Have you been searching for the perfect Philadelphia suburb? You may want to consider moving to Glenside, PA. Glenside is a census-designated place situated just north of Philadelphia.
Glenside, PA, is a charming suburb of Philadelphia known for its vibrant community and excellent schools. With a mix of historic homes and modern amenities, Glenside offers a suburban feel with easy access to city conveniences. Residents enjoy a variety of local shops, parks, and cultural events, making it a great place to live for families and professionals alike.
The development of Glenside dates back to 1855, when a railroad station called Tacony Station was built in the area, attracting new industry. However, in 1888, with the opening of the Glenside post office, it was renamed the Glenside Station.
Today, the community is known for its historic attractions, entertainment options, and beautiful parks. Glenside, PA, is a good place to live for families and commuters who want a safe area with easy access to the city. For those considering a relocation to this pleasant suburb, here’s everything you need to know about living in Glenside.
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Where Is Glenside?
Glenside, PA, is in Montgomery County within the Philadelphia metro area. It’s located in Cheltenham and Abington Township and covers about 1.3 miles of land. The town is about 8 miles from the Delaware River. Nearby communities include Willow Grove, Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Fort Washington, and Dresher.
The community is served by the Glenside and Ardsley train station. The Glenside Station, in particular, is one of the busiest in the entire SEPTA system, and the community is home to a large population of commuters.
It’s about 14 miles or a 45-minute drive from Glenside, PA to Philadelphia, PA.
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Glenside Population & Demographics
The Glenside population is 7,737 as of the 2020 census. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of new residents living in Glenside dropped by about 7.7%. However, it still maintains a suburban atmosphere with a population density of 6,073 residents per square mile.
Glenside is a wealthy area full of families and young professionals. In Glenside, 19% of residents are under 18, and 16% are in their 20s. The median household income is $105,278, which is about 40% higher than the rest of Pennsylvania. The population is also overwhelmingly female: 58% of residents are women, while 42% are men.
Many notable residents have lived in Glenside, including Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and MLB player Michael Siani.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 86.3% white (84.3% non-Hispanic), 7.4% Black or African American, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races.
Other Glenside PA demographics
- The median age is 38.6
- 96.5% of residents have a high school diploma, while 54% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 5.1%
Living in Glenside PA is safe. The total Glenside PA crime rate is only 921 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 47% lower than the rest of the state and 60% lower than the rest of the US. Both the violent crime rate and property crime rate are also 60% lower than the national average.
Crime in Glenside is handled by the Abington Township Police Department with the assistance of 160 law enforcement personnel, including 93 sworn officers.
Cost of Living in Glenside
If you’re planning on moving to Glenside, you may want to consider the cost of living. The cost of living index is a good metric for assessing an area’s affordability. It compares the typical cost of everyday items to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Philadelphia area is 101, indicating it’s about 1% more expensive than the national average. Using data from the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, the average family of four (including two parents and two kids) would need to earn about $124,119 per year to afford to live in Montgomery County.
Typical Glenside living expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.56
- 1 dozen eggs: $2.64
- Hamburger: $6.02
- 1 gallon of milk: $2.85
- 1 gallon of gas: $3.71
- Average Glenside monthly energy bill: $197.86
Source: Payscale
Glenside real estate is a bit more expensive than it is in Philadelphia, which contributes to a higher overall cost of living. However, it’s reasonable for all the benefits the community offers.
Redfin reveals that the median listing price of homes for sale in Glenside PA is $670,000.
The median price per square foot of Glenside PA real estate is $276. Most people living in Glenside are homeowners. Census data shows that 79% of homes are owner-occupied, while 21% are rented out.
Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in Glenside is $1414 per month. Rents start at around $1100 for a studio and go up to $3200 for a three-bedroom.
Some of the best places to find apartments in Glenside:
Glenside Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Glenside
Glenside is a small, suburban community that only covers about a mile of real estate and doesn’t have many well-defined neighborhoods. Keswick Village is one notable exception, a small residential enclave home to the Keswick Theater and other notable attractions.
Regardless of where you look, Glenside offers prime real estate, low crime, and walkable streets. However, the more desirable homes tend to be in the south, while the most affordable are in the southeast.
Glenside Weather & Climate
The weather in Glenside is typical of what you would expect in the northeast. According to the Koppen Classification System, it has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Temperatures typically stay between 25°F and 86°F, although in the winter, they can drop to 12°F, and summers can get as hot as 93°F. The best time to visit is typically July through September. If you plan on moving to Glenside, get ready for precipitation. It averages about 20 inches of snow and 48 inches of rain per year, so pack an umbrella and a snow shovel!
Things to Do in Glenside
Another, it’s a small, residential town; you’ll still find an interesting variety of things to do in Glenside, PA, whether you’re into culture or the outdoors. You’ll find coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses in the center of town near the intersection of Glenside Ave and Easton Road. There, you’ll find shops and boutiques like Sweet Magnolia, The Dovetail, and The Nest.
Willow Grove Mall is also close by if you’re looking for larger retailers. You can also head into Philadelphia to check out popular neighborhoods like Center City or Chestnut Hill and visit historic attractions like Independence Hall. Outside of shopping, here are the best of Glenside’s entertainment options.
Penbryn Township Park
Penbryn Township Park is an 18.6 acre green space with sports courts, picnic tables, public restrooms, an ice skating rink, and a public swimming pool.
Glenside, PA 19038 (215) 576-5213
Keswick Theatre
Keswick Theatre is a historic performing arts venue that hosts a wide range of live acts inside an iconic Tudor-revival-style building.
291 N Keswick Ave, Glenside, PA 19038 (215) 572-7650
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Hill Top Miniature Golf
Hill Top Miniature Golf is one of the best things for kids to do in Glenside. It features 18 unique holes with replicas of historic attractions like Mount Rushmore and the Liberty Bell.
880 N Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038 (215) 887-2989
Additional Glenside Attractions
The Abington Township Parks and Recreation Services Department also has resources available if you’re looking for more fun activities.
Glenside Restaurants
You’ll find an interesting selection of great restaurants in Glenside, PA, including breweries, diners, bistros, and wine bars. Here are some of the top Glenside restaurants.
The Ways Restaurant & Brewery
The Ways is a laidback brewpub with hand-crafted beers, live music, and a carefully curated selection of bites, such as breaded cauliflower and meatball sliders.
11 S Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038 (215) 887-1029
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Elia Greek Authentic Cuisine
Elia’s is one of the top Glenside PA restaurants if you’re looking for authentic Green cuisine with elevated plates like char-grilled octopus and marinated Greek lamb.
264 N Keswick Ave, Glenside, PA 19038 (215) 885-0634
TreVi Pizza Pasta BYOB
If you’re hungry for Italian food, TreVi Pizza Pasta is one of the best restaurants in Glenside, PA. This family-owned restaurant and winery offers classic dishes like seafood bolognese and crab Fra Diavolo in a relaxed yet refined setting.
21 E Glenside Ave, Glenside, PA 19038 (215) 884-9100
Jobs in Glenside
Glenside has a robust economy supported by a range of industries. The largest industries are education, healthcare, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Most jobs in Glenside, PA, are in management, educational instruction, office and administration, or sales positions. Newgrounds, a media and entertainment website founded by programmer Tom Fulp, is headquartered in Glenside.
The top employers in Montgomery County are:
- Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation
- Abington Memorial Hospital
- Main Line Hospitals Inc
- Pennsylvania State Government
- SEI Investments Company
Payscale shows that the average salary of an employee in the Philadelphia area is $78,000 per year. If you’re looking for work, you’ll find a variety of great Glenside jobs in positions like library clerk or real estate agent.
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Glenside Schools
Glenside is served by both the Cheltenham and Abington School Districts. Glenside Elementary is operated by Cheltenham, while Abington operates Copper Beech Elementary. Students on the Cheltenham side will attend Cheltenham High School, while students on the Abington side attend Abington Senior High School.
Both schools are well-respected. Cheltenham High School ranks 140th in the state with a 93% graduation rate and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Abington Senior High School ranks 123rd in the state with a 95% graduation rate and 45% AP participation rate.
Saint Luke Catholic School is a private, parochial school in Glenside serving students in grades K-8. There are also plenty of opportunities for higher education. Arcadia University, a private university with an enrollment of about 3,200 students, is in Glenside. Westminster Theological Seminary, a Protestant theological school, is also in the community. The Glenside branch of the Cheltenham Township Public Library System is also open to all residents.
Glenside Statistics & Information
- Glenside County: Montgomery County
- Glenside Township: Cheltenham and Abington
- Glenside area: 1.27 square miles
- Glenside zip code: 19038
- Glenside area code: 215
- Glenside elevation: 262 ft
- Glenside time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Glenside: The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 22 miles away.
Map of Glenside, PA
Explore more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in the Glenside, PA zip code with this map.
If you need help transporting your boxes and bulky furniture to a new home in Glenside, Suburban Solutions has your back. Our dedicated Glenside movers will make your next move easy and efficient. Call (610) 314-6868 today for a free quote.
