Plymouth Whitemarsh

Plymouth Whitemarsh

 

 

 

 

Whitemarsh, which some say got its name from the white sand and earth that created a marsh from the Wissahickon’s springs, was originally inhabited by the Lenape Indians. European settlement arose after William Penn received his land grant from England. One of the 28 communities to comprise Montgomery County upon its founding, Whitemarsh was the site of various notable Revolutionary War events. Throughout the 1800s, taverns, mills, and tanneries developed throughout the area and sustained the local economy. The subsequent rise of industry in the late 19th century allowed the area to grow further, and the post-WWII housing boom created much of the residential fabric of current day Whitemarsh. Today, the township is comprised of Plymouth Meeting, Lafayette Hill, and a section of Fort Washington.

 

 

 

Winding, tree-lined roads, and well-preserved pastures characterize this community, but you won’t be far from all of the necessary conveniences of the suburbs. A bustling commercial area is complete with national retail chains and familiar restaurants. Whitemarsh also takes great pride in its well-known public and private high schools, whose sports teams regularly make headlines.

 

 

 

Historic battle sites like Hope Lodge and Militia Hill define Whitemarsh, as do the rolling fields and trails of Fort Washington State Park. One of the largest private employers in the county, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, has a campus here, so many professionals both live and work in the area. It is also home to several country clubs and a well-attended swim club, so recreation is never far out of reach. Another attraction is the Plymouth Meeting Mall, which was one of the first enclosed shopping centers in the Philadelphia area. The Mall has 80 specialty stores and restaurants, along with an adjacent movie theater housing multiple screens.

 

 

 

The numerous arterial roads that led to Whitemarsh’s growth make it one of the most convenient places to live in the Philadelphia suburbs. The Pennsylvania Turnpike and state Route 309 both have nearby interchanges, and the Septa regional rail has several stops within the Township. Philadelphia is just 30 minutes away by either car or train.

 

 

 

Homes range in size and price from the storied estates of the nineteenth century to the smaller scale post-WWII houses that rapidly expanded the area in the 1950s and 60s. For the DIY buyer, there are plenty of options from which to choose. The market for move-in-ready homes is also rife with opportunity and in high demand in Whitemarsh.

 

 

 

This picturesque community has many of the trappings of the American Dream, though the adventure of the city is only about twenty miles away. The schools, parks, shopping, and historical destinations make Whitemarsh hard to resist as a place to settle down.

 

 

Visit Maple Acres Farmer’s Market, a century-old landmark where you can pick your own flowers, pick up some fresh eggs and hormone-free chicken, homemade ice cream, honey, and much more. Erdenheim Farm is a functioning cattle, vegetable, and fruit farm, in addition to an apiary and equine facility. The Whitemarsh Art Center, a decades-old community destination, offers classes, events, and workshops for children and adults alike. For your fitness needs, visit the indoor pool at Greater Plymouth Community Center, which also offers a gym, summer camp, and sports leagues. The Parks and Rec Department also hosts movies in the park throughout the township in the summer, and Plymouth Meeting Friends has an annual Strawberry Festival each June to welcome the warm weather. One of the area’s most popular restaurants is not to be missed either - From the Boot features delicious homestyle Italian food in a warm casual atmosphere.