If you want more space for the new pups you adopted over the past year, or the kids are now heading into school age, you may want to increase your home buying radius to include towns on the Main Line. Homes in the burbs provide more space, are built for growing families and host some of the most outstanding school districts in PA and nationally. We took a tour of one such town, with fellow Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, Liz Kaderabek and Nanci Fitzgerald. Welcome to Bala Cynwyd!
History
Let’s first tackle the pronunciation of Bala Cynwyd…(bala-KIN-wood). Originally settled in part of the Welsh Tract also called the Welsh Barony. Led by John Roberts, settlers negotiated with William Penn in 1684 for the Tract to be a county where Welsh could be spoken by both residents and county government. Names of towns mirror those back home in native Wales, Bala and Cynwyd are perfect examples. Bala Cynwyd was originally two separate towns, but today they are treated as one.
How to Get There
Convenience is the name of the game with this suburb. There are two SEPTA train stations, Bala and Cynwyd which provide speedy service to center city Philadelphia. Hop on at the Bala stop and be at 30th St Station in 14 mins. Add another 5 mins to that, and find yourself emerging from Suburban Station steps from City Hall. Extensive bus lines also provide a quick trip. Easy access to 76 provides easy commuting to Philly, or a straight shot to King of Prussia and other northern points.
You’ll notice the Cynwyd station is the start of the 5 stop rail line (the second shortest in the country). Continue past the train to follow the old tracks on foot or bike. The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is a 2-mile trail that runs northeast from the station, through the West Laurel Hill Cemetery, meeting up with the Manayunk Bridge Trail. It’s a fav for runners, bikers, families taking in the good weather. You might even spot some cross-country skiers when snow is on the ground!
Homes
Classic and modern lovers alike will find their groove in the residences of Bala Cynwyd. Tree lined streets with stately homes built from shimmering Wissahickon schist, often accompanied by a side entrance, or big front porch, are hard to take your eyes off of. Think big beveled glass windows, original woodwork, charmingly creaky stairs, and bedrooms that are a generous size but missing one thing… closets! Then again who needs a closet when you have plenty of room for a gorgeous Victorian armoire. Taxes in Bala Cynwyd are surprisingly affordable, much lower than surrounding towns and New Jersey. For example, 2020 taxes for a 2,600 sqft 5-bedroom home were recorded as $5,400.
If you are looking for more streamlined living, rent at one of the many of the modern condo communities that have recently been built. Take advantage of classy common spaces, including a game room, kitted out professional kitchen that reads like your very own restaurant, and a gym with state of the art equipment. Roof decks allow residents to share hello’s in communal conversational seating, or around the outdoor kitchen. There is even a dog park on the roof of The Kelly (named after Grace of course). The apartments have top of the line finishes, from one bedroom to a 3 bedroom with room for you and the kids.
Schools
The Lower Merion School District’s ten public schools have been recognized for excellence at regional and national levels. Maintaining one of the lowest class size averages in Pennsylvania, translates to about 21 students per class. Heavy in arts, music, sciences and other subjects that would make our younger selves jealous. A number of private schools in the area also provide a top notch education. Kohelet Yeshiva (lab, middle and high-school), Kosloff Torah Academy High School, Merion Mercy High School, Waldron Mercy (Montessori to middle school) and the French International School of Philadelphia(Pre-k, elementary and middle school).
Things to do
Meet up with friends after a bike ride, at The Landing Kitchen. Located riverfront in the recently renovated Riverworks at Pencoyd Landing, enjoy IG worthy avocado toasts, breakfast sandwiches and coffee so perfectly prepared you might have to get two. If getting up early isn’t your thing- cozy up on the weekend evenings fireside with a hot chocolate, cocktail or local IPA.
If you have a bookworm in your life they will feel right at home at the Bala Cynwyd Library. With 221,000 items to browse from, it’s guaranteed you’ll leave with a tote bag full of materials. Still operating on limited public hours, be sure to give them a ring before heading over. Don’t forget you can always browse and reserve online.
The Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph’s University is a 12-acre space to take a peaceful stroll and take in the foliage. In 2018, the Barnes Foundation and Saint Joseph's University launched an educational partnership expanding opportunities for students and the local community. Open to the public from April-October it is a perfect way to stretch your legs, perhaps you’ll be inspired to volunteer.
Bala Cynwyd is the perfect balance of suburb and convenience with the city just a hop skip and a jump away. If you are interested in exploring with the Philly Home Girls, give us a ring, and let’s get house hunting!
Welcome to Narberth! A quaint town on the Main Line that is often praised for its walkability. We love it for its year round festivals, insanely delicious french pastries (more on that below), and its central location to many other hot spots on the Main Line.