Pros and Cons of Living in Montgomery County PA (2026 Guide)
Living in Montgomery County, PA in 2026 offers strong schools, solid long‑term demand, and good access to Philadelphia, but also higher housing costs and property taxes than many nearby areas.
Cost, Taxes, and Affordability
Montgomery County’s overall cost of living runs noticeably above the U.S. average and higher than Philadelphia County, largely due to housing and taxes. One comparison estimates moving from Philadelphia County to Montgomery County increases annual expenses by about 21%, with housing roughly 22% higher and taxes about 28% higher.
County property taxes have also risen: the 2026 budget includes about a 4% property tax increase, translating to roughly $36 more per year for an average single-family home at the county level, with school district millage adding significantly on top. This means affordability depends heavily on township, school district, and your income.
Schools, Demand, and Long-Term Value
Montgomery County is home to multiple top-ranked school districts, including Lower Merion, Wissahickon, Upper Dublin, and Colonial, which routinely appear near the top of county and state rankings. Strong schools help support steady buyer demand and resilient home values, especially in established suburbs and walkable boroughs.
Long-term data shows that households in the county enjoy relatively strong real wages adjusted for cost of living, supporting the buyer pool and helping underpin housing demand over time. Even buyers without children often weigh school district alignment for resale and appreciation potential.
Suburban Lifestyle and Commute Access
Many Montgomery County towns balance suburban living with realistic access to Philadelphia:
Driving distance from central parts of the county to Center City is around 29–30 miles, with typical drive times about 35 minutes in normal traffic.
SEPTA Regional Rail connects multiple boroughs (e.g., Lansdale, Ambler, North Wales, Conshohocken) to Center City, with sample trips taking 45–60 minutes and running regularly during commute hours.
Walkable boroughs such as Lansdale, Ambler, Jenkintown, and Conshohocken offer downtown main streets, restaurants, and train stations, giving a hybrid urban‑suburban feel. Other townships lean more traditionally suburban, with more driving and fewer nightlife options, which some residents see as a downside and others as a benefit.
Pros at a Glance
Strong school options: Multiple high-performing districts with strong reputations and competitive high schools.
Access to jobs and city amenities: Reasonable commutes to Center City and major employment hubs like King of Prussia.
Diverse housing stock: A mix of condos, townhomes, older walkable housing, new construction, and larger single-family homes at a wide range of price points.
Stable long-term demand: Suburban lifestyle, schools, and location keep Montgomery County on many buyers’ short lists year after year.
Cons and Trade-Offs
Higher housing and tax costs: Housing, transportation, and taxes run significantly higher than in Philadelphia County, and property taxes continue to trend upward with recent budget increases.
Competition and limited inventory in hot areas: Walkable boroughs and top school districts often see lower inventory and faster sales, requiring buyers to prepare aggressively.
More suburban feel: Outside of the boroughs and transit nodes, life can feel car-dependent with fewer late-night amenities than the city.
HOAs in townhome, condo, and 55+ communities can add monthly fees and rules around rentals and exterior changes, which some buyers view as restrictive.
Is Montgomery County the Right Fit for You?
Montgomery County tends to work best for people who:
Value schools, space, and stability over being in the middle of city nightlife.
Are comfortable with higher housing costs and property taxes in exchange for schools and neighborhood feel.
Need a realistic commute to Philadelphia or regional job centers and like the idea of walkable boroughs or established suburbs.
If you want to compare towns, schools, taxes, and price points against your budget and commute, a structured side‑by‑side is the best next step.
👉 Schedule Your Strategy Consultation
SEO Metadata (Squarespace Settings)
SEO Title (Under 60 Characters):
Pros and Cons of Living in Montgomery County PA
Meta Description (Under 155 Characters):
Explore the pros and cons of living in Montgomery County PA in 2026 before making your move.
URL Slug:
pros-and-cons-living-montgomery-county-pa
