Cheltenham Township

Cheltenham Township has the feel of an older inner-ring suburb, with tree-lined streets, established neighborhoods, and a strong sense of continuity from one block to the next. Bordering Philadelphia, it offers convenience, but its identity is distinct and well-established.

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❋ At a glance: Cheltenham Township real estate ❋

• Varied housing stock: Single-family homes make up much of the township, with twins, townhouses, and some condos also in the mix.
• Established architecture: Colonial Revivals, Victorian-era houses, stone homes, and mid-century properties appear throughout Cheltenham.
• Distinct neighborhoods: Cheltenham neighborhoods such as Glenside, Wyncote, Elkins Park, and La Mott each bring a different setting and identity.
• Connected location: Cheltenham Township borders Philadelphia and offers access to several public transit options and key commuter routes.
• Everyday amenities: Parks, libraries, local businesses, and cultural institutions enrich daily life across the township.

REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOT

Cheltenham Township real estate includes a mix of older single-family homes, postwar houses, twins, townhomes, and some condominium communities. Much of the township’s housing stock was built in the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, so architectural styles vary from Victorian and Colonial Revival homes to Cape Cods, Tudors, and more contemporary builds. That variety gives many residential streets a more established, less uniform appearance than newer suburban developments.

Several Cheltenham neighborhoods help define that mix. Glenside is often associated with commuter convenience, a varied mix of detached homes, and a more active commercial near the rail station and Easton Road, while Elkins Park is known for its wide architectural range and larger historic homes. Wyncote remains one of Cheltenham’s most historically distinctive areas, with tree-lined roads and many older homes.

Taken together, these areas show why homes for sale in Cheltenham Township span a broad range of property types and neighborhood settings, from transit-connected sections to quieter residential blocks with deeper historical roots.

MORE ABOUT CHELTENHAM

Cheltenham Township is one of the oldest communities in Pennsylvania, with roots dating to 1682 when Quaker settlers purchased land from William Penn. The township later became part of Montgomery County when the county was created in 1784, and it was incorporated as a municipal government in 1900. Today, Cheltenham covers about 9 square miles and has a population of around 37,000.

Its history tracks several chapters of southeastern Pennsylvania’s growth. What began as an agrarian settlement development into a mill-based community in the 1700s. In the 1800s and early 1900s, it expanded through railroad-era growth and suburban development. That long arc helps explain why living in Cheltenham often feels tied to both continuity and change.

Cheltenham’s history is still visible in the built environment. There are two historic districts in the township and multiple sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so much so that Cheltenham has been called an “architectural museum” of sorts because so many eras remain represented across its neighborhoods.

EVERYDAY LIFE IN CHELTENHAM

• Schools and education

  Cheltenham School District proudly serves the community with four elementary schools, one middle school, and Cheltenham High School. It’s highly diverse and academically driven, with programming that extends beyond core instruction into music, performing arts, athletics, and beyond.

  For higher education, Arcadia University in Glenside is one of the township’s most visible academic anchors. You’ll also find specialized programs at institutions like Gratz College and, while Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus offers fantastic opportunities for further learning and career development. Families considering private secondary education have options in the area, including La Salle College High School. 

• Cultural and historic landmarks

  Cheltenham Township’s cultural landscape is closely tied to its architectural history. Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park is one of its best-known spots: a National Historic Landmark and the only synagogue designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Grey Towers Castle on Arcadia University’s campus is another defining site, a late 19th-century estate designed by Horace Trumbauer.

  That architectural legacy extends beyond individual markers. Wyncote is a Historic District, known for its winding roads and century-old homes, as well as early sites tied to the township’s colonial and Civil War history. Meanwhile, La Mott holds a distinct place in local and national history as the site of Camp William Penn, the first federal training ground for African American soldiers during the Civil War.

• Parks and recreation

  Curtis Arboretum remains one of the best-known public landscapes in the township, with 47 acres of rolling grounds, ponds, walking paths, and the historic Curtis Hall at its center. Wall Skate Park adds a more active recreation setting, is one of the township’s busiest recreation areas, with playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, a skate park, sports fields, and a seasonal spray pool for families.

  For quieter outdoor time, High School Park offers open meadows, native plant gardens, and walking trails popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers. Residents also gather at Ogontz Park and Melrose Park, which provide playgrounds, athletic fields, and open lawns used for youth sports, casual games, and neighborhood events.

• Dining and entertainment

  Cheltenham offers a variety of dining options, including neighborhood favorites and casual dining. Rocky’s Deli Style Restaurant is a local favorite for hearty deli sandwiches and breakfast classics. Families enjoy Ricardo’s Restaurant for its delicious pizza and cozy atmosphere, while Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood and Bar is popular for its flavorful seafood boils and energetic atmosphere.

  Residents can also access major attractions just minutes away, including the Philadelphia Zoo and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia.

❋ FAQs about Cheltenham Township ❋

• What types of homes are common in Cheltenham Township?

  Homes for sale in Cheltenham Township include Victorians, Colonials, Tudor-style houses, stone homes, townhomes, and some condos.

• What are some of the main neighborhoods in Cheltenham Township?

  Some of the best-known neighborhoods include Glenside, Elkins Park, Wyncote, La Mott, Melrose Park, and Cheltenham Village.

• What school district serves Cheltenham Township?

  Most of the township is served by Cheltenham School District, which includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

MAKE YOUR MOVE IN CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP

Finding the right home in Cheltenham Township means looking beyond square footage and list price. From block-to-block differences to neighborhood character that doesn’t always come through online, local context matters.

When it comes to Cheltenham Township homes for sale, the experienced team at Dan Helwig, Inc REALTORS® offers the kind of guidance that helps buyers make informed decisions with confidence.

Reach out at 215.233.5000 or send us an email to connect with an agent who knows Cheltenham Township real estate and the surrounding communities well.