Is Glenside Safe, Pros and cons of living in Glenside

Glenside, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the urban amenities of Philadelphia. This census-designated place, situated in Montgomery County, provides a community feel with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Its development was spurred by the arrival of a railroad station, which attracted industry and residents alike.

The area is known for its pleasant atmosphere, attracting families and professionals seeking a balance between a peaceful environment and city proximity. Glenside’s appeal lies in its blend of residential comfort, local businesses, and access to cultural and recreational activities. It presents a compelling option for those looking to relocate to a well-established suburban setting with a strong sense of community.

Is it Safe to Live in Glenside?

Glenside is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both state and national averages. The total crime rate is reported to be 921 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 47% lower than the state average and 60% lower than the national average (as reported by Abington Township Police Department data). Both violent and property crime rates are also substantially lower than the national figures.

Law enforcement in Glenside is managed by the Abington Township Police Department, which is supported by a team of 160 personnel, including 93 sworn officers. While overall crime is low, specific neighborhood safety can vary, with residents generally considering the northern parts of the city to be the safest. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Glenside is approximately 1 in 68 in the safest neighborhoods, compared to 1 in 51 in the southeast areas (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

Housing Expenses

The cost of living in Glenside is generally higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant contributor. The median listing price for homes in Glenside is approximately $435,000, though other reports indicate a median home value of $378,535 (as reported by Livability.com). The median price per square foot for real estate in Glenside is around $276 (as reported by Redfin).

Housing costs in Glenside are notably higher than the national average, with one source indicating they are 66% higher than the national average. This is further reflected in rental costs, where the median rent is around $1,414 per month (as reported by Rentcafe) or $1,500 per month (as reported by Zumper as of April 2026). These figures suggest that while Glenside offers desirable living conditions, prospective residents should be prepared for a higher cost of entry and ongoing expenses, particularly concerning housing.

Overall Affordability

Glenside’s overall cost of living index is approximately 101, meaning it is about 1% more expensive than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, other analyses suggest Glenside is 9% more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). For a family of four, the estimated annual income needed to live comfortably in Montgomery County, where Glenside is located, is around $124,119 (as per the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator).

While housing is a significant expense, other costs like food are reported to be slightly lower than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation and utility costs are also noted as being higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These varied cost indicators suggest that while Glenside is not the most affordable location, its value is often perceived in line with the community’s amenities and proximity to Philadelphia.

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The employment sectors that are most prevalent for Glenside residents include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations are also significant job groups within the community (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Glenside is reported to be 2.6% (as per Niche).

The median household income in Glenside is approximately $105,278, which is about 40% higher than the rest of Pennsylvania (as reported by Payscale and Data USA). Other sources place the median household income at $113,643 (as reported by Livability.com) or $101,676 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This higher-than-average income level is correlated with a higher educational attainment among residents, with 55% of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, compared to 31% nationwide (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Major Employers

Key institutions and companies contributing to the local economy include Arcadia University, a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs (as reported by DSG Global and Downtown Glenside Businesses). Other significant employers and economic contributors in the region involve healthcare systems and educational institutions, reflecting the community’s focus on these sectors. Construction companies like Glasgow, Inc. also operate in the area, contributing to infrastructure and development projects (as reported by Glasgow, Inc.).

While specific lists of major employers can vary, the presence of a university and its associated employment opportunities, along with sectors like healthcare and retail, form the backbone of Glenside’s job market. The proximity to Philadelphia also provides residents with access to a broader range of employment options across various industries. Major employers in the broader region include those in education, healthcare, and professional services.

Climate and Weather

Temperature and Seasons

Glenside experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 24°F to a high of 88°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average maximum temperatures around 86.5°F, while the coldest month is January, with average minimum temperatures around 23.6°F (as reported by IDcide).

The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 77°F. Conversely, the cold season typically lasts from early December to early March, with daily high temperatures falling below 49°F. This seasonal variation offers distinct experiences throughout the year, from pleasant summer days to crisp winter landscapes.

Precipitation and Humidity

The average annual precipitation in Glenside is approximately 49 inches, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically July, with an average of about 5 inches of rain. The drier season generally lasts from late August to early April, with January having the fewest wet days.

Annual snowfall averages around 18 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment. The climate offers a typical four-season experience, with distinct periods of warmth and cold, and moderate levels of precipitation year-round.

Education and Schools

Public School Performance

Glenside is served by public schools that generally perform well, with Glenside Elementary School ranking in the top 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics). Math proficiency at Glenside Elementary is particularly strong, ranking in the top 20% in the state, although reading proficiency is in the bottom 50% (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics).

Public schools in Glenside have an average math proficiency score of 59%, exceeding the Pennsylvania average of 38%. Reading proficiency is also strong at 62%, surpassing the state average of 55% (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in Glenside Elementary School is 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1 (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics).

School Rankings and Diversity

Glenside Elementary School holds a B overall Niche grade and is recognized as being among the most diverse public elementary schools in Pennsylvania, ranking #169 out of 1,694 (as reported by Niche). The school also ranks well for its teachers, coming in at #428 out of 1,566 in the state for Best Public Elementary School Teachers (as reported by Niche).

Overall, Glenside public schools are ranked in the top 30% of Pennsylvania public schools with an average ranking of 8/10. Minority enrollment in Glenside public schools is 35% of the student body, which is slightly lower than the Pennsylvania public school average of 39% (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked public schools serving the Glenside area include Springfield Twp High School and Copper Beech School.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Population and Diversity

Glenside has a population of approximately 7,737 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The community has experienced a slight population decline between 2010 and 2020. The racial and ethnic breakdown shows a predominantly White population, with 86.3% identifying as White (84.3% non-Hispanic), 7.4% as Black or African American, 4.6% as Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% as Asian, and 3.4% as two or more races (as reported by Payscale).

The population density is around 6,073 residents per square mile, maintaining a suburban feel. Glenside is characterized by a mix of families and young professionals, with 19% of residents under 18 and 16% in their 20s. The gender distribution is skewed towards females, with 58% of residents being women and 42% being men (as reported by Payscale).

Community and Lifestyle

Glenside is described as a wealthy area, with a median household income significantly higher than the state average (as reported by Payscale). The community is known for its walkability, with many local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks nearby (as reported by Niche). This walkability contributes to a vibrant local scene and offers residents convenient access to amenities.

Most residents in Glenside are homeowners, with 79% of homes being owner-occupied (as reported by Redfin). The community offers a suburban atmosphere with easy access to Philadelphia’s conveniences, making it an attractive place for families and commuters. The presence of historic attractions, entertainment options like the Keswick Theatre, and numerous parks further enhance the lifestyle offerings in Glenside.