Plymouth Meeting includes Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County and is located about 25 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia. 

The confluence of major roadways including the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276), the Blue Route (I-476) and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) at the Mid-County Interchange make Plymouth Meeting a hub for business and retail development.  

Niche.com calls Plymouth Meeting Plymouth “one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania” and it receives high marks in key indicators such as public schools, good for families and nightlife. 

“We love it here for many reasons but foremost is the community for our children. We love the people we’ve met,” said Kristin Jackowski. Jackowski and her husband, Michael, are parents to Grayson, 10, NavyAnna, 8, Jaynee, 3, Meredith, 18 months, and Walker, 7 months. “Our neighbor is friendly yet quiet. There are so many activities and sports programs available. It’s so close to major highways to travel for work, to the city or for a family trip. It’s somewhere I kind of dreamed of living when I was a kid. We are proud residents and are grateful that our children can grow in this environment!”

Housing

The housing market in Plymouth Meeting is considered very competitive due to its proximity to major roadways and highly rated public schools. According to Redfin, homes spent an average of 35 days on the market with an average sale price of $355,000. 

Plymouth Meeting has 2,544 homes and apartments with a median home value of $369, 514.  Fifty-five percent are single-family homes and 36.1 are apartment complexes. 

“I think it is a great place because it is family oriented. A lot of people are raising families in Plymouth Meeting. I like our neighborhood. Even though we are near the Blue Route and the Turnpike, we have a nice quiet neighborhood for our kids and a decent size backyard for our kids and dogs to play in,” said Denise Rouse. Rouse, and her husband, Mike, are parents to Nicole, 3, and Shawn, 5.

Schools

Plymouth Meeting is home to the Colonial School District. It consists of five elementary schools, a middle school housing grades 6-8, and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School for grades 9-12.  Plymouth Whitemarsh High School boasts a 98 percent graduation rate and is the 38th ranked high school in the state of Pennsylvania according to US News and World Report.  

“Colonial School District is one of the best in the state,” said Jackowski who is a regular volunteer at the school. “I’m on the Ridge Park PTO board as Treasurer so I see firsthand the dedication, commitment, and professionalism of our faculty and teachers.”

Plymouth Meeting Friends School focuses on the formative years of the elementary level, early childhood (starting at three years of age) through sixth grade. Other private school options are Silver Springs – Martin Luther School,  Holy Rosary Regional Catholic School, and Conshohocken Catholic Elementary.

For little learners, there are a variety of options including The Goddard School, Storehouse Preschool, Little Munchkins Learning Center, Creative Care and Childcare Center. Flanagan’s Preschool receives positive reviews and is recognized as a Cadence Education School of Excellence. 

Attractions and Family Favorites

The Plymouth Meeting Mall is considered the top attraction in the area and one of the most family-friendly malls. It houses the only LEGOLAND location in the Philadelphia area. Kids love the interactive LEGO experience, and both parents and children will marvel at Miniland – Philadelphia’s most famous buildings built with over 1.5 million LEGO bricks.

Family owned and operated since 1958 in Plymouth Meeting, Carl Venezia Meats is known for their selection of the freshest meats.  “We have a very diverse customer base. I still have customers coming to us who have been with us for over fifty years,” said proprietor Butch “Carl” Venezia. Bestsellers include all-natural turkey, steaks, ground beef, mixed ground beef, and Italian seasoned pork. “We always carry Nature’s Pork from Souderton. We know the state of origin from all our meats and process and cut it here,” said Venezia.

Maple Acres Farm is the last working farm in Plymouth Township and is over 100 years old. They are known for fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and pick-your-own flowers. Maple Acres also has pony rides and seasonal activities like hayrides.

Story and photographs by Katie Kohler.