best places to live near philadelphia

Best Places to Live Near Philadelphia: Suburbs & Neighborhoods

Philadelphia offers a vibrant urban experience, but sometimes the allure of a quieter life, better schools, or more affordable housing draws people to its surrounding areas. The best places to live near Philadelphia provide a blend of accessibility to the city’s amenities and unique characteristics that appeal to a diverse range of residents.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Philadelphia Suburb

Choosing the right suburb or neighborhood depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. Key factors include:

* **Commute:** Consider commute time to Philadelphia, especially if you work in the city. Public transportation options (SEPTA regional rail, buses) can influence your choice.
* **Schools:** Families with children prioritize school districts. Research school ratings and test scores.
* **Budget:** Housing costs vary significantly across different areas. Determine your budget and explore options within that range.
* **Lifestyle:** Some areas offer a lively downtown scene, while others are more residential and family-oriented. Consider the type of atmosphere you prefer.
* **Safety:** Research crime rates and neighborhood safety.

Top Philadelphia Suburbs and Neighborhoods

Several suburbs consistently rank high in livability and desirability. Here are a few:

Wayne, PA

Wayne is a wealthy suburb on the Main Line, known for its excellent schools, upscale shops and restaurants, and historic charm. It offers a mix of housing options, from grand estates to smaller single-family homes. It’s also served by SEPTA’s Paoli/Thorndale Line.

Ardmore, PA

Another popular Main Line suburb, Ardmore offers a more vibrant and walkable downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s also home to Suburban Square, an upscale outdoor shopping center. Ardmore has good public transportation access.

Media, PA

Media is the county seat of Delaware County and offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a thriving arts and culture scene. State Street in Media is closed to traffic on Wednesday evenings during the summer, creating “Dining Under the Stars”. The borough offers various housing options and a strong sense of community.

Haddonfield, NJ

Across the Delaware River in New Jersey, Haddonfield is a historic town with excellent schools, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of community. It offers a mix of historic homes and newer construction. The PATCO Speedline provides easy access to Philadelphia.

Phoenixville, PA

Phoenixville is a revitalized town in Chester County with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. It offers more affordable housing options compared to the Main Line suburbs and is popular with young professionals and families. Check out its details from the official Wikipedia page of Phoenixville.

FAQs About Living Near Philadelphia

1. What is the safest suburb of Philadelphia?

Many suburbs are considered safe. Areas like Wayne and Lower Merion Township are often cited for their low crime rates. It’s always best to research specific neighborhoods within each suburb.

2. Which suburb has the best schools near Philadelphia?

The Main Line suburbs, particularly Lower Merion, Radnor, and Tredyffrin-Easttown, are known for their top-rated public schools.

3. What is the most affordable suburb near Philadelphia?

Areas like Phoenixville and some parts of Delaware County offer more affordable housing options compared to the Main Line.

4. How is the public transportation from the suburbs to Philadelphia?

SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines provide service to many suburbs. PATCO offers service from South Jersey towns. Bus routes also connect various areas to the city.

5. What is the property tax rate like in the Philadelphia suburbs?

Property tax rates vary significantly. Pennsylvania generally has higher property taxes compared to New Jersey.

Summary

Choosing the best place to live near Philadelphia is a personal decision. Consider your commute, budget, lifestyle preferences, and school requirements. Suburbs like Wayne, Ardmore, Media, Haddonfield, and Phoenixville all offer unique advantages and appeal to different priorities.