Nestled northwest of Philadelphia is the suburban neighborhood of Wissahickon. Families love Wissahickon’s small-town charm and close-knit community. The neighborhood is also considered a premier school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Plus, Wissahickon has an array of exceptional offerings to check out and fun events to partake in.

From its quaint atmosphere to its vibrant lifestyle, here are five reasons why families love living in the highly sought-after Wissahickon School District.

Small-town charm

Wissahickon encompasses Lower Gwynedd Township, the Borough of Ambler, and Whitpain Township, which is also known as Blue Bell. The neighborhood is only 20 minutes from Philadelphia and is situated in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County.

The community of Wissahickon has an undeniable small-town charm. The neighborhood is mainly residential and is very pedestrian-friendly. Within walking distance is Main Street Ambler and Wissahickon Park. The neighborhood’s standout living conditions make it a highly sought-after locale as well. Wissahickon has even been dubbed one of the best places to live in all of Pennsylvania.

Close-knit community

Wissahickon’s small size has made the community extremely close-knit. Local restaurants and shops, along with public green spaces, serve as popular residential hangout spots. In addition, festive local events are held regularly for Wissahickon community members.

The neighborhood of Wissahickon is a wonderful place to raise children and, as such, attracts many young families. The community’s schools and amenities cater heavily to children, providing quality education and wholesome entertainment for all ages. Parents also appreciate the liveliness of Downtown Ambler and the social events held at Wissahickon’s country clubs.

Prestigious school district

_{Photo courtesy of Wissahickon School District}

Established in 1966, the prestigious Wissahickon School District is by far one of the biggest draws to the area. This coveted school district has a population of around 41,000 people and serves nearly 5,000 students through four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Each school is renowned for its academic excellence, extra-curricular offerings, and character education program.

The Wissahickon School District is heavily focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and uses e-classrooms to teach a variety of technologies. STEM instruction features “Makerspaces” in which students can collaborate to create innovative designs. In addition, students in all grade levels participate in computer science and coding activities. Some of Wissahickon School District’s digital and audio-visual classroom technologies include:

• Interactive whiteboards
• LCD projectors and speakers
• Mobile laptop carts (elementary schools)
• District-issued individual laptops (middle school and high school)

Extra-curricular and co-curricular offerings are another important part of the Wissahickon School District. The 35+ activities and clubs aim to expand the academic and social development of students. About 80% of Wissahickon high schoolers participate in organizations, music, theater, art, athletic programs, and interscholastic competitions. Their Robotics Team is even ranked in the top 2% of all teams in the world.

The Wissahickon School District also strongly encourages giving back to the local community. Through their character education program, all students are taught to be good citizens by participating in community service activities. This community involvement has given the residents of Wissahickon a spirited school pride.

Due to its many phenomenal offerings, the Wissahickon School District has received notable accolades such as:

• Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (U.S. Department of Education, 2016-2017)
• 2nd Best High School in Montgomery County (U.S. News & World Report, 2021)
• 7th Best High School in Pennsylvania (U.S. News & World Report, 2021)

Exceptional local offerings

From its lovely eateries and shops to its immaculate trails and parks, Wissahickon has plenty of exceptional offerings.

With its walkable streets and adorable storefronts, Downtown Ambler is a local favorite. Roost Home and Wild Lilies Boutique are wonderful shops selling home goods and trendy clothing. Must-try restaurants include the historic Blue Bell Inn, sensational Bridget’s Steakhouse, and innovative Forest & Main Brewery. Housed in a majestic building, the Ambler Theater is a nonprofit cinema that shows art and foreign films.

Wissahickon Valley Park is a nature-filled locale with dozens of miles of trails ideal for hiking and biking. This impressive park features a striking 1,800-acre gorge that plunges into the serene waters of Wissahickon Creek. The Borough of Ambler is home to nine beautiful parks for families to explore as well. Children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic courts and fields can all be found throughout Ambler.

The community of Wissahickon also touts two pristine country clubs. Cedarbrook Country Club has both a championship course and a “PGA Family Course” so that the entire family can golf together. Bluestone Country Club also has a championship course, which is situated on rolling lands that meander through calm waters. Both country clubs have state-of-the-art amenities and year-round social gatherings for their members to enjoy too.

Fun local events

There’s always a fun local gathering happening in the neighborhood of Wissahickon. Downtown Ambler, in particular, always has a full calendar of events. First Fridays in Ambler is a lively social gathering with food trucks, live music, and merchant booths. Held on the first Friday of the month from May through October, this family-friendly event even has a free “Kid’s Zone” with crafts, games, inflatables, and shows. The Ambler Farmers’ Market is held weekly from May through November and sells fresh local produce and handcrafted artisanal goods. Other awesome events to mark your calendars for include Oktoberfest, The Auto Show, and the Ambler Arts & Music Festival.

Wissahickon real estate

Moving to the lovely neighborhood of Wissahickon in Northwest Philadelphia? Reach out to Powerhouse Real Estate for a list of Wissahickon homes for sale in the area! This team of real estate experts has extensive knowledge of the Pennsylvania market and provides the finest client services. Discover the most magnificent properties in Wissahickon by working with the talented Powerhouse Real Estate.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Powerhouse Real Estate}