Anyone have info on Elkins Park, PA?

amother

Ivory

Tue, Mar 28 2017, 3:51 pm

Looking into the community and looking for some basic info.

1. How suburban is it? Would it be a major change for families accustomed to city living or is it more of a crossover suburb/city type lifestyle?

2. How social is it? Do the kids have plenty of neighbors and friends to play with?

3. Hashkafos?

Thank you.

amother

Pumpkin

Tue, Mar 28 2017, 5:47 pm

amother wrote:

Haven't lived there in a loooooooooooong time. In fact, I didn't know it still had a significant Jewish population. It was the mecca for Conservative/secular Jews in the 50s and 60s. There are still a large number of Conservative and Reform synagogues lining Old York Road -- Beth Shalom, AJ, KI. I think Rodeph Shalom closed, but I could be wrong. CMBI, in Melrose Park, which was "conservadox," definitely did. I don't know how many people still attend the remaining synagogues. But the only Orthodox religious institution I could think of is the Greek Orthodox Church.

Anyway, Elkins Park is just outside Philadelphia, so its more urban/suburban. Detached homes but still close to city life. Most construction probably vintage early 60s.

amother

Ivory

Tue, Mar 28 2017, 5:56 pm

amother wrote:

Thanks!

Its part of the OU Community Fair and marketing itself as a pretty right wing crowd. I guess things changed recently. Would love to hear from anyone with updated info.

amother

Brunette

Tue, Mar 28 2017, 7:03 pm

I live nearby. Definitely has a frum crowd, but not so big. Welcoming shul for all backgrounds. Very pretty area, lots of grass and parks. Families I know are very nice. Kids go to school in northeast Philadelphia.
I would contact them through the site and go for a shabbos.
Eta: not city like at all. There are kids, but depending on ages it can be a small social group. Different ages/grades definitely get together.

amother

Navy

Tue, Mar 28 2017, 7:58 pm

We are also considering moving to Elkins park. We visited on a Sunday and saw a number of houses. The houses we looked at were within half a mile from the Young Israel and all had at least 4 bedrooms. Prices started in the 200's.
We decided that we will go for a Shabbat to get a better feel for the neighborhood. I will update thred, G-d willing, after we do.