Home is the Key: Unlocking Affordable Housing in Montgomery County
- Habitat for Humanity
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Montgomery County, PA, has long been recognized as a desirable place to live, blending suburban charm, a strong job market, and proximity to Philadelphia. However, like much of the country, the local housing market continues to evolve in response to economic trends, rising costs, and shifting homeowner preferences.
At Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties, we believe home is the key to connection, well-being, and stability—but too many local families are locked out of affordable homeownership.
Housing Market Trends in Montgomery County
For many families in Montgomery County, the dream of homeownership remains out of reach. Rising home prices, a lack of affordable housing stock, and systemic inequalities continue to create barriers for lower-income households.
Over the past few years, Montgomery County has experienced rising home prices, mirroring broader trends across the region. As of the end of February 2025, the average home value in Montgomery County is $460,828, reflecting a 3.8% increase over the past year. In February, home prices were up 6.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $445,000.
Challenges for First-Time Homebuyers
Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges for first-time homebuyers in Montgomery County. High home prices and increasing mortgage rates make homeownership less accessible to many young families and professionals. Local and state programs, including first-time homebuyer grants and down payment assistance programs, have become crucial resources to combat these barriers. Additionally, some buyers consider alternative homeownership paths, such as multi-family living or co-buying arrangements, to navigate the high costs.
Advancing Equity in Homeownership
April 11th marks the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a landmark law protecting people from housing discrimination based on race, age, gender, and other protected categories. However, homeownership disparities persist, and ongoing inequality in the U.S. housing market continues to prevent many families from securing stable, affordable housing.
On this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to fair access to homeownership for everyone. At Habitat MontDelco, we actively work to advance programs that break down barriers and create pathways to affordable homeownership for families who need it most.
Advocating for Affordable Housing
We advocate for affordable housing by cultivating relationships with local officials, contributing our voices to affordable housing initiatives, and participating in housing-focused committees.
Hear from a Habitat homeowner about how her new home has transformed her family’s life:
“I was able to show my children that they can do anything. Just because you’re disabled doesn’t mean you can’t get it done.”
—Aretha
Aretha appreciates the accessibility features in her Habitat home, stating that they “make a big difference” for her and her two children, 23-year-old Devin and 22-year-old Zacaya. Aretha has cerebral palsy and uses a walker, while both Devin and Zacaya live with a rare degenerative muscular condition that requires them to use wheelchairs. Their four-bedroom home gives the family the space and independence they need to thrive, but it wasn’t always this way.
At Habitat MontDelco, we believe fair and affordable housing is a right for everyone, not just a privilege. Our Adaptive Living Initiatives (ALI) Program transforms homes with customized accessibility modifications to enhance daily living, reduce falls, and improve safety and confidence for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
How You Can Make a Difference
Help us unlock the door to a brighter future for families in Montgomery and Delaware Counties, providing them with the solid foundation they need to succeed. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Together, we can build more than just homes—we can build hope, independence, and security for families in our community.
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