If you’ve ever looked at a map of the Philadelphia area, you may have noticed something familiar. Philadelphia is home to neighborhoods named Germantown, Kensington, and Olney… the same three names found here in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Even more interesting, the neighborhoods are arranged in a somewhat similar geographic pattern. Philadelphia’s Olney sits north-northwest of Kensington, while Germantown lies farther to the west and northwest. Likewise, in Montgomery County, Kensington is the southernmost of the three communities, Olney is farther north, and Germantown sits to the west. Adding to the coincidence, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania borders Philadelphia County to the northwest. Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County is referred to as “MontCo” for short.
While they share names, the communities themselves have evolved in very different ways. Philadelphia’s Germantown is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, founded in 1683. Known for its colonial-era stone homes, historic landmarks, mature tree canopy, and significant role in early American history, it remains a dense urban neighborhood connected to Center City by regional rail.
Montgomery County’s Germantown, by contrast, experienced most of its growth during the late 20th century. Today it is one of Maryland’s largest communities and serves as a major employment center along the I-270 corridor, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks, and biotechnology and technology employers.
Philadelphia’s Kensington developed as a major industrial center during the 19th century, particularly for textile manufacturing. Today, parts of the neighborhood are seeing redevelopment with new restaurants, breweries, and arts spaces, while other areas continue to face significant challenges related to poverty and the opioid epidemic.
Montgomery County’s Kensington offers a very different atmosphere. Incorporated in 1894, the town is known for its historic Victorian homes, walkable downtown, Antique Row along Howard Avenue, local businesses, and close-knit community. It has retained much of its small-town character despite being just outside Washington DC.
Philadelphia’s Olney is a densely populated North Philadelphia neighborhood known for its diverse population, busy commercial corridors, and rows of attached homes. While public transit provides easy access throughout the city, the neighborhood has a distinctly urban feel.
Montgomery County’s Olney is a suburban community. While it has grown considerably over the decades, it still offers more open space than many communities closer to Washington and serves as a residential hub for much of northeastern Montgomery County.
