Neighborhood Overview
On a summer night in La Mott, you’ll hear kids playing on quiet side streets, neighbors talking on front steps, and the distant rumble of the city without ever feeling like you’re in the middle of it. Living in La Mott feels like a small, historic neighborhood tucked right on the edge of Philadelphia—tree‑covered blocks, a strong sense of community, and quick access to Elkins Park, Melrose Park, and the city just down Cheltenham Avenue.
La Mott is an unincorporated community and historic district within Cheltenham Township in southeastern Montgomery County. The neighborhood covers roughly 167 acres, sits about 230 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Rockledge, Wyncote, and Laverock, with the intersection of Cheltenham Avenue and Old York Road forming its southern edge. In my day‑to‑day work helping buyers here, I describe La Mott as a “tucked‑in pocket”: residential, walkable on a neighborhood scale, and deeply rooted in history, but minutes from major roads and transit.
La Mott Community Center and Free Library
Lifestyle and Local Highlights
Day‑to‑day life in La Mott is residential and community‑centered, with history woven into the landscape.
Local highlights of living in La Mott include:
La Mott Historic District: Also known as the Camp William Penn Historic District, this 26‑acre area includes more than 35 historic buildings and sites tied to the Civil War training camp for Black Union soldiers and later civil‑rights history.
Neighborhood feel: Streets are lined with single‑family homes, mature trees, and sidewalks, and the La Mott Fire Company—founded in 1910—still serves the area, reinforcing that “small community inside a larger township” feel.
Nearby parks and amenities: Residents make use of township parks, nearby playing fields, and neighborhood playgrounds in Cheltenham and Melrose Park, plus local shops and services along Cheltenham Avenue and Old York Road.
Cultural significance: La Mott is widely recognized as an important site in African‑American history, and the historic marker and preserved buildings reflect that pride.
What surprises many buyers is how quickly the feel changes once you turn into La Mott—you leave behind busy corridors and step into a quieter, more intimate neighborhood that still sits right on the city line.
Housing and Architecture
If you’re wondering, “What types of homes are in La Mott?”, think modest to mid‑sized single‑family homes and twins, many with historic details, on compact but comfortable lots.
On the ground, La Mott housing usually looks like:
Single‑family homes: Early‑ and mid‑20th‑century homes in a mix of styles—Colonial, Foursquare, and vernacular—with porches, pitched roofs, and period trim, especially within the historic district.
Twins and small multifamily: Twins and smaller homes line several streets, providing more attainable entry points while keeping the same neighborhood character.
Historic structures: Within the La Mott Historic District, a number of buildings date back to the Camp William Penn era and later residential development, contributing to the neighborhood’s distinctive identity.
Recent pricing data gives a sense of the La Mott real estate market:
Realtor.com shows homes for sale in Lamott, PA (the platform’s spelling) with a median listing price around $291,950, with roughly 40–50 active listings in the broader Lamott search area depending on the snapshot.
Across those listings, asking prices span from roughly the low‑$200,000s into the mid‑$400,000s, reflecting differences in size, condition, and exact location.
In my experience, on‑the‑ground pricing in La Mott is heavily driven by condition and updates—two homes with similar square footage can be in very different places value‑wise depending on renovation level and how turnkey they feel to today’s buyers.
Commuting and Location
One underrated perk of living in La Mott is how easy it is to get into and around the city while still living in a township neighborhood.
Key commuting and location advantages:
City line access: La Mott sits right by the Cheltenham Avenue/Old York Road corridor, placing you immediately at the Philadelphia border and within reach of Broad Street, Route 611, and major city arteries.
Nearby Regional Rail: While La Mott doesn’t have its own train station, Elkins Park, Melrose Park, and Jenkintown‑Wyncote Regional Rail stations are a short drive away, giving you multiple options into Center City.
Local connections: Nearby neighborhoods such as Elkins Park, Melrose Park, and Wyncote add grocery stores, restaurants, and services, while larger centers like Jenkintown and Cheltenham’s retail corridors are a quick trip by car.
For buyers, this usually means a car‑oriented lifestyle with short hops to transit rather than relying on walking to a train. When I help clients consider La Mott, we map your actual commute routes—by car or via nearby stations—so you know what mornings and evenings will really feel like.
Why live in LA Mott?
La Mott is a small, historic neighborhood located in Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Here are some reasons why you might consider living in La Mott:
1. Rich History: La Mott has a rich history, including being a stop on the Underground Railroad and home to many prominent African-American residents, including the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. The neighborhood has worked to preserve this history, and you can still see many historic buildings and landmarks in the area.
2. Community Spirit: La Mott has a strong sense of community spirit and is home to many community organizations and events, such as the La Mott Community Center and the annual La Mott Community Day celebration.
3. Proximity to Philadelphia: La Mott is located just a short drive or train ride away from Center City Philadelphia, offering easy access to all the city has to offer, including world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
4. Outdoor Recreation: La Mott is surrounded by a variety of parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including Curtis Arboretum, Tookany Creek Park, and the Wissahickon Valley Park. These parks offer hiking, biking, fishing, and other activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Diverse Community: La Mott is a diverse community, with residents from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. This diversity adds to the richness of the community and provides opportunities to learn and grow from others.
6. Affordable Real Estate: Compared to some of the surrounding areas, La Mott offers more affordable real estate options, making it a great choice for those looking to get into the housing market or find a more affordable place to live.
Overall, La Mott offers a unique blend of history, community spirit, outdoor recreation, and diversity, making it a great place to call home.
Real estate market in La mott
2025 Housing Market Snapshot
Because La Mott is a small neighborhood within Cheltenham Township, most public reporting doesn’t break out La Mott alone. To answer “How is the housing market in La Mott?”, we look at pricing for homes for sale in Lamott, PA alongside broader township trends, then overlay what I see on the ground.
What recent data and experience show:
Realtor.com’s Lamott search reports a median listing price around $291,950, with listings primarily made up of smaller single‑family homes and twins.
Compared with some neighboring Cheltenham and Elkins Park areas, Lamott‑area asking prices generally sit on the more attainable side, reflecting modest home sizes and a mix of update levels.
Cheltenham Township as a whole has seen noticeable price growth over the past several years, with many neighborhoods moving from “undervalued” to “closely watched” by buyers priced out of other inner‑ring suburbs.
In practice, 2025 in and around La Mott felt like a steady, value‑oriented market. For buyers, this meant:
A limited but reasonably priced set of options compared with some nearby suburbs.
Real competition on well‑maintained, updated homes, especially those with off‑street parking and usable yard space.
Opportunities to buy into the neighborhood at a lower price point and plan gradual updates over time.
For sellers, 2025 brought a chance to benefit from broader Cheltenham appreciation while still appealing to buyers seeking relative affordability near the city line. When I work with sellers in La Mott, we focus on condition, curb appeal, and clear pricing relative to similar Cheltenham and Elkins Park homes, since buyers compare these pockets side‑by‑side.
Real‑life takeaway: In 2025, La Mott behaved like a small, stable, and relatively attainable market just outside the city—buyers willing to move quickly on well‑kept homes did well, and sellers who priced in line with nearby comparables found solid demand.
2026 Housing Market Outlook
Heading into 2026, La Mott real estate appears to be on a steady path, tracking with broader Cheltenham trends: moderate appreciation, ongoing demand, and more attention from buyers looking for value close to the city.
Current conditions and momentum:
Regional data for Cheltenham Township indicates that home prices have risen over recent years and then leveled into more moderate growth, reflecting a more balanced market between buyers and sellers.
Lamott‑area listings continue to cluster around the high‑$200,000s to mid‑$300,000s for many single‑family homes and twins, depending on size and condition, keeping the area in reach for many first‑time and move‑up buyers.
Inventory in small neighborhoods like La Mott is naturally limited: at any given point there may only be a handful of active listings within the immediate area, which means each new listing matters.
For buyers, this shows up as:
A market where you can still find comparatively approachable price points close to the city, but where you need to be prepared—especially for nicely updated homes.
More focus on condition and long‑term affordability: buyers are watching taxes, utility costs, and renovation budgets closely.
For sellers, the opportunity in 2026 is to recognize that La Mott’s story—historic, small‑scale, and close to the city—is appealing, but buyers are selective. When I work with sellers here now, we:
Use very recent sales in La Mott, Melrose Park, and Elkins Park as the baseline for pricing.
Emphasize updates, maintenance history, and location advantages (quiet street vs. corner, off‑street parking, yard) in marketing and showings.
Real‑life takeaway: Through 2026, La Mott looks like a small, steady, and demand‑backed neighborhood where both buyers and sellers can succeed by staying realistic on price and focusing on condition and value.
Who This Area Is Great For
From my work with buyers in Cheltenham, Elkins Park, and nearby city neighborhoods, La Mott tends to be a great fit if you want:
A small, close‑knit feel: A defined neighborhood where people tend to know each other and local history matters.
Historic character: Streets lined with older homes, historic buildings, and markers tied to Camp William Penn and 19th‑ and 20th‑century history.
City‑adjacent living: Quick access to Philadelphia via Cheltenham Avenue and Old York Road, without giving up a township setting.
Relative affordability: Home prices that are generally more approachable than many other inner‑ring suburbs, especially for modest single‑family homes and twins.
Access to Cheltenham schools: A single public school district serving the township, plus nearby private and parochial options in Elkins Park and surrounding communities.
If you’re asking, “Is La Mott a good place to live?”, it’s especially appealing if you value history, neighborhood identity, and proximity to the city more than having very large lots or a big, commercial downtown.
Buying a Home in La Mott
When I help clients with buying a home in La Mott, we start by getting clear on your budget, how much space you truly need, and how important it is to be close to transit, the city line, or specific nearby neighborhoods.
A typical La Mott buying process might include:
Touring a range of homes: Seeing a mix of single‑family homes and twins on different streets—some closer to Cheltenham Avenue, others deeper into the neighborhood—to get a feel for street activity, parking, and outdoor space.
Reviewing very recent sales: Looking closely at closed sales in La Mott, Melrose Park, and Elkins Park so you understand realistic pricing for updated vs. “needs work” homes in your range.
Planning your offer strategy: Deciding when to move quickly—especially on updated, well‑maintained homes—and when there may be room to negotiate on price or repairs because a property has been on the market longer or needs more renovation.
For buyers wondering, “How is the housing market in La Mott?”, the honest answer is that it’s small and steady, with good opportunities for prepared buyers who can move decisively when the right home appears. What my clients usually care most about here is getting a solid home with manageable payments and room to grow, in a neighborhood that feels close to the city but still like its own community—and La Mott often fits that brief.
Schools and Education
La Mott is part of the Cheltenham Township School District, which serves several communities including La Mott, Melrose Park, Wyncote, Glenside, Cheltenham Village, and Elkins Park.
Families can review data from:
The Cheltenham Township School District website for official information about attendance boundaries, school locations, grade configurations, and programs.
Niche.com, which provides district and school profiles for Cheltenham, with details such as enrollment, student‑teacher ratios, and overall grades based on state data and community reviews.
GreatSchools.org, which offers school‑by‑school profiles, test score summaries, and parent comments for Cheltenham High School and the district’s elementary and middle schools.
Publicly available information from these sources shows:
Myers Elementary School (K–5) serves Melrose Park and La Mott.
Other elementary schools in the district include Cheltenham Elementary, Wyncote Elementary, and Glenside Elementary, each serving different township neighborhoods.
Cheltenham High School in Wyncote serves all Cheltenham communities, including La Mott, and is the district’s only high school.
As of the latest profiles, Cheltenham High School offers AP courses, multiple sports, and a gifted program, and is described on GreatSchools as performing around average compared to other Pennsylvania schools with similar grade spans.
According to sources such as the district website, Niche, and GreatSchools, families can compare metrics like enrollment, student‑teacher ratios, and available programs across Cheltenham schools. I always encourage clients to verify current school assignments directly with Cheltenham Township School District, visit schools when possible, and use multiple resources—not just scores—when evaluating schools and educational fit.
Things to do in La Mott
La Mott is a small, historic neighborhood located in Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. While it may not offer as many attractions as larger nearby cities, there are still a variety of things to do in and around La Mott. Here are some ideas:
1. Visit Historic Sites: La Mott has a rich history, including being a stop on the Underground Railroad and home to many prominent African-American residents. You can explore this history by visiting historic sites such as the Paul Laurence Dunbar House, which is now a museum and cultural center.
2. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation: La Mott is located near several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Curtis Arboretum, Tookany Creek Park, and the Wissahickon Valley Park. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
3. Attend Community Events: La Mott has a strong sense of community spirit and hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual La Mott Community Day celebration. You can also get involved with local community organizations, such as the La Mott Improvement Association or the La Mott Historic Preservation Committee.
4. Explore Nearby Cities: La Mott is located just a short drive or train ride away from Philadelphia and other nearby cities, offering easy access to a variety of cultural attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
5. Shop and Dine: While La Mott itself does not offer many shopping or dining options, there are several nearby towns that do, including Glenside and Jenkintown. You can also explore the local farmer's markets and specialty shops in the area.
Overall, while La Mott may be a small neighborhood, there are still plenty of things to do and explore in the area.
La mott historic district’s History
The La Mott Historic District was added as a US Historic District on October 31st, 1985 (a year prior to Wyncote receiving theirs).
La Mott is home to Camp William Penn, the first federal training site for black soldiers from 1863-1865 during the American Civil War. The camp was a training station to eleven regiments.
Lucretia Mott lived here from the 1850s to her death in 1880. Her house, “Roadside”, was a major stop on the Underground Railroad. Lucretia Mott (1793-1880) was an ardent Quakeress. She is known for her notable work in connection with antislavery, women’s rights, temperance, and peace.
La Mott is a close-in suburb of Philadelphia.
There are fascinating details about La Mott and the training grounds and what happened there. To explain in more details about the history of La Mott during the Civil War check out https://historic-lamott-pa.com/ and read about how black soldiers were paid significantly less until 1864 when they received equal pay and other awesome achievements during this turbulent period of history.
It is important to note the historic zoning of these homes if you are thinking of buying here. Because residents want to maintain this historic character of this community; certain repairs, maintenance, and outside appearances of homes in La Mott are closely reviewed by a Township/Resident board entitled a Board of Historical and Architectural Review or BHAR. Residents and property owners must seek the approval of the La Mott BHAR prior to being granted building permits in La Mott.
La Mott RESOURCES
Cheltenham School District- The District operates four K-4 elementary schools, one 5-6 elementary school, one 7-8 middle school, and one high school, serving approximately 4,525 students. The District is fully inclusive and offers a broad range of Special Education services.
Curtis Arboretum- This is the website to book events at this gorgeous hall. Lots of wedding and anniversaries are held here.
Curtis Arboretum- More information on the park
Cheltenham Township- Find out municipal information and more on La Mott
Historic La Mott - A great website outlining the historic details of La Mott
Ask me about buying, selling, and renting property in La Mott, PA.
Work With a Local Expert
Whether you’re a year away from moving or already checking homes for sale in La Mott every night, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
In my day‑to‑day work as Shaina McAndrews, realtor, my team and I help buyers and sellers in La Mott, Cheltenham, Elkins Park, and nearby city neighborhoods turn “maybe this is the right area” into a clear, data‑backed plan.
You have two simple, low‑pressure ways to take the next step:
1. Quick call about buying or selling
Schedule a short call here:
https://calendly.com/agentshainamc/quick-call
On this call, we can:
Talk through your timeline, budget, and what you’re looking for in and around La Mott.
Answer your questions about living in La Mott and how it compares to nearby neighborhoods like Elkins Park, Melrose Park, or Mt. Airy.
Walk through what the La Mott/Cheltenham real estate market is doing right now in your price range.
Map out clear next steps so you know exactly how to move from “just browsing” to a workable plan—whether that’s 2 months or 12 months from now.
2. La Mott home value and pricing insight
If you already own a home in or near La Mott and want to understand what it might sell for in today’s market, start here:
http://app.cloudcma.com/api_widget/4c119a73549ddc99191fd9e9192a3990/show?post_url=https://app.cloudcma.com&source_url=ua
You’ll receive a detailed, data‑driven home value report that includes:
Recent comparable sales in La Mott and surrounding Cheltenham neighborhoods.
Current pricing, days‑on‑market, and price‑per‑square‑foot trends for homes like yours.
A realistic value range for your property based on today’s conditions, not just past peaks or asking prices.
From there, if it makes sense, we can refine the numbers with an in‑person walkthrough and build a step‑by‑step plan for selling in the next 6–18 months—or simply keep you updated until the timing is right.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just starting to explore La Mott real estate, having a local expert in your corner means better data, better strategy, and fewer surprises. In my experience, that’s what turns “maybe someday” into a move that actually happens—and feels right when it does.
