Top 10 Best Suburbs of Philadelphia

Direct Answer

The Best Overall suburb of Philadelphia is Ardmore, a walkable Main Line hub where a median home price around $625,000 buys a vibrant downtown, a direct SEPTA Regional Rail line into Center City, and access to the highly rated Lower Merion School District. The Best Value pick is Media, the Delaware County seat, where a median home price near $450,000 delivers a lively "Everybody's Hometown" downtown, the only trolley-on-Main-Street in the country, and the strong Rose Tree Media School District for noticeably less money.

This list is built for families and commuting professionals who want excellent schools, walkable downtowns, low crime, and an easy rail ride into Center City Philadelphia — whether the budget sits near $400,000 or climbs past $900,000. Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from Census figures, Zillow, Niche, and district report cards.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each suburb against the priorities Philadelphia-area families consistently rank highest, drawing on published data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Niche, GreatSchools, BestPlaces, and Realtor.com. The weighting:

• Affordability and home value — 25%
• Public school quality — 20%
• Safety and crime rates — 20%
• Jobs and commute access — 15%
• Amenities and walkability — 10%
• Community feel — 10%

A suburb with elite schools but unreachable prices, or great value with weak transit, slips down the list. The winners balance all six, and most pair top schools with a real walkable downtown and a SEPTA rail line.

1. Ardmore 🏆 BEST OVERALL

County: Montgomery | Median home: $625,000 | Best for: Families who want a walkable Main Line downtown with top schools

Ardmore, population roughly 13,000, is the commercial heart of the Main Line in Montgomery County. It feeds the highly rated Lower Merion School District, one of the best in Pennsylvania, and centers on Suburban Square, the country's first planned shopping centers, plus the revitalized Lancaster Avenue corridor.

The median home price around $625,000 spans walkable twins and rowhomes to larger detached houses. Crime is low, and the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line drops commuters in Center City Philadelphia in about 20–25 minutes. The vibe is energetic, college-adjacent, and genuinely walkable — restaurants, the Suburban Square farmers market, and a music venue anchor daily life.

Pros:

• Top-rated Lower Merion School District
• Highly walkable downtown with Suburban Square
• 20–25 minute SEPTA rail ride to Center City
• Low crime and strong Main Line community feel

Cons:

• Main Line prices and taxes run above the regional average
• Parking and traffic tighten on busy weekends

Verdict: Ardmore wins on balance — top schools, true walkability, and fast rail access with no real weak spot.

2. Wayne

County: Delaware / Chester / Montgomery | Median home: $725,000 | Best for: Affluent families wanting an upscale Main Line downtown

Wayne, population roughly 15,000, is one of the most prestigious Main Line addresses, straddling three counties along Lancaster Avenue. It is served largely by the strong Radnor Township School District. The median home price near $725,000 reflects historic homes and leafy streets.

Downtown Wayne offers boutique shopping, the Wayne Hotel, and well-regarded restaurants. Crime is very low, and the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line reaches Center City in about 30 minutes. The community feel is affluent, historic, and tightly knit.

Pros:

• Strong Radnor Township School District
• Charming, upscale walkable downtown
• Very low crime and historic architecture
• Direct SEPTA Regional Rail access

Cons:

• Among the pricier suburbs on this list
• Older homes carry higher upkeep costs

Verdict: The polished Main Line classic — buy for prestige, schools, and a storybook downtown.

3. Bryn Mawr

County: Montgomery / Delaware | Median home: $700,000 | Best for: Families who want college-town energy with elite schools

Bryn Mawr, population roughly 4,000 in its core, is a quintessential Main Line town anchored by Bryn Mawr College and feeding the top-rated Lower Merion School District. The median home price around $700,000 buys historic stone homes near a compact, walkable center with restaurants, a movie theater, and a hospital.

Crime is very low, and the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line reaches Center City in roughly 25 minutes. The presence of the college lends an intellectual, walkable, tree-shaded character.

Pros:

• Top Lower Merion School District schools
• Walkable center with shops, dining, and a cinema
• College-town energy and historic stone homes
• Fast SEPTA rail to Center City

Cons:

• Limited inventory keeps prices high
• College traffic peaks at semester transitions

Verdict: A walkable, intellectual Main Line gem — ideal for families who want elite schools and town energy.

4. Media 💎 BEST VALUE

County: Delaware | Median home: $450,000 | Best for: Value-focused families wanting a lively walkable downtown

Media, population roughly 5,500, is the Delaware County seat and bills itself as "Everybody's Hometown." It feeds the well-regarded Rose Tree Media School District and offers the best quality-of-life-per-dollar on this list. The median home price near $450,000 undercuts the Main Line while delivering a genuinely vibrant State Street downtown — the only place in the country where a SEPTA trolley runs down Main Street — plus a weekly summer dining series.

Crime is low, and the SEPTA Media/Wawa Regional Rail line reaches Center City in about 35 minutes. The vibe is artsy, friendly, and walkable.

Pros:

• Strong value at roughly $450,000 median
• Lively State Street downtown and dining scene
• Good Rose Tree Media School District
• Trolley and SEPTA rail access to Center City

Cons:

• Rail commute slightly longer than Main Line towns
• Popular downtown gets crowded on event nights

Verdict: The value champion — a vibrant, walkable downtown and solid schools for far less than the Main Line.

5. Doylestown

County: Bucks | Median home: $575,000 | Best for: Families wanting a historic Bucks County county seat

Doylestown, population roughly 8,300, is the charming Bucks County seat, known for its arts scene, the Mercer Museum, and a beautifully preserved historic downtown. It feeds 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. Crime is very low, and the SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown Regional Rail line reaches Center City in about 60 minutes — longer than the Main Line, but the small-town character and schools draw families anyway.

Pros:

• Strong Central Bucks School District
• Historic, walkable arts-rich downtown
• Very low crime and small-town charm
• Museums and cultural amenities in town

Cons:

• Longer ~60-minute rail commute to Center City
• Limited inventory of in-town walkable homes

Verdict: The Bucks County charmer — buy for history, the arts, and Central Bucks schools.

6. Newtown

County: Bucks | Median home: $675,000 | Best for: Families wanting upscale Bucks County living near jobs

Newtown, population roughly 2,200 in the borough with a larger surrounding township, is an upscale Bucks County community with a preserved colonial-era downtown along State Street. It feeds the highly rated Council Rock School District. The median home price near $675,000 reflects historic homes and newer subdivisions.

Crime is very low, and the 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 affluent, historic, and family-oriented.

Pros:

• Top Council Rock School District
• Preserved colonial downtown and walkable core
• Very low crime and affluent community
• Access to both Philly and Princeton job markets

Cons:

• No direct SEPTA rail line in the borough
• Higher price point for the county

Verdict: An upscale, historic Bucks pick — strong for families who drive to work and want top schools.

7. West Chester

County: Chester | Median home: $525,000 | Best for: Buyers wanting a lively college-town county seat with value

West Chester, population roughly 18,000, is the vibrant Chester County seat, home to West Chester University and a thriving restaurant-packed downtown. It feeds the strong West Chester Area School District. The median home price around $525,000 offers good value for the energy and amenities.

Crime is low, and while there is no direct SEPTA rail line into the borough, U.S. 202 and nearby park-and-ride options put Center City about 45 minutes away and the King of Prussia job corridor even closer. The downtown's restaurants, breweries, and events give it a lively, youthful character.

Pros:

• Lively, restaurant-rich walkable downtown
• Strong West Chester Area School District
• Good value for a county-seat with amenities
• Close to King of Prussia job corridor

Cons:

• No direct SEPTA Regional Rail into the borough
• College-town nightlife isn't for everyone

Verdict: The lively value pick in Chester County — buy for downtown energy and solid schools.

8. Radnor

County: Delaware | Median home: $800,000 | Best for: Affluent families wanting top schools across the Main Line

Radnor Township, population roughly 31,000 including villages like Wayne and Villanova, is an affluent Main Line township anchored by the top-rated Radnor Township School District and Villanova University. The median home price around $800,000 reflects large lots and historic estates.

Crime is very low, and the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale line plus the Norristown High Speed Line give excellent rail access, reaching Center City in about 30 minutes. The township blends suburban estates with walkable village centers.

Pros:

• Top-rated Radnor Township School District
• Multiple SEPTA rail options to Center City
• Very low crime and affluent estate areas
• Villanova University amenities nearby

Cons:

• Among the highest median prices on this list
• Estate upkeep and taxes run high

Verdict: A premier Main Line township — buy for elite schools and excellent rail access if budget allows.

9. Swarthmore

County: Delaware | Median home: $575,000 | Best for: Families wanting an intimate, walkable college borough

Swarthmore, population roughly 6,200, is a small, leafy Delaware County borough built around Swarthmore College and feeding the well-regarded Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. The median home price around $575,000 buys historic homes near a compact, walkable downtown.

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 intimate, educated, and pedestrian-friendly, with a strong sense of identity tied to the college.

Pros:

• Strong Wallingford-Swarthmore School District
• Walkable downtown with SEPTA station in town
• Very low crime and tight community feel
• College-town culture and green campus access

Cons:

• Very limited housing inventory
• Smaller downtown than larger boroughs

Verdict: An intimate, walkable college borough — ideal for families who value community and rail access.

10. Chestnut Hill

County: Philadelphia | Median home: $650,000 | Best for: Buyers wanting suburban feel within city limits

Chestnut Hill, population roughly 9,000, is an affluent, historic neighborhood at Philadelphia's northwest edge that feels like a suburb while sitting inside the city limits. Its cobblestone Germantown Avenue downtown is packed with boutiques, restaurants, and the Morris Arboretum.

The median home price around $650,000 buys historic stone and Victorian homes. Crime is low for the area, and two SEPTA Regional Rail lines (Chestnut Hill East and West) reach Center City in about 25–30 minutes. Note that homes here fall within the School District of Philadelphia, so many families weigh nearby private and charter options.

Pros:

• Charming walkable Germantown Avenue downtown
• Two SEPTA rail lines to Center City
• Historic stone architecture and Morris Arboretum
• Suburban feel while staying inside the city

Cons:

• Falls within the School District of Philadelphia
• City taxes apply despite the suburban feel

Verdict: A suburb-in-the-city gem — buy for walkable charm and rail access if private/charter schooling fits.

Which Suburb Is Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Suburb in the Philadelphia Area

• School district boundaries — Top districts like Lower Merion, Radnor, and Central Bucks drive prices; confirm the exact district and school for any specific address before buying.
• SEPTA rail access — A nearby Regional Rail station can shrink a commute dramatically. Check which line serves a town and how often trains run at peak.
• Property and school taxes — Pennsylvania suburbs vary widely; a lower home price with high school taxes can cost more monthly than a pricier home elsewhere.
• Walkability vs car-dependence — Towns like Ardmore, Media, and West Chester offer true walkable downtowns; others require driving for most errands.
• Older housing stock — Many Main Line and Bucks homes are historic and beautiful but carry higher maintenance, older systems, and renovation costs.
• County lines — Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, Bucks, and Philadelphia counties differ on taxes and services even for towns that feel similar.

What matters less than marketing implies: "best small town" press lists, model-home staging, and brokerage slogans. School ratings, tax bills, commute times, and walkability shape your daily life far more than any headline.

FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bottom Line

For the Philadelphia area, Ardmore is our Best Overall suburb — its top-rated Lower Merion schools, walkable downtown, low crime, and fast SEPTA rail access justify a median home around $625,000. Media, near $450,000, is our Best Value, delivering a vibrant downtown and solid schools for noticeably less.

If your priorities lean toward Bucks County charm, Chester County energy, an in-city suburb, or the most prestigious Main Line addresses, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Doylestown, Newtown, West Chester, Chestnut Hill, Wayne, or Radnor instead. Choose on schools, taxes, commute, and walkability — not on a slogan — and you will be happy for years.

Sources

• Niche — Best Suburbs of Philadelphia
• U.S. Census Bureau — QuickFacts by place
• Zillow — Philadelphia metro home values
• Realtor.com — Philadelphia suburbs housing data
• BestPlaces — Pennsylvania cost of living and crime
• GreatSchools — Pennsylvania school district ratings
• SEPTA — Regional Rail lines and schedules
• Money / Livability — Best Places to Live
• Lower Merion School District — district information

*best suburbs of Philadelphia review — where to live, rankings, home prices, schools, and a review of the best places to live near Philadelphia.*