The burbs or the city? Many clients feel like they are giving up their entire lifestyle when they move to the Philly suburbs, but you don’t have to. You can find many of your neighborhood comforts right outside the city in suburban towns. They are full of independent businesses, theaters and museums, farmers markets, and vintage shops. You just have to know where to look.
While nothing can quite mimic the energy you may feel walking around your city neighborhood, you can certainly find some comforts in these PA Philly suburbs with downtowns. Your new favorite coffee shop could be just a few train stops away!
Ambler
Median Home Value: $433,018 (Comparable to median value of Washington Square West)
Public School Grade: A+ (niche.com)
Photo Credit: Fabebook @ambler.main.street
Ambler is a small town filled with breweries, restaurants, theaters, shopping, and parks. There are several yearly events to enjoy while you mingle with the community, including Ambler Restaurant Week, the Ambler Arts and Music Festival, Oktoberfest, the Ambler Auto Show, the Ambler Bike Race, and a Christmas Parade. Every Saturday from May to October, you can shop for local produce and goods at the Ambler Farmer’s Market. While there is no shortage of amazing places to dine and drink, former Philly dwellers can find comfort in eating at Mokja, a Korean-meets-American restaurant opened by Daniel An, former chef at Sampan, Double Knot, and Royal Sushi.
Explore outside
Ambler Borough Park: 8.6 acres of natural space along Rose Valley Creek that has been recognized by environmental groups for it’s untouched ecosystem in an urban area.
Four Mills Nature Reserve: This 56-acre wooded reserve offers two half-mile trails along the Wissahickon Creek with an abundance of native plants and trees.
Ardmore
Median Home Value: $351,358 (Comparable to median value of Passyunk Square)
Public School Grade: A+ (niche.com)
Photo credit: Facebook @SuburbanSquare
Ardmore is unique place on the Main Line that is packed with a wide range of independent businesses: thrift shops and vintage stores, specialty boutiques, salons, restaurants, fitness and wellness spots, and even a video store. Yep, you can still rent a VHS in Ardmore! It has also become a destination for beer enthusiasts as it is home to one of the most sought after breweries in the country, Tired Hands Brewing. Another town gem is the Ardmore Farmers Market where you can find fresh produce, high-quality meats and seafood, specialty cheeses, baked goods, and more from multiple vendors year round.
Explore outside
Haverford College Nature Trail - A 2.2-mile dirt and gravel trail that roughly follows the perimeter of next-door neighbor, Haverford College. With over 35 types of trees lining the path and benches peppered throughout, it’s the perfect place to find peace in nature.
Doylestown
Median Home Value (18901): $426,792 (Comparable to median value of Washington Square)
Public Schools Niche Grade: A+ (niche.com)
Photo credit: Facebook @Borough of Doylestown
The last stop on one of SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines, Doylestown’s far distance from a metro area is part of it’s charm. It has a large, robust downtown that is home to local shops, cultural institutions, events, and an active community. With two museums in town, Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle and James A. Michener Art Museum, and historical groups, it’s no wonder that Doylestown has been recognized by USA Today as having America's "best small-town cultural scene." You’ll find everywhere is kid-friendly, if not for kids, including Kids Castle Park, a playground with dungeon-themed slides, ramps, and mazes. Dedicated to preserving its natural resources, the borough has an Environmental Advisory Council that works on initiatives such as promoting improved habitat for birds, limiting single-use plastics, and eliminating local barriers to solar energy growth.
Explore outside
From historical landmarks to state parks and farms, there are many outdoor places to discover in Bucks County. In Doylestown, you can even connect to open space through a network of over twenty miles of trails and paths for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Media
Median Home Value: $341,711 (Comparable to median value of West Mount Airy or Passyunk Square)
Public School Grade: A+ (niche.com)
Photo credit: Facebook @VisitMediaPa (2), Facebook @glenprovidencepark, Facebook @MediaBusinessAuthority
Some might argue Media has better public transit than many neighborhoods in the city! With two SEPTA bus lines, regional rail, and a trolley that pass through this suburb, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular place to live among commuters. Downtown media has everything: wellness services, salons and spas, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, a library, and even a 33-acre park! You can experience the energy of downtown on Wednesday nights May through September when Media’s main street closes for traffic and opens up with live music and al fresco dining from over a dozen participating restaurants.
Explore outside
Glen Providence Park: 33-acre park within walking distance of thousands of residents that offers everything from bird watching and hiking to picnicking and fishing.
Narberth
Median Home Value: $572,491 (Comparable to median value of Spruce Hill)
Public School Grade: A+ (niche.com)
Photo credit: @phillyhomegirls.com, Instagram @narberth_fun (3)
Right outside Philly, Narberth has become a favorite suburb among new families. Vintage shops, boutiques, art studios, yoga studios, and an independent movie theater line the streets of downtown. In December, they turn a few blocks into London circa 1840 for a Dickens-themed festival, packed with activities and performances for the entire family. Narberth is also eco-conscious, committing to 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030 and 100% renewable energy for heating and transportation by 2040.
Explore outside
Shortridge Memorial Park - Walkable from the center of town, this narrow, 12-acre park has trails alongside a creek, a dog park, and plenty of space to enjoy nature.
Swarthmore
Median Home Value: $307,434 (Comparable to median home value of Fishtown)
Public Schools Grade: A+ (niche.com)
Photo credit: Instagram @swarthmorean (2), Facebook @SwarthmoreCollege (2)
A close neighbor to Media, Swarthmore is a quiet, charming place to live with an engaged community. While Swarthmore College makes up only a fraction of the population, there is no denying the liberal arts school has influence on the serene landscape. Independent boutiques and coffee shops, a co-op market, historical architecture, and tree-lined streets help make up Swarthmore. Walk-able to downtown are homes and buildings with an eclectic mix of architectural styles, including Victorian and early 20th century revival. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks to explore in Nether Providence Township.
Explore outside
Scott Arboretum - Operated by Swarthmore College, this arboretum and garden is 425 acres of pure horticultural beauty. Situated alongside of town with flowering trees and hiking trails, it is free and open to the public daily.
Yardley
Median Home Value: $342,117 (Comparable to median home value of Olde Kensington)
Public Schools Grade: A (niche.com)
Photo credits: Instagram @shadybrookfarms (2), Scenic Bucks County, Instagram @yardleypa19067
Located alongside the Delaware River, it is no wonder that Yardley is about outdoor recreation all year long. In the warm weather strap your kayak to the roof, or pack your inner tube and float down the Delaware. When the ice freezes on Lake Afton, ice skating is a Yardley tradition. Landlubbers don’t fret, the Towpath in Yardley provides space away from traffic for joggers, cyclists, even early-morning bird watchers year-round. If you haven’t met your neighbors on the trail, you will be sure to bump into them at the Yardley Community Garden or at one of the many functions the Morrisville Yardley Area Rotary Club hosts, the most popular being the Yardley Car Festival. Nearby Shady Brook Farm and Sesame Place provide hours of family entertainment.
Explore outside
Core Creek Park- Perfect for packing a picnic lunch for 2 or renting a covered pavilion for up to 100 people. With boat rentals and grilling allowed at approved stations, you won’t want to leave. Bring the pups, and keep an eye out for dedicated off-leash areas.
Regardless of where you decide to shop for a home, the Philly Home Girls team is here to help you weigh your options. Philly Home Girls work with buyers and sellers in all the surrounding counties, having sold over 37 million in the PA Philly burbs. With a network of like-minded real estate agents nationally, we can also help you find the perfect agent if you are looking for a home outside the areas we serve.