The greater Philadelphia region offers potential home buyers a full spectrum of lifestyle options–from bustling Center City to the picturesque suburbs of Montgomery County. A smart destination, for those who are lucky enough to discover its charms, is Blue Bell, Pa., in Montgomery County. Money magazine named Blue Bell 14th on its list of 100 places to live in the United States in 2005.

The area is located just 40 minutes from Philadelphia. Blue Bell, until about 25 years ago, was largely an agricultural area with expansive farms anchored mostly by stone farmhouses dating to the 1800s and Victorian-era homes. As more businesses moved to the area and turnpike and interstate highways expanded, housing developments, and the shopping centers needed to support the growing population, sprung from the corn fields. The population currently stands at about 6,000 residents. Crime is low and the employment rate typically is a good bit higher than the national average.

Blue Bell is in the highly rated Wissahickon School District (rated 9 out of 10 on greatschools.org), and highly regarded private schools, including Germantown Academy and Gwynedd Mercy Academy, are just a few minutes’ drive.

Recreation options abound in Blue Bell, though membership is required for some activities. The region is home to both the Meadowlands Country Club and the Blue Bell Country Club, both private clubs. Prophecy Creek Park is a public park that offers area residents easy access to natural lands. Ponds, meadows, and old-growth trees transport visitors to the agrarian roots of Pennsylvania.

Trulia.com cites Blue Bell’s average listing price at $513,745.00 (as of April 2015), making Blue Bell a smart choice for those who want to be near Philadelphia but still close to green space and nature. Homes for sale include new construction, classic Victorian homes, stone farm houses and town-houses. Allow our expert agents to help navigate this appealing areas real estate market for you.