Abington Township, PA Area Guide

Abington Township traces its origins to the late 1600s when William Penn purchased the land from the Lenape Indians, and the community formally incorporated in 1704, making it one of Montgomery County's oldest settlements. That early history remains visible throughout the township today in some of the county's oldest churches, historic transportation routes, and longstanding industrial sites that once specialized in metal and plastic manufacturing. The Abington Art Center occupies a 27-acre historic campus on Meetinghouse Road in Jenkintown, offering rotating exhibitions in painting, sculpture, and film year-round in a setting that blends preservation with cultural programming. The township's established neighborhoods in Roslyn, Glenside, and Wyncote retain mature tree canopies and architectural character that reflect centuries of continuous development rather than rapid suburban sprawl.

Abington Township's dining scene reflects its suburban character, with a mix of classic American comfort food and a growing variety of international cuisines concentrated along Easton Road and the commercial corridors near Willow Grove. Residents enjoy Vietnamese cooking — including pho, rice vermicelli dishes, and fresh spring rolls — as well as Mexican staples like enchiladas and fajitas. Neighborhood taverns and casual American spots round out the local options, serving familiar fare like cheesesteaks alongside craft beers. Shoppers at Willow Grove Park Mall also benefit from its on-site dining options, and specialty grocers like O'Neill's Market carry imported Irish foods and fresh-cut meats for home cooks.

Most residents in Abington Township rely on personal vehicles to get around, with Route 611 serving as a primary north-south artery through the township and the Pennsylvania Turnpike just minutes away for regional travel. SEPTA bus routes 22 and 55 connect the area to Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs, and regional rail lines with stops in nearby Jenkintown provide commuter train service into Center City. Philadelphia International Airport is roughly 30 minutes south via I-276 or Route 611. Walking and biking are manageable in quieter residential areas, though the township is largely suburban in character and lacks a dedicated bike network.

Abington Township is well-supplied with neighborhood green spaces that cater to a range of outdoor interests. Roslyn Park on Susquehanna Road spans more than 17 acres and features nature trails, a playground, and a skateboard facility. Crestmont Park on Old Welsh Road offers over 19 acres with lighted basketball courts and a pool complex, making it a popular spot for active residents. Dog owners appreciate Curtis Hall Dog Park on Church Road in Wyncote, which provides more than an acre of off-leash running space, a dedicated area for smaller breeds, and benches for owners to relax while their pets play.

Abington Township offers a more affordable rental market compared to the broader Pennsylvania average, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,325 per month and two-bedroom units averaging approximately $1,507. Studios run closer to $1,228 on average. Nearby Jenkintown and Roslyn carry higher price points, while Glenside comes in at a comparable range, giving renters flexibility depending on their precise location within the area. The township's median household income of $106,477 reflects a relatively affluent suburban community, and its housing stock blends single-family homes with apartment options across its 15 square miles.

Abington Township is anchored by Willow Grove Park Mall, one of the largest indoor shopping destinations in the greater Philadelphia suburbs. Spanning three floors with more than 130 stores, the mall draws shoppers from across Montgomery County with a mix of anchor retailers, specialty shops, and dining options. Beyond the mall, Easton Road (Route 611) serves as the township's main commercial corridor, lined with a steady mix of retail, services, and dining. Residents also seek out local farm markets like Dresher Farm Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and locally sourced dairy, adding a community-oriented, small-scale retail dimension to the area's shopping landscape.