Best Philadelphia Suburbs: Find Where to Live

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Living in a big city has numerous benefits: it’s not only the place where one can find the most employment opportunities, but also hubs that house amazing cultural, dining, and entertainment experiences.

Still, living in the city center has some serious drawbacks, such as the never-ending traffic jams, pollution, and noise at all hours of the day and night. Not to mention the sky-high rent prices. Luckily, that’s where suburbs come in. They can provide you with all the benefits of living near a city while also allowing you to have more space, a backyard, and a small and closely-knit community you can rely on. It’s the best of both worlds. 

So what are some of the best Philadelphia suburbs? Let’s explore below.

Narberth

If you’re looking for one of the most universally praised of the Philadelphia suburbs, you can’t go wrong with Narberth.

It’s clear to see that it’s impeccable reputation is widely known: it’s one of the wealthiest suburbs in the Philly area, with a median household income of more than $106,000. 

With the small-town vibe, families can enjoy breakfast out at Sabrina’s Cafe, a day of shopping on Chestnut Street, or explore one of the many trails and gardens. With an array of well respected churches and schools, it has everything a family might need to call it home.

Narberth is just outside of Philadelphia and has a SEPTA train station on the Paoli/Thorndale line, so it is a quick, easy train ride/commute to Philadelphia and AMTRAK connections at the 30th Street Station.

Explore Narberth Homes for Sale

Ardmore

Ardmore is another of the best Philadelphia suburbs, which is why most of the properties listed here fly off the market before they are even officially listed.

People are attracted to the beautiful nature surrounding the up-and-coming suburb, where the local Ardmore Farmers Market and Music Hall, along with a boom of new small businesses, have only boosted the appeal.

Since it’s one of the hottest suburbs of Philadelphia, a common price for a three-bedroom apartment is $500,000; ideal for professional couples and young families looking to upgrade.

Ardmore has a SEPTA train station on the Paoli/Thorndale line, which also services AMTRAK, and it is very close to Philadelphia, so it is a fast and easy commute to Philadelphia and AMTRAK trains.

Explore Ardmore Homes for Sale

Berwyn

Philly is mostly known as a historic and bustling city, but one thing it’s not famous for is its nature. However, Berwyn is the exception—it’s located in one of the most beautiful areas near the city and has some of the nicest parks in the region.

You’ll also find excellent amenities such as restaurants, shops, and even a local theater, so you won’t have to head into the city every time you want to spend the night out with the family. If you do want to go downtown, Philly is just a half-hour drive away.

Homes in Berwyn can easily go for upwards of $500,000, making this one of the more upscale suburbs, but when you consider the benefits of living in Berwyn, it becomes easy to understand the value.

Berwyn has a SEPTA train station on the Paoli/Thorndale line, so residents can commute to downtown Philadelphia.

Explore Berwyn Homes for Sale

Bryn Mawr

When looking at the best suburbs of Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr is a place that simply must be included on any comprehensive list.

Home to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, Bryn Mawr certainly isn’t lacking in amenities, and even boasts a few unique perks that might give it an edge in the eyes of some families. It also offers more affordable market listings than some of the other Philadelphia suburbs on this list.

Bryn Mawr is located near the Bryn Mawr College, which means that you’ll not only find a beautiful campus but also have a youthful atmosphere with plenty of cultural events and a more vibrant nightlife. Add in the fact that the city of Philly is always just 20 minutes away, and it’s obvious why homes are selling quickly in this neighborhood.

 

Bryn Mawr has a SEPTA train station on the Paoli/Thorndale line, so residents can commute to downtown Philadelphia.

Explore Bryn Mawr Homes for Sale

Swarthmore

Swarthmore College makes this neighborhood desirable for families and young adults alike, and is another of the more affordable Philadelphia suburbs near the city.

When living in this closely-knit community, you may want to explore the beautiful scenery of The Scott Arboretum, or check out one of the many local events planned by the Swarthmore Recreation Association. And because this is a college town, you can be sure of your choice of restaurants and pubs if you want to go out.

Devon

If you’re looking for the single richest and safest of the best Philadelphia suburbs, at least by popular demand, Devon would be a strong contender for the title. Devon is home to a large percentage of residents with higher level education, and boasts some of the most highly rated public schools in the area.

For these reasons, along with its rural charm and assortment of coffee shops and restaurants, it’s a popular choice for families and young professionals.

 

Devon has a SEPTA train station on the Paoli/Thorndale line, so residents can commute to downtown Philadelphia.

EExplore Devon Homes for Sale

Blue Bell

Blue Bell has earned the reputation as one of the best places to live in Philadelphia suburbs. 

In many ways, Blue Bell is quite similar to Devon: both of these Philadelphia suburbs have a very high household median income, are incredibly safe, and offer highly rated public schools. Blue Bell has become a hot spot for families, so if you’re looking to root yourself in a friendly community and raise your kids in a safe and engaging environment, this is as good of a place as any.

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