When people think of Philadelphia, it’s often the city core that comes to mind.
While the city is one of the most vibrant places in North America, with its abundant culture and verve, the lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Many people–especially those with families–would prefer something quieter.
At the same time, the desire for many people remains to stay close to the city. Just because you don’t want to live smack-dab in the core of Philadelphia doesn’t mean you want to avoid it altogether.
Enter the suburb, offering you a quainter lifestyle without all the city traffic and noise. Then, when you want to travel to the city–whether for work, to catch a game, or for a night on the town–it’s a short-ish car ride away.
Below, we’ll explore some of the best Philadelphia suburbs and what they can offer their residents.
The Montgomery Township suburb in Philadelphia is in Montgomery County and has a population of 25,790
Not only is Montgomery Township viewed as one of the best Philadelphia suburbs, but it’s also one of the best suburbs in Pennsylvania.
Typically, families and young professionals live in Montgomery Township, enjoying its wide selection of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. The suburb’s schools are highly rated, too, making it an ideal landing spot for parents and their children. Here’s a list of the top 3 public schools in the area:
Montgomery Township boasts multiple quaint parks. The 202 Parkway Trail–meant for running, biking, and walking–provides a gorgeous view through the town center.
Based on
Niche’s calculations on crime rates, Montgomery Township has an A-minus rating.
Those who live in Montgomery Township but work in the city can expect a 43-minute drive via PA-309 S. Public transportation to Philadelphia is less appealing, requiring two hours in transit. However, the B-plus Niche rating for working in Woodside means commuting to Philadelphia might not be necessary for your job.
Located in Bucks County, with gorgeous homes surrounding the picturesque Buck Creek, Woodside, PA, it combines rural and suburban vibes.
The area offers residents a serene atmosphere, which has led to the town being a landing spot for retirees, who enjoy the quietness of the sub–3000 population.
Woodside
is ranked
the #1 best place to live in Bucks County and the 45th (out of 1,514) place to raise a family in Pennsylvania.
Part of the reason for these excellent rankings is the area’s highly-rated schools, such as Bucks County Montessori Charter, Afton Elementary School, and Pennsbury High School.
One popular Woodside destination for young families is Sesame Place, a nearby amusement park with water rides, rollercoasters, parades, and live shows.
Another factor making Woodside, PA, an attractive place for families is its crime rates, which are
86% lower than the national average.
A car ride to Philadelphia from Woodside will take 35 minutes if you take the I-295 W and I-95 S. There are no routes to the city via public transit. However,
Niche has given Woodside a B-minus rating for jobs, meaning you’re relatively likely to find nearby work.
Nether Providence–a stalwart of Delaware County–has a population of 14,384. This low number of residents helps foster an intimate environment and small-town whimsy that ensure everyone knows one another’s names.
Nether residents have plenty to explore with the Swarthmore Farmers Market, Briar Bush Nature Center, American Treasure tour, and
several more attractions. Moreover,
delicious restaurants like the BrickHaus and Two Fourteen offer residents plenty of viable dining options. Nether Providence is also home to
many parks, including Furness and Gouley Park.
Highly rated schools like Strath Haven High and Wallingford Elementary and
almost no crime contribute to a nurturing child-rearing environment in Nether Providence.
Niche has given Nether Providence a
B-plus rating for jobs. However, a work commute to Philadelphia from Nether Providence via the I-95 S takes 26 minutes. Moreover, unlike our previous two suburbs, there’s readily available public transit to the city with a commute spanning around a half hour.
This accessibility to Philadelphia makes Nether an attractive landing spot for those who want a quieter lifestyle but still enjoy the city. Undoubtedly, Nether can’t compete with the city core for offering things to do–no suburb really can. Still, a quick jaunt down the highway will put Nether Providence residents in the city, offering versatile recreational options.
Part of Montgomery County, Ardmore–with its population of around 13,600–is only a 10-minute drive from Philadelphia, meaning it’s a suburban-urban hybrid. Those with love for the city but a calling for quiet suburban life will find a happy medium in this suburb.
Referred to as the Main Street of Philadelphia’s Main Line, Ardmore earned this moniker because of its bustling shopping centers, action-packed annual events, and excellent dining options.
Residents of Ardmore have plenty to do, including raucous Rock’N’Bowl nights at Wynnewood Lanes Bowling & Lounge. A plethora of seasonal events are held at Suburban Square, and there’s a burgeoning music scene at the suburb’s Music Hall. Plus, there’s Linwood Park for those who appreciate the outdoors.
Ardmore boasts highly-rated schools and is
ranked higher than any previously mentioned suburbs for jobs.
Where Ardmore does fall short for families is its
crime rates, which are above the national average.
These Philadelphia suburbs, despite being highly desirable places to live, only scratch the surface of what’s available in the area. There’s a wealth of untapped potential in districts, regions, neighborhoods, and townships surrounding the city.
At GM Holdings, we’ve developed unparalleled expertise in
residential properties in Philadelphia. We would be thrilled to shed further light on the topic and help you make informed decisions about your future living situation.
So, feel free to reach out to us with any questions. As property managers, we’re passionate about discussing all things related to finding a home or apartment in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs.
