Heavenly Homes For Sale in Gladwyne PA

Strong historic roots. Nature’s splendor. Elite educational opportunities. Small-town feel with urban appeal. Stately single-family houses that define the “dream home” genre. A peaceful oasis where the pressures and stressors of the outside world melt away. 

Is this heaven? No, it’s Gladwyne. 

Since Quakers first settled in this area in 1682, Gladwyne, PA, has grown into perhaps the most exclusive, prestigious place to live in the entire state of Pennsylvania. While the entirety of the Main Line region is known for its idyllic living options, Gladwyne is a true gem among gems. Situated just 20 minutes from Philadelphia and all the vibrancy and history of America’s birthplace, Gladwyne is close enough to all the action while still miles away from ordinary suburban living. 

Main Line Homes has served both existing and potential Gladwyne residents for decades, as a treasure trove of knowledge and experience for those looking for the finest homes for sale in Gladwyne, PA. Families moving out of or into the area have found a trusted friend in realtor Janis Peterson, whose personable approach and intimate understanding of Main Line living and the real estate business have helped countless house hunters find a home — and just as many homeowners sell their property with ease. 

If you seek homes for sale in Gladwyne, PA, we admire your taste and assure you: You’ve come to the right place. Read on to get better acquainted with what life is like in the 19035 zip code, and don’t hesitate to contact Main Line Homes for more information about buying or selling a home. 

The Gladwyne Way of Life

Gladwyne is a pristine and providential community located just 12 miles north-west of Philadelphia. Its charming size (approximately 4,000 residents) and serene, suburban surroundings make it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Pennsylvania.

Those who live in Gladwyne enjoy an upscale, comfortable standard of living. In fact, the community has consistently been ranked as one of the wealthiest in the United States. The 19035 zip code is the 6th richest in the US, based on 2015 IRS data, and it is the wealthiest area and community on the Main Line. Hence, it is home to many sports personalities, business executives, etc. The unemployment rate in the area is also 0.6 percent lower than the national average, and the region is home to thriving healthcare, technical services, and finance industries. This adds to the appeal of Gladwyne, PA real estate for both business professionals and young families who are looking to enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle while still being just minutes away from the excitement of the city.

The History of Gladwyne

Gladwyne, like many Pennsylvania towns, is long-established and brimming with historic magnetism. The area was first inhabited in 1682 by Welsh Quakers who were fleeing persecution and religious wars in their home country. These newcomers were welcomed by William Penn, who assigned them a parcel of land on which they would be able to conduct business and form governments of their own, operating in their own language.

Today, Welsh heritage has been preserved in the architecture of many homes in Gladwyne, PA,  as well as other communities along the Main Line. Additionally, several local towns have held onto their Welsh names, including Uwchlan (Welsh for “above the parish”), Berwyn, and Narberth.

Welsh design features, like stone dressings, overarched windows, and low-pitched roofs are still prominent on homes along the Main Line, but potential buyers should be aware that vintage homes tend to fetch premium prices.

Local Amenities

Despite its modest population, Gladwyne has a wide array of activities and attractions that enhance the quality of life for those who call the area home.

Below are just a few of the local amenities that increase the value of Gladwyne real estate:

1. An Award-Winning School District

   The Lower Merion School District, the greater educational umbrella under which Gladwyne Elementary School operates, was the first school district in America to receive the U.S. Department of Education's prestigious Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Award. It was also recognized by the NAMM Foundation for having one of the best musical education programs in the country.
   Gladwyne Elementary School, itself, offers a cutting edge World Language program, which allows students to gain in-depth, functional communication skills in either French or Spanish, along with Gifted Individualized Education Plans (GIEPs) for students who demonstrate an advanced academic understanding and perform beyond their grade level.

2. A Championship Golf Course

   The Philadelphia Country Club is considered by many to be the jewel in the proverbial crown that is Gladwyne. It’s famed Spring Mill course is a 27-hole, championship-regulation turf and served as the location of the 1939 U.S. Open. Its par of 71 and slope rating of 74.4/135 make it a challenge for even the most seasoned golfer, and the additional club activities (bowling, swimming and tennis, just to name a few) make the Philadelphia Country Club a defining feature of life in Gladwyne.

3. A National Historic Landmark

   Woodmont Mansion sits on an expansive 72-acre estate along the banks of the Schuylkill River. The property features a 32-room manor, tennis courts, a swimming pool, two dairy barns, and horse stables.
   The estate was gifted to Father Divine, an African American spiritual leader, by one of his followers (John Devoute) in 1953, after the property fell into a state of disrepair and had gone through several landlords.
   Father Divine’s religious organization, the Peace Mission Movement, continues to maintain the property despite his passing and conducts tours of the estate on a regular basis.

Homes for Sale

The real estate market in the Gladwyne area comes with remarkable rewards and a couple of tough challenges.

The good news? Those interested in Gladwyne, PA real estate listings will benefit from the current buyer’s market and the fact that houses sold at 4.78 percent below asking price, on average, in September 2019.

The challenge, however, is that there is a relatively low number of homes for sale in Gladwyne, PA in comparison to other Philadelphia suburbs, like Churchville, Springfield, and Newtown.

There is a justifiable reason for this trend, though. For starters, homes in many of the surrounding suburbs do not retain the same value as houses for sale in Gladwyne, PA.

Furthermore, a significant percentage of Gladwyne homes for sale are listed at (or above) the $1 million mark, narrowing the number of homebuyers who can buy in this much-sought-after neighborhood.

The advantages of investing in Gladwyne, however, are experienced immediately, including luxury homes, parks that are second-to-none, and much more. If you are looking for the finer things in life and a secluded, quiet community (village), the Gladwyne neighborhood truly cannot be beat.