Student Living in Elkins Park: The Ultimate Guide

05/15/24

Want to know if Elkins Park is the right location for you? Elkins Park is a much-desired neighborhood just north of Philadelphia in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. With just over 7,300 residents, this quaint, safe community is split between Cheltenham and Abington Townships. An ideal mix of comfort, convenience, and community, this friendly suburban spot is fast becoming a popular choice for students.

There are even apartment complexes in Elkins Park specifically catering to students. These spaces offer unique amenities and services such as free student shuttles to campus and engaging social events. It’s student-living away from dorms and campus – the best of both worlds!

Read on for the Ultimate Student Guide to Elkins Park:

Right Near Universities

Elkins Park is a prime location that puts you close to your campus without the hustle and bustle that usually comes with student apartments. Its proximity to colleges and convenient public transport routes are ideal benefits for local students looking to escape campus dorms.

Salus University: For Salus students, Elkins Park is closely situated to campus. It offers a tranquil escape after a long day of classes. With various public transport options, students can safely get to and from the university.

Arcadia University:Looking for student housing near Arcadia University? Elkins Park is practically next door, making those early morning classes a breeze. Around 2 miles away, you could leave the car behind and enjoy a leisurely 15-minute bike ride to campus.

Penn State Abington: Elkins Park offers convenient access to Penn State Abington. Although it’s further out than Arcadia University, you can drive the 15-minute journey (via Whole Foods if you wish). Or catch the useful public transport (keep reading!)

penn state university elkins park housing

Travel Made Simple: Public Transport in Elkins Park

If you don’t have a car (or don’t want to worry about parking), Elkins Park offers a reliable, stress-free commute to your university and beyond. Check out our guide to navigating the convenient public transport options:

SEPTA:

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is one of the largest transit systems in the country. This Regional Rail makes exploring the region easy and affordable. Elkins Park is in Fare Zone 2, only four station stops from Center City Philadelphia.

As well as traveling and exploring the beauty of Greater Philadelphia, SEPTA is a convenient travel option to get to university;

Salus University: From Elkins Park Station, take the West Trenton Line to Jenkintown Wyncote just one stop and then it’s a 15-minute walk to campus.
Arcadia University: Take the Warminster Line 2 stops from Elkins Park Station to Glenside and walk a mile to campus.
Penn State Abington: Student apartments are just three stops on the West Trenton Line bringing you close to campus. Just exit at Rydal Station and walk half a mile.

Buses:

Elkins Park is also well-connected when it comes to its bus routes. Buses are a quick and easy way to reach grocery stores, restaurants, and your university.

To get to local universities by bus:

Salus University: Bus route 55 is the quickest option taking just 3 minutes from Old York Rd & Spring Av to Breyer Dr.
Arcadia University: Several bus routes will take you towards Arcadia University. One of the shortest options includes the buses 28 and 77 for a 30-minute journey.
Penn State Abington: Similar to Salus University, from Old York Rd & Spring Av, take the 55 bus route to Old York Rd & Woodland Rd. The campus is just a gentle nine-minute stroll away!

University Shuttles:

Some Elkins Park student housing complexes, like Lynnewood Gardens, go the extra mile and offer free student shuttle services. This can be a game changer for those early-morning lectures or late-night study sessions.

Living Beyond Campus: Your Elkins Park Student Housing

Elkins Park offers more than just its proximity to universities. There are pros and cons of living off campus. Many students enjoy off-campus housing for a more independent lifestyle and different amenities. Check out the features of many student apartments in Elkins Park.

Apartment Amenities: Elkins Park student apartments have an abundance of useful amenities compared to university dorms. From modern kitchen appliances to around-the-clock emergency maintenance to the sleek design, student apartments here are a home away from home.

Community Amenities: Student housing in Elkins Park goes beyond what you imagine for student living. Think study lounges, fitness centers, laundry facilities, and accessible public transport options – all making your life as a student that much easier. Many apartments also have clubhouses, resident-only swimming pools, and bike shares. (View the Lynnewood Gardens amenities here) For nature lovers, there are outdoor fitness trails and even parks specifically for your pets (bark park here I come!)

Community Spirit: There are a host of community events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations. As a culturally diverse area, you can explore opportunities to learn about and celebrate different cultures and traditions.

lynnewood gardens community amenities for students

Elkins Park Living: Where Convenience Meets Community

Elkins Park is more than just accessible, affordable student housing. It’s a vibrant community with ample activities and businesses to cater to your student-living needs. Read on for a glimpse of what Elkins Park has to offer:

Elkins Park Free Library: If you like a change of scenery when you study, this peaceful library is the heart of the community. As well as workspaces and study resources, this hub offers a wide range of services, educational programs, and community events. From book clubs to movie nights, you’ll likely find a new passion and connect with like-minded people.

Nature at your doorstep: Elkins Park’s beautiful parks and green spaces are a huge selling point for the area. This idyllic town is mostly residential with plenty of green spaces for study break walks. There are several parks and recreational areas, including the Curtis Arboretum and the Tookany Creek Park.

Culinary Delights: Elkins Park has a delicious variety of restaurants to satisfy all your cravings.

Chef Vargas is the place to go for breakfast. Check out their various French Toast twists and breakfast hash!
Goat House Creamery has great ice cream or hot drinks – head here for an on-the-go treat before a stroll around the nearby park.
McKinley’s Tavern has a comprehensive list of drinks and some great American food to enjoy after a day of studying. You won’t want to miss their karaoke nights!
Paris Baguette is a dream bakery/cafe made from a morning treat or celebration dessert.
Tiffin serves British-style Indian cuisine with great vegetarian and vegan options.
FoodChasers’s Kitchen is a must-try for brunch and a full menu of American delights.

Fun and Fitness: If you’re looking for activities away from the fitness center in your apartment complex, there are plenty of local running groups and fitness classes to join. Not far from student housing, there are various fitness studios close by including Madness and Fitness 19.

Shopping Oasis: Conveniently, Elkins Park has major retail stores within walking distance or a short bus ride away, making grocery shopping and grabbing essentials effortless.

Target
Walmart
ALDI
Walgreens
HMart (Korean food market with a food court)

Students living in Elkins Park have all of this at their fingertips. For a quaint, relaxing community, there is a lot of buzz and activity to get involved in.

Ready to make Elkins Park your home away from home?

With all this useful information, you’re probably imagining what your life could look like in this charming suburban haven. Elkins Park has so much to offer when it comes to affordable, safe student housing. From its proximity to several universities to its vibrant community spirit and diverse amenities, Elkins Park caters to every aspect of student life.