Is Ambler Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ambler
Ambler, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, situated just a short distance from the bustling metropolis of Philadelphia. This Montgomery County borough is known for its historic charm, evident in its architecture and its past as a significant industrial center. Today, Ambler presents itself as a welcoming place for those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and access to urban amenities.
The borough’s development is deeply intertwined with its industrial history, particularly the legacy of the Keasbey and Mattison Company, which significantly shaped the town’s early growth. This history contributes to Ambler’s unique character, offering a glimpse into America’s industrial past while embracing modern community living. Its location provides residents with the advantage of a peaceful residential setting combined with the convenience of proximity to major transportation routes and employment centers.
Is it Safe to Live in Ambler?
Ambler is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 17% below the national average as of 2026 (according to DoorProfit). Residents face a lower risk of violent crime compared to many other areas, with an estimated rate of 328.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit).
While property crime is more prevalent, it also remains below the national average. The estimated property crime rate in Ambler is 2,091.2 per 100,000 residents, a figure that is 14% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit). Neighborhood safety can vary, with some areas experiencing lower crime rates than others, but the overall trend indicates a secure environment for residents (according to Crime Grade). Ambler has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026, indicating that it is safer than 47% of major U.S. cities (according to DoorProfit).
Demographics and Community
Ambler’s population was recorded at 6,807 as of the 2020 census, showing a slight increase from previous years (according to Wikipedia). The borough’s population density is approximately 7,618.54 people per square mile (according to Numbeo). The median age of residents is around 37 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females in the population (according to Numbeo).
The racial makeup of Ambler is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Black or African American residents. Hispanic or Latino individuals also form a notable portion of the population. As of 2024, 10.5% of Ambler residents were born outside the country (according to Data USA).
Housing Market and Costs
The housing market in Ambler presents a range of options, from historic homes to modern developments. As of March 31, 2026, the median list price for homes in Ambler was $731,000, with the average home value reported at $686,428 (according to Zillow). This indicates a higher-than-average market value, with a 2.0% increase in home values over the past year (according to Zillow).
For those considering renting, the average rent for an apartment in Ambler was approximately $1,818 per month as of April 24, 2026, representing a 5.05% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). Rental prices can vary, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,720 and two-bedroom units at about $1,979 (according to RentCafe). The median home price in Ambler is approximately $420,000, which is slightly higher than the national average (according to Payscale and Cost of Living in Ambler, PA: What You Need to Know).
Cost of Living
Ambler’s overall cost of living is considered to be above the national average. The cost of living score for Ambler is 108.4, compared to the national average of 100 (according to Numbeo). Housing expenses are a significant factor, being 68% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Other expenses also contribute to the higher cost of living. Utility prices are 9% higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 4% higher (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly elevated, about 4% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Ambler offers a diverse job market, benefiting from its proximity to Philadelphia and its own local industries. Key sectors include healthcare and life sciences, education, retail, hospitality, technology, and professional services (according to Zippia and Job Market and Employment Opportunities in Ambler, PA). Major employers in the region include Deloitte, Penn Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania (according to Numbeo).
The average hourly wage in Ambler is approximately $31.25 per hour, equating to an average annual salary of around $65,000 (according to Zippia). The median household income in Ambler was reported as $73,953 (according to Numbeo), and the average annual household income was $102,280 in 2024 (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Ambler experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature typically ranges from 25°F in January to 86°F in July (according to Weather and Climate Year Round in Ambler, Pennsylvania). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 86°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows near 26°F (according to Weather and Climate Year Round in Ambler, Pennsylvania).
The borough receives a substantial amount of precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of about 48 inches (according to Livability.com and MyForecast). July is typically the wettest month, while February sees the least rainfall. Ambler also experiences an average annual snowfall of around 21 inches, with February being the snowiest month (according to Weather and Climate Year Round in Ambler, Pennsylvania).
Education and Schools
Ambler is served by the Wissahickon School District, which is highly regarded within Pennsylvania. The district includes several well-ranked schools, such as Wissahickon Senior High School, Wissahickon Middle School, Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, and Shady Grove Elementary School (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com). These schools consistently demonstrate strong academic performance, with proficiency rates in math and reading often exceeding state averages (according to Niche).
Public schools in the 19002 zip code, which includes Ambler, have an average math proficiency score of 65% and a reading proficiency score of 81%. These scores are significantly higher than the Pennsylvania public school averages (according to Niche). The district as a whole receives an A+ rating, ranking among the top school districts in the state (according to Niche).