Moving to Montgomery County, PA? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Thinking about moving to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania?
You're not alone.
Located just outside Philadelphia, Montgomery County continues to attract buyers looking for a mix of walkable downtowns, excellent schools, convenient commuting options, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community.
Whether you're relocating from Philadelphia, moving from another state, or simply looking for a new town within the suburbs, here's what you should know before buying a home in Montgomery County.
Why Buyers Love Montgomery County
Montgomery County offers something for just about everyone.
Some buyers are drawn to vibrant, walkable communities like Conshohocken and Ambler. Others are looking for larger lots and highly rated school districts in communities like Blue Bell or Lower Gwynedd.
Many residents appreciate:
Easy access to Philadelphia
Strong public and private school options
Extensive parks and trail systems
Diverse housing styles
Thriving restaurant and shopping scenes
Convenient access to major highways and regional rail
It's one of the reasons so many families choose to stay in Montgomery County for years—even decades.
Choosing the Right Town
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is focusing on a house before deciding on the right community.
Every town in Montgomery County has its own personality.
Conshohocken
Known for its walkability, restaurant scene, and convenient access to Philadelphia, Conshohocken is popular with young professionals, commuters, and families looking for a vibrant community atmosphere.
Many residents enjoy being able to walk to restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and local events.
Ambler
Ambler offers a charming downtown filled with locally owned businesses, restaurants, and community events throughout the year.
Buyers often appreciate the small-town feel while still being close to major employment centers.
Blue Bell
Blue Bell is known for larger homes, established neighborhoods, and convenient access to major roadways.
Many buyers are attracted to the area's strong reputation and suburban feel.
Jenkintown
Jenkintown offers a walkable downtown, regional rail access, and a strong sense of community.
Its historic charm continues to attract buyers seeking character and convenience.
Lansdale
Lansdale combines affordability, a growing downtown, and convenient train access.
It's become increasingly popular with buyers looking for value without sacrificing amenities.
Commute Considerations
Before falling in love with a home, think carefully about your daily routine.
Questions to consider include:
How often will you commute to work?
Will you use regional rail?
Do you need quick access to major highways?
How important is walkability?
How often do you travel to Philadelphia, King of Prussia, or neighboring counties?
A home that looks perfect on paper may feel very different once you factor in your daily commute.
Understanding Property Taxes
Property taxes can vary significantly from one municipality and school district to another.
When comparing homes, it's important to look beyond the purchase price and evaluate the total monthly cost of ownership.
A lower-priced home with higher taxes may ultimately cost more each month than a higher-priced home with lower taxes.
Working with a local real estate professional can help you understand how taxes impact your budget and purchasing power.
School Districts
Even buyers without school-aged children often consider school districts when purchasing a home.
Strong school districts can influence future resale value and buyer demand.
Montgomery County is home to several highly regarded public school districts, as well as numerous private and independent school options.
The right fit depends on your family's priorities, goals, and lifestyle.
Outdoor Recreation and Parks
One of the biggest advantages of living in Montgomery County is access to outdoor recreation.
Residents enjoy:
Walking and biking trails
Community parks
Sports fields
Nature preserves
Seasonal festivals and events
Whether you're looking for a quiet trail, a playground for the kids, or a weekend farmers market, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
The Pitkow Team's Local Favorites
One of the best parts about living in Montgomery County is that there is always somewhere new to explore—whether you're looking for a great cup of coffee, a date night spot, a family outing, or simply a place to spend a Saturday afternoon.
These are a few of our favorites.
Coffee Shops
We're always on the hunt for a good coffee shop. A few local favorites include Neos, Matines Café, and Feine Coffee. Whether you're meeting a friend, catching up on work, or grabbing a latte before a showing, you can't go wrong with any of them.
Date Night Favorites
When we're able to sneak away for an evening, some of our go-to spots include StoneRose, Hotel West & Main, Adelina's, Marzano in Abington, Savona, and Trattoria Totaro. Each offers a different atmosphere, but all are worth adding to your list.
Lunch Spots We Love
For a casual lunch, we often find ourselves at Daisy Tavern, Bar Sera, Terrain Cafe or West Avenue Grill.
Favorite Spot for a Drink & Live Music
One of our favorite hidden gems is the courtyard outside Hotel West & Main in Conshohocken. Grab a drink from 1874 Social, enjoy some live music, and spend an evening outdoors. It's one of those places that makes you appreciate living here.
We're also big fans of Jasper's, Panache, Marzano and the Blue Bell Inn for meeting friends and enjoying a night out.
Family Favorites
As parents of two young kids, we're always looking for family-friendly activities.
Maple Acres Farm is one of our favorites throughout the year. Between the cows, pigs, donkey, pick-your-own blueberries, flower fields, and fresh produce, it's become one of our family's favorite local traditions.
Elmwood Park Zoo is another spot we love for an easy afternoon adventure.
Easy Day Trips
One of the perks of living in Montgomery County is how close you are to so many great destinations. New Hope and Peddler's Village are two of our favorite day trips for shopping, dining, and exploring. A quick drive to Chestnut Hill is one of our favorite places to spend a morning. Beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, local shops, and plenty of places to stop for coffee make it worth visiting in every season.
Seasonal Tradition
Every fall, you'll find us at Mum Mountain. It's one of those simple traditions that makes the change of seasons feel official.
Casual Favorites & Takeout
Sometimes the best meal is the one you bring home.
A few of our regular favorites include El Limon, Masala Symphony (Sam's favorite), MasterPeace Grill (Olivia's favorite for the grinder), Victorino's for Grandpa's Pizza, and Deli on 4th or Capps for a great breakfast sandwich.
Local Shops We Love
The Collective in Conshohocken is one of our favorite places to browse for gifts, home décor, and unique finds. It's the kind of local business that helps give a community its character.
Housing Styles You'll Find
Montgomery County offers a wide variety of housing options.
Depending on the town, buyers may find:
Historic homes
New construction communities
Twin homes
Townhomes
Condominiums
Mid-century properties
Estate homes on larger lots
Because housing styles vary dramatically from one community to another, it's helpful to explore multiple areas before narrowing your search.
Tips for Buying in Today's Market
Before you start touring homes:
Get pre-approved.
Understand your monthly budget.
Identify your must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Research communities before focusing on specific homes.
Work with a local agent who understands neighborhood trends.
Preparation can make a significant difference once you find the right property.
Thinking About Moving to Montgomery County?
Whether you're relocating from another area or simply exploring a new community, Montgomery County offers an incredible variety of neighborhoods, lifestyles, and housing options.
If you're considering a move, we'd be happy to answer your questions, discuss different towns, and help you determine which community may be the best fit for your goals.
The best move starts with understanding your options—and we're here to help.
Thinking about moving to Montgomery County or the Philadelphia suburbs? We'd be happy to answer your questions and help you explore different communities. Contact The Pitkow Team to start the conversation.
Sam & Olivia Pitkow | REALTORS®
The Pitkow Team | Compass Real Estate
Helping buyers and sellers throughout Montgomery County and the Philadelphia suburbs.
