What to know when moving to Fort Washington, PA
TL;DR: Fort Washington at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 62.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 23.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $164,531, providing a strong financial base.
- The Reality Check:
- Median home value is $611,400, which may be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 2.3% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,523 in monthly rent, as this is the median gross rent in the area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fort Washington is characterized by its high level of education, with over 62% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The community has a relatively low renter percentage at 23.5%, indicating a preference for homeownership. With a median household income of $164,531, it attracts families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median home value stands at $611,400.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,523, which indicates a moderately priced rental market.
- Median home value is $611,400, suggesting a higher-end housing market.
- 62.3% of residents have a bachelor's degree, reflecting a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.0%, which is relatively low.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Pennsylvania's crime statistics indicate a downward trend in both property and violent crime rates over recent years.
- Violent crime: 228.5 incidents per 100k residents, which is 29.8% lower than the national average.
- Property crime: 1,363.9 incidents per 100k residents, 11.8% lower than the national average.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 55% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fort Washington residents have access to a range of nearby educational institutions, with a total of 49 schools in the area.
- Notable institutions include Bryn Mawr College and Arcadia University, both located within Montgomery County.
- 48 of these schools have College Scorecard data, indicating a focus on higher education options.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Fort Washington offers several parks and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy.
- Wissahickon Valley Park - 4.8 stars (6,833 reviews)
- Evansburg State Park - 4.6 stars (1,377 reviews)
- Fort Washington State Park - 4.6 stars (1,301 reviews)
- Norristown Farm Park - 4.7 stars (1,216 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).