Cheltenham Township

Curtis Arboretum

Located 20 minutes outside Center City, Philadelphia, Cheltenham Township is home to 37,000 residents. Cheltenham has beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods, several libraries (East Cheltenham Free Library, Elkins Park Free Library, La Mott Free Library, and the Glenside Free library.), lovely parks for recreation, and convenient shopping. Walk around the historic neighborhoods in Elkins Park and Wyncote. There are several train stations within the township: Elkins Park, Glenside, and Melrose Park. Jenkintown-Wyncote and Cheltenham train stations straddle the township's border. Routes 611, 73, and 309 are easily accessible.

As the Gilded Age ended and the depression hit the country, many of the estates and mansions were destroyed and made way for the building of houses in their place. As the 20th century progressed, people moved out of the city and into the first community over the city line, Cheltenham. With the population increase, the township's identity changed from being a community of prominent Philadelphians and their mansions to several distinct communities consisting of densely populated rowhouses, apartments, and townhouses that overflowed from neighboring North Philadelphia (especially in La Mott and parts of Cheltenham Village), but also maintaining some of the historic neighborhoods of the past in Wyncote, Elkins Park, and Melrose Park.

Cheltenham has been honored with many distinctions over its long history. It was named a Preserve America community, a US Government program established to preserve historic communities throughout the United States. It is also a Tree City USA member, a program dedicated to forestry management. In 2013, Cheltenham was named a "Classic Town of Greater Philadelphia," for being "one of the most diverse, unique, and livable communities in our region" and "truly at the center of it all." Cheltenham has 13 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, the most of any municipality in Montgomery County.

Curtis Hall is the music hall part of Curtis Arboretum, designed by famous landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect for New York City’s Central Park. Grab a picnic blanket and find a nice spot for the afternoon in this lovely, free park…

Curtis Hall is the music hall part of Curtis Arboretum, designed by famous landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect for New York City’s Central Park. Grab a picnic blanket and find a nice spot for the afternoon in this lovely, free park. There is also a pond and enclosed dog park. Check out the Summer Concert Series!

Cheltenham real estate market

As of writing this, the Cheltenham, PA real estate market is currently a seller's market, with limited inventory and high demand driving up home prices. Here are some key factors that are currently impacting the Cheltenham real estate market:

  1. Limited inventory: There is currently a shortage of homes for sale in Cheltenham, which is putting upward pressure on prices. This is due to a combination of factors, including low interest rates, a strong job market, and a desire for more space and amenities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  2. High demand: Cheltenham is a desirable place to live due to its proximity to Philadelphia, highly rated schools, and variety of housing options. This has led to high demand for homes in the area, with many homes receiving multiple offers and selling quickly.

  3. Rising prices: The combination of low inventory and high demand has led to rising home prices in Cheltenham. At the time of writing this, the median home value in Cheltenham is currently around $265,000, which is up 7.7% from a year ago.

  4. Variety of housing options: Cheltenham offers a variety of housing options, from historic homes to new construction, and everything in between. This appeals to a wide range of homebuyers and contributes to the overall desirability of the area.

  5. Competitive market: The Cheltenham real estate market is competitive, with buyers often having to act quickly and make strong offers to secure a home. Working with an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market can be beneficial in navigating this competitive market.

In conclusion, the Cheltenham real estate market is currently a seller's market with limited inventory, high demand, rising prices, a variety of housing options, and a competitive market. If you're considering buying or selling a home in Cheltenham, it's important to work with an experienced real estate agent who can help you navigate the market and make informed decisions.

For the most up to date real estate market information, please reach out to Shaina McAndrews directly.

Why live in Cheltenham, PA?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to live in Cheltenham, PA. Here are some of the top reasons:

  1. Proximity to Philadelphia: Cheltenham is located just a few miles north of Philadelphia, making it an attractive location for those who work or play in the city. It offers easy access to all that Philadelphia has to offer, including museums, restaurants, and cultural events.

  2. Highly rated schools: The Cheltenham School District is highly rated, with several schools earning national recognition for academic excellence. This makes Cheltenham a popular choice for families with school-age children.

  3. Variety of housing options: Cheltenham offers a variety of housing options, from historic homes to new construction, and everything in between. This appeals to a wide range of homebuyers and contributes to the overall desirability of the area.

  4. Community events: Cheltenham offers a variety of community events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations. These events bring the community together and create a strong sense of community spirit.

  5. Parks and recreation: Cheltenham has several parks and recreational areas, including Curtis Arboretum, which offers walking trails and beautiful gardens, and Cheltenham Township Community Center, which has a pool, gymnasium, and fitness center.

In conclusion, Cheltenham is an attractive place to live due to its proximity to Philadelphia, highly rated schools, variety of housing options, community events, and parks and recreation opportunities. If you're considering moving to Cheltenham, it's important to work with an experienced real estate agent like myself who can help you find the right home to meet your needs.

Cheltenham History

It was originally part of Philadelphia County then changed to be included in Montgomery County in 1784 when the county was created.

From the late 19th to early 20th century, Cheltenham established itself as one of the most prominent communities in the Philadelphia area. Railroad tycoon Jay Cooke was one of the first to build his mansion in Cheltenham. His 200-acre estate was eventually converted to a school in 1883 and was later demolished. John Wanamaker built his mansion Lindenhurst, which was destroyed by a fire in 1907. His second Lindenhurst was destroyed by another fire in 1944. Henry Breyer, Jr. eventually bought the land from Wanamaker. Other famous mansions built include Abraham Barker's "Lyndon," Cyrus H. K. Curtis' "Curtis Hall," George Horace Lorimer's "Belgrame," and John B. Stetson's "Idro." Perhaps the most famous mansions that still stand to this day are the prominent Widener family mansion Lynnewood Hall, the Elkins Estate which was home to William Elkins, and Grey Towers Castle which was home to William Welsh Harrison. The latter is a National Historic Landmark and was designed by famed architect Horace Trumbauer, who designed many buildings and homes in Cheltenham.

Camp William Penn was a Union Army training camp located in Cheltenham Township from 1863 to 1865, notable for being the first training ground dedicated to African American troops who enlisted in the United Army during the American Civil War. Cheltenham has a proud history of being a stop on the underground railroad.

Lynnewood Hall

Lynnewood Hall

110 room neoclassical estate built between 1897 and 1900 for US tycoon, and prolific art collector, Peter Arrell Browne Widener. When it was first built, the property stood on a staggeringly large 480-acre estate in Elkins Park in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Designed by Horace Trumbauer and covering 70,000 square feet, Lynnewood Hall was constructed from limestone and designed in a T-shape. Of the 110 rooms, 55 are bedrooms and 20 are bathrooms. There was as an art gallery and a 2,550 sq ft ballroom large enough to accommodate 1,000 guests.

Notable people in cheltenham

Fictional residents

  • Betty Draper, Mad Men character who was raised in the "tiny Philadelphia suburb of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania."

Elkins House Estate

Elkins Estate

The Elkins Estate is an American 42 acre estate. The estate contains seven buildings, the most notable being Elstowe Manor and Chelten House, mansions designed by Horace Trumbauer. Built in 1898, those buildings, now known for their Gilded Age designs and opulence, were once the home of wealthy businessman William Elkins. The most iconic, Elstowe Manor, is among the remaining buildings designed by the famed Gilded Age architect Horace Trumbauer. The buildings have been largely vacant since the last owners, the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de Ricci, left in 2009.

A current renovation project of $20-25 million by the new owner, Landmark Developers, will create about 120 jobs. The renovation plan for the estate’s seven buildings includes a hotel and events center with 110 hotel rooms, five guest cottages, two artist-in-residence apartments, an indoor and outdoor restaurant, a distillery, a wellness center and spa, and a helipad.

Landmark Developers has promised to honor the estate’s history by preserving six of the seven original buildings: Elstowe Manor, Chelten House, a child's playhouse known as the "casino," the stables, a caretaker's cottage, and the "power plant" building.

Cheltenham Schools:

Cheltenham, PA, is home to a diverse range of schools that provide quality education and cater to the educational needs of its residents. Here is an overview of the schools in Cheltenham:

  1. Cheltenham School District: The Cheltenham School District serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It consists of several elementary schools, including Cheltenham Elementary School, Elkins Park School, and Wyncote Elementary School. The district also operates Cedarbrook Middle School and Cheltenham High School, providing a comprehensive education for students.

  2. Private Schools: Cheltenham is also home to several private schools, offering alternative educational options. These include Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, a Jewish day school serving grades 6-12, and Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, a Catholic school offering education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.

  3. Higher Education: Cheltenham is in proximity to several renowned colleges and universities. Just a short drive away, students have access to institutions such as Arcadia University, La Salle University, and Salus University, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Cheltenham School District is committed to providing a high-quality education, and its schools offer a range of academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs to support students' growth and development. From early childhood education to advanced learning opportunities, Cheltenham schools strive to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for students.

It's always recommended to visit the websites of the specific schools or contact them directly to see if it is the right school district for your family.

Cheltenham resources

Cheltenham School District- The District operates four K-4 elementary schools, one 5-6 elementary school, one 7-8 middle school, and one high school, serving approximately 4,525 students. The District is fully inclusive and offers a broad range of Special Education services. 

Curtis Arboretum- This is the website to book events at this gorgeous hall. Lots of wedding and anniversaries are held here.

Curtis Arboretum- More information on the park

Cheltenham Township- Find out municipal information

Ask me about buying, selling, and renting property in Cheltenham Township, PA.

Work with an experienced Real Estate Agent to represent you buying a home in Cheltenham Township, selling a home in Cheltenham, or finding your next rental in Cheltenham. 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 Cheltenham. Contact Shaina McAndrews about real estate in Cheltenham today!

Check out nearby Neighborhoods:

Elkins Park

Keswick Village

Rockledge

Wyncote

Shaina McAndrews Team

Call/Text: 215.767.710

Shaina@MontCoLiving.com

EXP Realty, LLC

630 Freedom Business Ctr Dr.

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Broker: 888.397.7352

Your Greater Philadelphia + NJ

Real Estate Agents!

Read more ‘About Us’