 W. Cheltenham Avenue, Elkins Park, PA, 19027, (215) 635-3822
Penbryn Park
Over 18 acres located on Edgerton and Houston Avenue, the Penbryn Park offers a swimming pool, baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and tennis courts, and an outdoor ice skating rink. Penbryn Park is a great place to bring the kids for fun outdoors.
Glenside PA 19027, (215) 576-5213
Kids Empire
Cold or raining outside? Kids Empire is the best place in Cheltenham Township to bring the kids to burn off some energy when they can’t easily play outside. The indoor playground features big slides, climbing apparatus, and a dance floor.
2385 W Cheltenham Ave, Wyncote, PA 19095, (215) 948-6585
Additional attractions in and around Cheltenham Township
- Norristown Farm Park
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
- Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
- Wissahickon Valley Park
Looking for more things to do in Cheltenham Township, PA? Cheltenham Township Parks manages the neighborhood parks plus trails, nature centers, and more. You can also check out the Cheltenham Township special events calendar for a list of upcoming events.
Cheltenham Township Restaurants
Without question, Pennsylvania is known for the iconic Philly cheesesteaks. You can find the delicious hot sub on most menus of casual restaurants in Cheltenham Township. Whatever you’re in the mood to eat, you’ll find it within a short drive of Cheltenham.
Rocky’s Deli Style Restaurant
Known for providing high-quality and affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner, locals love the variety of breakfast sandwiches on the American menu. Rocky’s is one of the best places to eat in the Cheltenham Township area.
22 E. Glenside Ave, Glenside, PA, 19038, (215) 887-3866
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood and Bar
The best restaurant in the Cheltenham Township area for couples when you want a traditional seafood boil, the Hook & Reel offers a raw bar, po’ boys and sliders, pasta dishes, and fried seafood baskets.
2401 W. Cheltenham Ave Ste 120, Wyncote, PA 19095, (267) 805-0888.
Ricardo’s Restaurant
Ricardo’s is the best choice when you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant with affordable prices and a variety of menu options. Ricardo’s makes their pizza dough fresh every day.
20 Fetters Mill Square, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, (215) 938-6150.
Jobs in Cheltenham Township
Wondering where you might work when you’re living in Cheltenham? The largest employers in Cheltenham Township include:
- Target
- The Home Depot
- Cheltenham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
- Cheltenham School District
Montgomery County’s largest industries include manufacturing and healthcare. The biggest employers include Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation, Abington Memorial Hospital, Main Line Hospitals Inc, Pennsylvania State Government, and the Albert Einstein Medical Center.
Want to start your job search before you move to Cheltenham Township? Take a look at the Cheltenham Township government jobs or on Indeed, with an average salary of $76,505.
Cheltenham Township Schools
Families with children living in Cheltenham Township are served by the Cheltenham School District, one of 500 districts in the state of Pennsylvania. The school district is highly diverse, with an ethnic student body population that includes 55% African American, 26% Caucasian, 9% multiracial, 5% Asian, 5% Hispanic, and 1% American Indian/Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian. There are five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
There are a few options for colleges and universities in and around the area, including Alvernia University, Gratz College, and Manor College.
Cheltenham Township Statistics & Information
- County: Montgomery County
- Cheltenham Township Area: 9.03 square miles
- Cheltenham Township Zip Codes: 19012, 19027, 19038, 19095
- Cheltenham Township Area Code(s): 215, 267, 445
- Cheltenham Township Elevation: 157 feet
- Cheltenham Township Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest Airport to Cheltenham Township: Philadelphia Airport (PHL), 18.3 miles from Cheltenham
Cheltenham Township, PA Map
You can find more things to do, additional restaurants, and a variety of amenities with this map of Cheltenham Township.
Ready to enjoy all that living in Cheltenham Township has to offer? Call Suburban Solutions for a no-obligation, free moving estimate from our experienced and top-rated Cheltenham Township movers!
