If you’re exploring towns near Philadelphia and seeking convenience, community, and affordability, living in Glenolden PA might just check all your boxes. Tucked in Delaware County, just a short train ride or drive away from Center City, Glenolden offers small-town living at its finest. It’s no surprise that more people are considering moving to Glenolden as they search for a quieter lifestyle without giving up urban perks.
Glenolden’s history dates back to the 1800s, when it emerged as a residential hub along the Pennsylvania Railroad. Today, it remains a commuter-friendly town, popular with young professionals, growing families, and long-time residents alike.
But you may be wondering: Is Glenolden a good place to live? For many, the answer is yes. With accessible public transportation, local perks, decent schools, and affordable housing compared to other towns in the area, Glenolden offers a lot of value. In this post, we’ll share insider advice on what to expect when making the move, from quality of life to housing trends, so you can decide if living in Glenolden PA is right for you.
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Is Glenolden a Good Place to Live?
Glenolden PA is a good place to live. After moving to Glenolden, you can enjoy an easy commute to Center City along with a quiet, slow pace of life.
Where Is Glenolden PA?
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What county is Glenolden PA in? Glenolden PA is in Delaware County and is bordered by the communities of Folcroft, Norwood, Ridley Township, and Darby Township. Other nearby communities include Wallingford PA and Prospect Park PA.
When living in Glenolden PA, you can enjoy fantastic public transportation options. The Glenolden Station is a SEPTA train station on the Wilmington/Newark Line and can transport you to several nearby communities. The borough’s amazing public transportation options make the area a popular place to live among commuters. Glenolden is also just 4.9 miles away from Philadelphia International Airport, making domestic and international travel a breeze.
Is living in Glenolden PA right for you? Get in touch with our Glenolden moving company. With our Glenolden movers by your side, you won’t need to worry about a thing.
Glenolden PA Population & Demographics
There are 7,223 people living in Glenolden PA, giving the borough a cozy, small-town feel. Living in Glenolden PA is a popular choice among young families, and the median age in the borough is 36.9. Additionally, 47% of households in the borough are occupied by married couples.
Additional Glenolden PA Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51% female, 49% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 74% White (70% non-Hispanic), 18% Black or African American, 4% two or more races, 2% Asian
- Median household income: $71,145 (compared to Pennsylvania average of $76,081)
- Educational attainment: 94.6% high school degree (or higher), 28.2% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 5.5%
- Notable people from Glenolden: MLB player Jack McFetridge, NFL player Vince Papale, basketball coach Theresa Grentz
Is living in Glenolden PA safe? Here’s an overview of the Glenolden crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,543 crimes per 100,000 people (16% below the state average and 32% below the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 222 crimes per 100,000 people (18% below the state average and 39% below the national average)
- Property crime rate: 1,320 crimes per 100,000 people (17% below the state average and 31% below the national average)
Living in Glenolden PA is very safe, with crime rates below the state and national averages. After moving to Glenolden, you’ll be protected by the Glenolden Borough Police.
Glenolden Cost of Living
Is Glenolden a good place to live for families on a budget? Luckily, Glenolden is often recognized as one of the most affordable Philadelphia suburbs, and living in Glenolden PA is relatively inexpensive. The Glenolden Cost of Living Index is 92, making the borough 8% more affordable than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Glenolden PA would need to earn $114,875 per year to live comfortably in the area.
Average Glenolden PA Living Expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.10
- Gallon of milk: $4.88
- Carton of eggs: $3.70
- Hamburger: $5.89
- Doctor’s visit: $142.96
- Average monthly phone bill: $208.20
- Average Glenolden utilities per month: $220.88
Source: PayScale
Are you interested in houses for sale in Glenolden PA? According to Redfin, the average home price in Glenolden is $289,000. Glenolden PA real estate is very affordable, and the prices of property are down 35.2% compared to last year. Additionally, home prices are well below the national average of $440,910.
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If you’d rather rent when living in Glenolden PA, you’ll find many apartments in Glenolden PA as well as houses for rent in Glenolden PA. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Glenolden PA is $1,360, which is well below the national average of $1,727.
Neighborhoods in Glenolden | Where to Live in Glenolden
When living in Glenolden PA, you’ll want to find the perfect place to settle down. Commuters are drawn to the southern portion of Glenolden, as it is within walking distance of Glenolden Station. This is also a popular area for renters, as it is home to properties like Contemporary Village Apartments.
Families living in Glenolden PA often choose properties near Glenolden Park. This area is incredibly family-friendly and offers plenty of green space for young children to play in. It’s also within walking distance of top-rated educational institutions like Glenolden School.
All in all, you can’t go wrong in any area when moving to Glenolden.
Glenolden PA Weather & Climate
When living in Glenolden PA, you’ll enjoy a humid subtropical climate, according to the Köppen Classification. This means that you’ll experience long, hot summers and cool to mild winters when living in Glenolden PA.
Here are a few important Glenolden PA climate statistics:
- Average Glenolden temperature: 26ºF to 87ºF
- Average Glenolden annual snowfall: 15 inches
- Average Glenolden annual rainfall: 38 inches
- Average sunny days per year: 208
Things to Do in Glenolden PA
When living in Glenolden PA, you’ll find many fun things to do. You can grocery shop at places like Shoprite of Glenolden and Walmart in Glenolden PA, and nearby shopping centers include MacDade Mall and Springfield Mall. If you have children, you can even sign them up for the Glenolden Youth Club, which offers soccer lessons to children in Delaware County aged 7 through 17.
Here are a few of the best things to do when living in Glenolden PA.
Glenolden Park
Glenolden Park is at the center of the borough and features playgrounds, walking trails, soccer fields, and more.
W Knowles Ave, Glenolden, PA 19036, (610) 583-3221
Putt-Putt Fun Center
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Grab the kids and head to Putt-Putt Fun Center, which offers mini-golf, arcade games, and snacks.
5300 W Baltimore Pike, Clifton Heights, PA 19018, (610) 626-5766
Candyland Adventure
A favorite among those living in Glenolden PA, Candyland Adventure is an indoor playground for kids of all ages.
641 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064, (484) 235-5550
Additional Glenolden Attractions
To keep up with the latest Glenolden PA news and events, check out the Glenolden event calendar.
Glenolden Restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants to check out when living in Glenolden PA. From classic American eats to delicious pizza, you’ll find something to satisfy any craving you have. These are the best restaurants in Glenolden PA.
The Fainting Goat Bar and Restaurant
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The Fainting Goat Bar and Restaurant is a favorite among those living in Glenolden PA, and serves up delicious bar food like cheesesteak, fried pickles, and pierogies. They also feature live music every week.
105 S MacDade Blvd, Glenolden, PA 19036, (484) 497-8609
Piazza Napoli Pizza
If you’re craving a fantastic pizza, then head to Piazza Napoli Pizza for a pie or two.
381 S MacDade Blvd, Glenolden, PA 19036, (484) 497-5750
Nifty Fifty’s
Step back into the 50s at this diner known for a variety of milkshakes and juicy burgers.
1900 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, PA 19033, (610) 583-1950
Jobs in Glenolden PA
Is Glenolden a good place to live for job seekers? Although living in Glenolden PA means living in a mostly residential area, there are still plenty of Glenolden PA jobs to choose from. If you’d like to stay in the borough, you’ll find many jobs in the retail and restaurant industries. A few of the top employers in Delaware County include The Boeing Company, United Parcel Service, and Villanova University, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
Most people living in Glenolden commute to Philadelphia for work, as it is a 30-minute drive or a 20-minute train ride into the city. Philadelphia is one of the hottest economic hubs in the country, and is the ninth-largest U.S. metropolitan economy.
Finance is a major sector in Philadelphia, and the city is home to the headquarters of companies like Comcast, Cigna, and Colonial Penn. Other headquarters in the city include Rite Aid, Crown Holdings, and Brandywine Realty Trust.
According to Payscale, the average salary in the Philadelphia/Glenolden area is $81,000. If you’re interested in finding jobs in the area, then check out the Delaware County job board or complete a quick search on Indeed.
Schools in Glenolden PA
Students living in Glenolden PA are served by the Interboro School District, which also includes the neighboring towns of Prospect Park, Norwood, and Tinicum Township. This Glenolden PA school district serves just over 3,300 students across six schools. The only high school in the district is Interboro High School, which has a graduation rate of 92%.
If you’re looking for private school options when living in Glenolden PA, a few nearby options include Holy Cross School and St Mark Christian School.
Older students also have plenty of opportunities for higher education at places like Delaware County Community College and Swarthmore College, the latter of which is a private college with dozens of program options.
Students and residents living in Glenolden PA can enjoy access to the Glenolden Library.
Glenolden Statistics & Information
- County: Delaware County
- Glenolden PA area: 0.97 square miles
- Glenolden PA zip code: 19036
- Glenolden PA area code: 610, 484
- Glenolden PA elevation: 92 feet
- Glenolden PA time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Glenolden: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), 4.9 miles away
Map of Glenolden PA
Refer to this map when living in Glenolden PA.
Ready to Start Living in Glenolden PA?
So, is Glenolden a good place to live? All signs point to yes! If living in Glenolden PA sounds great to you, then give Suburban Solutions a call. We are here to make moving to Glenolden a breeze, and we can help you with all of your moving and junk removal in Glenolden PA.
To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, give our Glenolden movers a call today at (610) 314-6868.
