Top 10 Best Suburbs of Philadelphia in 2027

1. Ardmore

Ardmore ranks first because it delivers the best overall balance of elite schools, true walkability, and a fast commute, with a median home price around $625,000. It is the commercial heart of the Main Line, anchored by the historic Suburban Square shopping center and a revitalized Lancaster Avenue corridor. The Lower Merion School District is one of the highest-rated in Pennsylvania, and crime is low. The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line reaches Center City in about 20–25 minutes.

Ardmore is best for families and professionals who want a vibrant, college-adjacent downtown without sacrificing school quality or transit access. It trades away the prestige and larger lots of Wayne or Radnor for a more energetic, walkable environment. Compared to Media, it costs significantly more, but it offers a faster rail commute and the top-tier Lower Merion schools that justify the premium.

2. Wayne

Wayne ranks second for its prestigious Main Line address, combining a strong Radnor Township School District with a charming, upscale downtown and very low crime. The median home price near $725,000 reflects historic homes on leafy streets and a tightly knit, affluent community. Downtown Wayne offers boutique shopping, the historic Wayne Hotel, and well-regarded restaurants. The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line provides direct access to Center City in about 30 minutes.

Wayne is for affluent buyers who prioritize prestige, historic architecture, and a storybook downtown over raw value. It trades away the slightly faster commute and more energetic commercial core of Ardmore for a more polished, quiet atmosphere. Compared to Bryn Mawr, Wayne offers a larger inventory of historic homes and a similar price point, but it lacks the college-town energy that defines its neighbor.

3. Bryn Mawr

Bryn Mawr ranks third for its unique college-town energy combined with top-rated Lower Merion schools and a compact, walkable center. The median home price around $700,000 buys historic stone homes near restaurants, a movie theater, and a hospital, all within a walkable, tree-shaded setting. Crime is very low, and the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line reaches Center City in about 25 minutes. The presence of Bryn Mawr College lends an intellectual, vibrant character to the town.

Bryn Mawr is ideal for families who want elite schools and a lively, walkable downtown with a cultural edge. It trades away the larger historic inventory of Wayne for a more intimate, college-anchored feel, and it commands a similar premium. Compared to Ardmore, it offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere while sharing the same school district and fast rail access, but with a smaller commercial core.

4. Media

Media ranks fourth as the best value pick, offering a lively, walkable downtown and solid schools at a median home price near $450,000. As the Delaware County seat, it features a vibrant State Street with shops, restaurants, and a weekly summer dining series, and it is the only place in the country where a SEPTA trolley runs down Main Street. The Rose Tree Media School District is well-regarded, and crime is low.

Media is best for value-focused families and professionals who want a genuine downtown and good schools without Main Line prices. It trades away the faster commute and top-tier districts of Ardmore or Wayne for significant cost savings. Compared to West Chester, Media offers a direct SEPTA rail connection and a more compact, walkable core, though its downtown is smaller and its school district is slightly less prominent.

5. Doylestown

Doylestown ranks fifth for its historic, arts-rich downtown and the strong Central Bucks School District, one of the largest and best-regarded in the state. The median home price around $575,000 buys historic Victorians and walkable in-town homes in a beautifully preserved Bucks County seat. The town features the Mercer Museum and a vibrant arts scene, with very low crime. The SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown Regional Rail line reaches Center City in about 60 minutes.

Doylestown is for families who prioritize small-town charm, history, and top schools over commute speed. It trades away the fast rail access of Main Line towns for a longer, but still direct, ride to Center City. Compared to Newtown, Doylestown offers a more established cultural scene and a direct rail line, but its median home price is lower, reflecting a slightly less affluent profile and a longer commute.

6. Newtown

Newtown ranks sixth for its upscale Bucks County living, preserved colonial downtown, and the highly rated Council Rock School District. The median home price near $675,000 reflects a mix of historic homes and newer subdivisions in a very low-crime, affluent community. Its location near I-95 and the PA Turnpike puts both Philadelphia and Princeton/Trenton job markets within reach, with drives to Center City around 45 minutes. The feel is family-oriented and historic.

Newtown is best for families who drive to work and want top schools in an affluent, historic setting. It trades away direct SEPTA rail access, which Doylestown offers, for superior highway connectivity to multiple job centers. Compared to Doylestown, it commands a higher price point and offers a more upscale, suburban character, but it lacks the same level of in-town cultural amenities and has no rail line.

7. West Chester

West Chester ranks seventh for its lively, restaurant-packed downtown and strong West Chester Area School District, offering good value at a median home price around $525,000. As the Chester County seat and home to West Chester University, it has a vibrant, youthful energy with breweries, events, and a walkable core. Crime is low, and while there is no direct SEPTA rail line, U.S. 202 and nearby park-and-rides put Center City about 45 minutes away.

West Chester is for buyers who want a lively college-town atmosphere and solid schools without paying Main Line prices. It trades away direct rail access, which Media offers, for a larger, more energetic downtown and proximity to the King of Prussia job market. Compared to Media, it has a bigger population and more dining options, but its commute is more car-dependent and its school district is slightly less highly regarded.

8. Radnor

Radnor ranks eighth for its elite Radnor Township School District and excellent rail access, with a median home price around $800,000. This affluent township, which includes villages like Wayne and Villanova, offers large lots, historic estates, and very low crime. The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line and the Norristown High Speed Line provide multiple rail options, reaching Center City in about 30 minutes. Villanova University adds amenities and a prestigious character.

Radnor is for affluent families who want top-tier schools and a choice of rail options in an estate-like setting. It trades away the walkable downtowns of Ardmore or Wayne for larger properties and a more suburban feel. Compared to Wayne, which is partially within Radnor, it offers a broader range of housing, including larger estates, but at a higher median price and with fewer in-town commercial amenities.

9. Swarthmore

Swarthmore ranks ninth for its intimate, walkable college borough feel and the strong Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. The median home price around $575,000 buys historic homes near a compact, pedestrian-friendly downtown and the lush Swarthmore College campus. Crime is very low, and the SEPTA Media/Wawa Regional Rail line stops right in town, reaching Center City in about 30 minutes. The community is educated, tight-knit, and has a strong identity tied to the college.

Swarthmore is for families who value a small, close-knit community and direct rail access over a larger downtown or more housing options. It trades away the larger inventory and commercial variety of Media, its neighbor, for a quieter, more campus-centric atmosphere. Compared to Media, it offers a faster commute and a more prestigious college-town character, but at a significantly higher median home price and with much more limited housing availability.

10. Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill ranks tenth for its unique suburban feel within Philadelphia city limits, anchored by a charming cobblestone Germantown Avenue downtown. The median home price around $650,000 buys historic stone and Victorian homes in a low-crime area for the city, with two SEPTA Regional Rail lines reaching Center City in about 25–30 minutes. The neighborhood features boutiques, restaurants, and the Morris Arboretum. However, homes fall within the School District of Philadelphia.

Chestnut Hill is for buyers who want a walkable, historic, suburb-like environment but prefer to stay inside the city. It trades away the top public schools of the Main Line or Bucks County for the convenience of city living, often leading families to consider private or charter schools. Compared to Swarthmore, it offers a larger, more commercial downtown and two rail lines, but its public school options are weaker and city taxes apply, making it a niche choice.

How we ranked these

We measured six weighted factors: affordability and home value (25%), public school quality (20%), safety and crime rates (20%), jobs and commute access (15%), amenities and walkability (10%), and community feel (10%). Data came from the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Niche, GreatSchools, BestPlaces, and Realtor.com. Suburbs with elite schools but unreachable prices or weak transit slipped down the list; winners balanced all six criteria.

We deliberately ignored subjective press lists, model-home staging, and brokerage slogans. We also excluded factors like nightlife variety, cultural density, and proximity to specific employers beyond Center City, as these vary too much by personal preference. Our focus stayed on measurable, publicly reported data that consistently shapes daily life for families and commuting professionals, not on transient trends or marketing hype.

Related questions

What is the best overall suburb of Philadelphia?

Ardmore earns our top spot for combining the top-rated Lower Merion School District, a genuinely walkable downtown anchored by Suburban Square, low crime, and a 20–25 minute SEPTA rail ride into Center City. The median home price is around $625,000.

Which Philadelphia suburb offers the best value?

Media is our value pick, with a median home price near $450,000 delivering the Rose Tree Media School District, a lively State Street downtown, and SEPTA rail access for less than the Main Line. It's the only place in the country where a trolley runs down Main Street.

Which Philadelphia suburbs have the best schools?

Lower Merion (Ardmore, Bryn Mawr), Radnor Township (Wayne, Radnor), Central Bucks (Doylestown), and Council Rock (Newtown) consistently rank among the strongest districts in Pennsylvania. These districts drive home prices and are a top priority for families.

Which Philadelphia suburbs are most walkable?

Ardmore, Media, West Chester, Doylestown, and Chestnut Hill all offer vibrant, walkable downtowns with shops and restaurants within walking distance of many homes. These towns are ideal for families who want to reduce car dependence and enjoy a lively main street.

Which suburbs have the easiest commute to Center City?

Main Line towns on the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line — Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, and Radnor — reach Center City in roughly 20–30 minutes, the fastest options here. Swarthmore on the Media/Wawa line is also about 30 minutes.

Can I get a suburban feel while staying inside Philadelphia?

Yes — Chestnut Hill offers a walkable, historic, suburb-like neighborhood within city limits and two SEPTA rail lines, though homes fall within the School District of Philadelphia. Many families weigh private or charter school options here.

FAQ

What is the median home price in Ardmore?

The median home price in Ardmore is around $625,000. This buys a range of housing, from walkable twins and rowhomes to larger detached houses, all within the highly rated Lower Merion School District.

How long is the train ride from Ardmore to Center City?

The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line from Ardmore reaches Center City Philadelphia in about 20–25 minutes. This fast commute is a major reason Ardmore ranks as the best overall suburb.

What is the median home price in Media?

The median home price in Media is near $450,000, making it the best value on our list. It undercuts the Main Line while delivering a vibrant downtown, good schools, and SEPTA rail access.

What school district serves Wayne?

Wayne is served largely by the strong Radnor Township School District, one of the top-rated districts in Pennsylvania. This is a key draw for affluent families seeking prestigious schools and an upscale Main Line downtown.

Does Doylestown have a long commute?

Yes, the SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown Regional Rail line reaches Center City in about 60 minutes, longer than Main Line towns. However, the historic, arts-rich downtown and strong Central Bucks schools draw families anyway.

What are the pros of living in Newtown?

Newtown offers a top Council Rock School District, a preserved colonial downtown, very low crime, and access to both Philadelphia and Princeton/Trenton job markets via I-95 and the PA Turnpike. The trade-off is no direct SEPTA rail line in the borough.

Is West Chester a good value?

Yes, West Chester offers a median home price around $525,000, a lively restaurant-packed downtown, and a strong school district. It's close to the King of Prussia job corridor, though there's no direct SEPTA rail line into the borough.

What is the median home price in Radnor?

The median home price in Radnor Township is around $800,000, reflecting large lots and historic estates. It's among the highest on our list, but you get top-rated schools and excellent rail access via the Paoli/Thorndale and Norristown High Speed lines.

What makes Swarthmore unique?

Swarthmore is an intimate, walkable college borough built around Swarthmore College. It has a strong Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, a SEPTA station right in town, and very low crime, but housing inventory is extremely limited.

What are the downsides of Chestnut Hill?

Chestnut Hill falls within the School District of Philadelphia, so many families consider private or charter schools. City taxes also apply despite the suburban feel. However, it offers a charming Germantown Avenue and two SEPTA rail lines.

Sources

• https://www.census.gov/
• https://www.zillow.com/
• https://www.niche.com/
• https://www.greatschools.org/
• https://www.bestplaces.net/
• https://www.realtor.com/

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