Section Image

West Oak Lane

West Oak Lane

Neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County 19126, 19138, 19150

Neighborhood Reviews
3.1
$229,258 Average Value
$172 Average Price per Sq Ft
66 Homes For Sale

Rowhomes, bodegas and traffic lights

Before World War II, West Oak Lane was almost entirely made up of farmland. Today, residents would hardly know, considering the densely packed, gridded streets of rowhomes, bodegas and traffic lights. Located in North Philadelphia, just outside Montgomery County, West Oak Lane is valued for its affordability and ease. “You don’t have to have a car if you don’t want to,” says local Realtor Stacy Hulayev with RE/MAX Regency Realty. “There’s a lot of transportation there; there are busses and major transportation centers for shopping. Plus, it’s very close to the suburbs. You can get in and out of the city quickly if needed.”

Many homes in the West Oak Lane neighborhood have porches, and some owners plant gardens.
Many homes in the West Oak Lane neighborhood have porches, and some owners plant gardens.
West Oak Lane, PA has a vast number of options for homebuyers.
West Oak Lane, PA has a vast number of options for homebuyers.
1/2

Accessible living in West Oak Lane

Affordability is a major factor for those moving to West Oak Lane, where tightly packed, cottage-style rowhomes are offered at an accessible rate. Properties range in price between $150,000 and $400,000, about average for Philadelphia. However, square footage typically trends above average. Many properties rest atop elevated, grassy knolls with spacious sidewalks just below. Stone and brick façades are complemented by small gardens and shaded verandas, giving this dense, urban neighborhood a more comfortable atmosphere. Street parking is the norm, but some residents have cement pads out back for personal vehicles. “I think a lot of people appreciate the reasonable prices,” Hulayev explains. “Philadelphia has cheaper taxes, and it’s overall just a nice little spot for people to be able to have their kids with schools nearby and somewhat cheaper living.”

Some residents have planted gardens on their front lawns in West Oak Lane.
Some residents have planted gardens on their front lawns in West Oak Lane.
Streets in West Oak Lane have sidewalks and on street parking.
Streets in West Oak Lane have sidewalks and on street parking.
1/2

Well-loved, family-owned eats

Markets and retail outlets line Cheltenham Avenue, a central thoroughfare in West Oak Lane. Locals shop at H Mart Elkins Park, as well as Save A Lot, less than 2 miles down the road. Greenleaf at Cheltenham is a nearby hub offering Target and Home Depot, while Walmart is less than a mile up the road at Cedarbrook Plaza. “I’d say most of the residents in West Oak Lane come up and use the Targets in Abington, too,” Hulayev says. “It’s only a 15–20-minute ride.” Those who prefer walkability can grab the essentials from bodegas and corner stores throughout West Oak Lane. As for eats, Gilben’s Bakery is a specialty sandwich shop and bakery run by a former Amtrack conductor and his family, a well-loved, black-owned business. Jamillah’s Garden Soul Food & BBQ is almost always packed with a line outside, and Paganos Steaks & Hoagies has been open for more than 50 years, always serving freshly sliced meats.

West Oak Lane residents have easy access to large shopping centers.
West Oak Lane residents have easy access to large shopping centers.
In West Oak Lane Gilben's Bakery is the place to go, they also have a sandwiches.
In West Oak Lane Gilben's Bakery is the place to go, they also have a sandwiches.
1/2

Philadelphia’s vibrant institutions and festivities

Living just 11 miles from Center City has its perks. Residents of West Oak Lane are a bus ride away from some of Philadelphia’s premier concert venues, including The Fillmore and Wells Fargo Center. Residents can spend an afternoon at The Franklin Institute or Philadelphia Museum of Art, or simply attend one of the city’s many annual festivals. From the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Juneteenth Parade & Festival and Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival, locals need only walk to their closest SEPTA stop to reach the vibrant events scene in their own backyard.

Two catchment areas, one shared high school

Students are divided between two catchment areas in The School District of Philadelphia. Most will begin at William Rowen School and continue on to General Louis Wagner Middle School, both of which earn a C-minus on Niche. Others are zoned for Samuel Pennypacker School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade institution that also earns a C-minus on Niche. Both catchment areas feed into Martin Luther King High. Though this secondary school earns a D-plus on Niche, students are encouraged to join extracurricular programs, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, geared toward youth mentorship.

William Rowen School in West Oak Lane has students in K-5th grades.
William Rowen School in West Oak Lane has students in K-5th grades.
General Louis Wagner Middle School in West Oak Lane has a student-teacher ratio of 12-1.
General Louis Wagner Middle School in West Oak Lane has a student-teacher ratio of 12-1.
1/2

Farming, fishing and ice-skating

Residents have plenty of opportunities for recreation within a few miles of the neighborhood. The closest is Simons Community Recreation Center, a 13-acre space with sports fields, ball courts, a gymnasium and an ice-skating rink. Nearby, Awbury Park’s arboretum has been free and open to the public for more than 100 years, neighboring a community pool and farm where guests can garden, take workshops or engage with co-op farming. Perhaps the grandest of all is Wissahickon Valley Park, which attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Along with a handful of trails bordering Wissahickon Creek, guests can catch and release fish or picnic at one of many designated areas.

In West Oak Lane Simons Recreation Center offers after school programs for the children.
In West Oak Lane Simons Recreation Center offers after school programs for the children.
Playing basketball with a friend at Simons Recreation Center in West Oak Lane.
Playing basketball with a friend at Simons Recreation Center in West Oak Lane.
1/2

Commuting to Center City

Public transportation is highly accessible throughout West Oak Lane, with walkable SEPTA bus stops offered on many of the neighborhood’s gridded streets. Train stations run parallel to North Broad Street, the closest stations being Melrose Park and Fern Rock. Commuters to Center City can expect an 11-mile ride on Interstate 76, whereas Philadelphia International Airport is closer to 18 miles south. Those preferring to bike won’t find designated lanes on residential streets, but surrounding thoroughfares typically offer them. Further, the closest emergency room is located at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, less than 2 miles south along North Broad Street.

Catching the Route 6 bus on Ogontz Avenue in West Oak Lane.
Catching the Route 6 bus on Ogontz Avenue in West Oak Lane.
Residents of West Oak Lane can easily get around using the Melrose Park Train Station Platform.
Residents of West Oak Lane can easily get around using the Melrose Park Train Station Platform.
1/2
Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Emily Ou, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

36 min drive

Bus

74th Av & Walnut Ln

Bus

Old York Rd & Medary Av

Bus

Ogontz Av & Tulpehocken St

Bus

Ogontz Av & 67th Av

Bus

Ogontz Av & 69th Av

Bus

Stenton Av & Johnson St

Bus

Washington Ln & Woolston Av

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.1 76 Reviews
2.0 Niche User
8/31/2014 Niche Review
i don't think that many people are physically active. The nearest fitness center is 7-10 miles away.
5.0 Niche User
8/29/2015 Niche Review
Its,great,i,love living in my area the people are amzang
3.0 Niche User
1/1/2015 Niche Review
The weather is somewhat great in my area. No major storms or tornadoes or anything like that.
5.0 Niche User
1/8/2015 Niche Review
Restaurants such as Chilli's and the fast food resaurant Chick Fil A is nearby. The food is really great. There are also buffets and local favorites.
Are you familiar with the West Oak Lane neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Oak Lane US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$240,000
Median Single Family Price
$269,000
Median Townhouse Price
$240,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$172
Number of Homes for Sale
66
Last 12 months Home Sales
313
Months of Supply
2.50
Median List Price
$242,398
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
12,300
Median Year Built
1925
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,658
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,297
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 1pm

    7951 Bayard St, Philadelphia, PA 19150

    $335,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,382 Sq Ft
    • 7951 Bayard St
    • New 14 days ago

    Welcome to your dream home at 7951 Bayard St. This meticulously renovated 3 bedroom, 2 full bath in the Mt Airy section of Philadephia with a modern contemporary design, offering the perfect blend of style and functionality. Step inside and be captivated by an open floor plan featuring bright gleaming hardwood flooring that flows throughout the first and second floors, creating a sense of

    Ashley Ball OCF Realty LLC - Philadelphia

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Emily Ou, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
34,362
Median Age
44
Population Density
29 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,440
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,296

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.7%
College Graduates
19.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

59 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

75 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

54 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Oak Lane