Ambler
Ambler is a cute town to walk around with easy access to Philadelphia
Only 16 miles from Center City, Philadelphia, Ambler is rich in history and has a great town center with restaurants, bars, breweries, shopping, small businesses, movie theater, and theatre too!
Ambler is part of the Wissahickon School District and offers many parks and recreational areas, including a skate park, as well as a mini-downtown life. You may even catch me having a glass of wine at one of the lovely restaurants after I finish up work at my office.
Downtown Ambler is a walkable, social, cultural and business center with terrific curb appeal, enchanting area residents, visitors and the surrounding communities in the Delaware Valley. Combine this with eclectic shopping, award-winning entertainment options, delectable dining, and professional services, all located in a captivating, small-town setting.
Ambler hosts many well-attended annual events throughout the year, including the Auto Show (May), Ambler Arts & Music Festival (June), OktoberFest (October), Christmas Parade (December), and Restaurant Week (January and July).
From May to October, Ambler boasts a Farmer’s Market every Saturday, as well as First Fridays, a once-a-month festival with arts, games, live music, merchant promotions and delicious foods.
Why Live in Ambler?
There are many reasons why someone might want to live in Ambler, PA. Here are a few of the most compelling:
Location: Ambler is located in Montgomery County, PA, just 17 miles north of Philadelphia. It is situated in a convenient location with easy access to major highways such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 309.
Community: Ambler has a strong sense of community, with a variety of local events, festivals, and activities throughout the year. It is also home to a diverse range of residents, including families, young professionals, and retirees.
History and culture: Ambler has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks have been preserved and restored over the years. It is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several theaters, galleries, and museums in the area.
Outdoor recreation: Ambler is surrounded by beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including the Wissahickon Valley Park, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails, and the nearby Schuylkill River Trail.
Real estate: Ambler offers a wide range of housing options, from historic Victorian homes to modern townhouses and apartments. With a variety of price points and styles to choose from, there is something for every budget and taste.
Schools: Ambler is home to some of the top-rated schools in the region, including Wissahickon School District, which consistently ranks among the best in the state.
Overall, Ambler is a great place to live for those looking for a mix of history, culture, community, and outdoor recreation, all within easy reach of Philadelphia and other popular destinations in the region.
Ambler real estate market
The real estate market in Ambler, PA is stable with a slight increase in property values over the past year. The median home price in Ambler, PA is around $400,000. The average list price is $465,000. The inventory of available properties is moderate with a slightly lower number of homes on the market compared to the same time last year. However, properties in desirable neighborhoods are selling quickly with multiple offers being submitted. Overall, the real estate market in Ambler, PA is favorable for both buyers and sellers.
Talk to Shaina for the latest information on the Real Estate Market in Ambler.
Ambler History
In 1716, the first landlords of Ambler Borough, William and George Harmer, purchased 408 acres from William Penn. William Harmer built a grist mill powered by the Wissahickon Creek, "the first commercial venture in the Ambler area". He also built a stone dwelling with casement windows and diamond shaped leaded glass, near what is now the intersection of Butler Pike and Morris Road.
Ambler Borough, formerly known as Wissahickon Village, had its first road built in 1730: Mt. Pleasant Ave. The second road to be built was Butler Pike which is the main drag through Ambler.
Increasingly from 1750 to 1850, industries developed throughout the watershed, using local waterways to provide power and carry away waste. The area supported nine mills, producing flour, timber, paper and cloth. They are identified by Dr. Mary Hough as Plumly Mill (first owned by William Harmer), Fulling Mill (owned by Andrew and Mary Ambler), Thomson's Mill, Reiff Mill, Wertsner Mill, Hague Mill, Burk Mill, a Silk Mill, and a Clover and Chopping and Saw Mill. However, as steam power replaced water power in the 1870s and 1880s, the mills were unable to compete, and were abandoned.
How did it get the name ambler?
I am glad you asked. The story behind Ambler’s naming is one of tragedy meeting heroism.
Mary Johnson Ambler (
1805-1868)
Ambler Hero
Mary was a petite, community-minded woman who led the rescue and nursing of the survivors of a train wreck in 1856.
Ambler, Pa. is named for her.
In 1855, Wissahickon Station became a stop on the North Pennsylvania Railroad line. On July 17, 1856, the town was the site of a disastrous train accident: The Great Train Wreck of 1856. The northbound Shackamaxon, a picnic excursion train, and the southbound Aramingo collided head on, killing 59 people instantly (most under the age of 20), with another 86 injured. Mary Johnson Ambler, a local Quaker woman, walked two miles to the crash site, bringing medical supplies. When Mary arrived, there were no doctors there. No one was in charge.
Mary told people what to do. She asked them to carry the hurt people to her house. People needed stretchers. They tore shutters off of buildings. They carried people on the shutters. Mary went back to her house. She turned her house at Tennis Avenue and Main Street into an impromptu hospital for nursing the survivors. She took sheets and petticoats. She tore them into strips. These were used as bandages. Mary worked hard. She worked for a long time. She helped many hurt people. She let the people stay at her house until they could go home.
Thirteen years later, in 1869, the railway company renamed the station Ambler in her honor. The post office followed suit, and when the borough was formally incorporated on June 16, 1888, it too took the name of Ambler, in honor of Mary Johnson Ambler.
The tragedy led to train safety awareness. Two days after The Great Train Wreck of 1856, The New York Times published a scathing editorial exhorting railroads to exercise greater safety. Namely, trains travelling in two directions should never share the same tracks. More broadly, there were several other changes implemented, such as the use of the telegraph to notify stations of late trains and communicate other relevant information. The number of passengers on trains became a major concern, especially as it applied to children.
Businesses in ambler
Ambler Borough is a happening spot! Businesses work with and support the community.
Shaina McAndrews Team- Top real estate team in the area to help you buy, sell your property. Involved in the community and donates to local causes. Shaina McAndrews is regularly at the office on Butler Ave, however, it is best to make an appointment with her prior to arriving.
Act II Playhouse- a 130-seat professional theatre founded in 1998. Act II has been nominated for 31 Barrymore Awards and has won six.
Aloha Smoothies- Try the Ambler smoothie bowl, divine!
Ambler Theater- a nonprofit community arthouse theater
Bridget’s Steakhouse ~ Dinner Menu / Lunch Menu Specials
KC’s Alley- pub grub
Lab Comedy Theater- Improv shows and affordable tickets make this a great date night!
La Provence ~ Dinner Menu / Lunch Menu Specials
Pasta Sorrentino - MY FAVORITE!
Well Crafted Brewery- Great trivia hosted on Thursdays!
Events in ambler, Pa
Find out more about events on Ambler Main Street website.
Ambler Restaurant Week- January & July. Great menus at all the local hot spots!
Ambler's Farmers Market- West Butler Pike & South Maple Street. Saturdays during the season 9am-Noon
First Fridays- Support local businesses and connect with the community. The first Friday of each month, May through October. The free “Kid’s Zone” offers arts and crafts, games, inflatables, shows and more. There is always plenty of live music and original art to enjoy as well as delicious food and special merchant promotions, including complimentary wine and cheese, special deals and more.
Dog Days of Ambler- A day in August where dogs are celebrated and judged. Prizes for judged events in the following categories: Best Groomed, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, Looks most like owner, best name, only a mother could love, best trick, celebrity look alike, best dressed in philly sports attire and many more!
Ambler Car Show- A Sunday in September: “The Best Little Car Show Around”. Butler Avenue will close for the event from Lindenwold Avenue to Main Street so that more than 200 classic cars and their owners can compete for a litany of prizes. The show takes place from 12 – 5pm to welcome families and folks who can stroll down the Avenue, go to the restaurants and shops or grab a bite from one of the local food trucks which will be parked along Ridge Avenue for this special celebration.
Oktoberfest- Ambler restaurants and businesses will have special offerings all day. With over 90 vendors and 10 food trucks lining Butler Avenue and the side streets, kids rides, a beer garden, musical performances on 2 stages all day and more – there will surely be something to interest everyone! Beer Garden, Food Vendors, Restaurant Samplings, Arts & Craft Vendors, Kids Rides, Musical Entertainment, Business Specials.
Halloween Parade & Extravaganza @ Ambler Theater- Bring your ghost and goblins out for trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, entertainment, kid friendly activities and yummy treats all provided by Ambler business. The theater lobby is the hub of activity – when you check in there you can partake in the activities right away, or choose to go on the Halloween walk to participating businesses. Prizes for best costumes in various categories will be awarded at various times
Holiday Tree Lighting- Attention all ye who seek Holiday Cheer! The annual Holiday tree lighting will be on Black Friday typically around 5pm. Held at The First Presbyterian Church of Ambler
Small Business Saturday- Small Business Saturday® is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is a day dedicated to helping support the small businesses that help to create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods around the country. This year, Small Business Saturday is Nov 28th, so go out and Shop Small at your favorite small Ambler businesses and be a part of helping our community prosper. Let’s make this the most successful Small Business Saturday yet!
Holiday Parade- Ambler Main Street’s Annual Holiday Parade is typically in early December! The parade is always a wonderful community event that you don’t want to miss. Arrive early to get your prime spot on Butler Ave and enjoy the bands, floats, Mummers, and more. And, don’t forget who else will be there… SANTA!
Santa Arrives by Train- Join us to welcome Santa by train and then take a walk to the new Borough Hall for milk and cookies while Santa and Mrs. Claus read a story to all the boys and girls. We hear old Saint Nick will be bringing some special treats! Join the Fun! This is an Ambler tradition.
Parking in Ambler
SUNDAYS AND AFTER 6 PM ARE ALWAYS FREE.
Weekdays are also free from 12-2PM
Fifty cents buys you 1 hour of parking on all meters
Ambler parking lots are located on Lindenwold at Butler Ave., Cavalier at Butler Ave., and Butler at the Train Tracks.
Ambler resources
AMBLER MAIN STREET PROGRAM: www.AmblerMainStreet.org
MONTCO SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center): www.MontcoSAAC.com
WISSAHICKON VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: www.wvalleyhs.org
WISSAHICKON VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY – AMBLER BRANCH: www.wvpl.org
WISSAHICKON WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: www.wvwa.org
WISSAHICKON SCHOOL DISTRICT: www.wsdweb.org
OUR LADY OF MERCY REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL: www.olmrcs.com
ST. ANTHONY PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE: www.saintanthonyparish.org/preschool-child-care.html
Ask me about buying a home in Ambler, selling a home in Ambler, and renting property in Ambler Borough, PA.
Work with an experienced Real Estate Agent to represent you buying a home in Ambler Borough, selling a home in Ambler, or finding your next rental in Ambler. Take it from someone who knows and understands the community and market and can help navigate the complex township rules and regulations to property sales in Ambler. Contact Shaina McAndrews about real estate in Ambler today!
Check out nearby Neighborhoods:
Spring House
Whitpain
