What to know when moving to Willow Grove, PA
Willow Grove at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 42.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree and 33.7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $97,341, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $1,606, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 4.1% use public transit, so a car is likely necessary.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $338,000 if considering buying.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Willow Grove has a population of 19,926, with a median household income of $97,341. The community is fairly educated, with 42.8% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. A significant portion of the population, 33.7%, are renters, reflecting a balance between owned and rented properties. The area sees about 4.1% of residents relying on public transit, indicating a strong reliance on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a high-density urban lifestyle, as the low public transit usage suggests a car-dependent area.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,606, which could strain budgets depending on income.
- Median home value is $338,000, making home buying a significant investment.
- 42.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the higher median income.
- Poverty rate stands at 5.1%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Pennsylvania, the overall crime rates indicate a safer environment compared to national averages.
- Violent crime rate is 228.5 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate stands at 1,363.9 per 100,000, which is also below the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 55% since 2022, now at 4.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).
Schools & Higher Ed
Willow Grove has access to a variety of educational institutions, with 45 schools in the surrounding area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 45
- With College Scorecard data: 44
- Nearby notable schools include Arcadia University and Bryn Mawr College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, there are several nearby parks and outdoor spaces to explore.
- Willow Grove Park - 4.4 stars from 9,850 reviews
- Wissahickon Valley Park - 4.8 stars from 6,833 reviews
- Kids Castle Central Park - 4.8 stars from 2,237 reviews
- Mercer Museum - 4.8 stars from 1,859 reviews
- Masons Mill Park - 4.7 stars from 1,687 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).