What do Ardmore, Conshohocken, King of Prussia, and Phoenixville have in common? These are all some of the best suburbs of
Philadelphia. The big city may be known for its hectic urban energy and as a sprawling metropolis, but like any other place of its kind, it has a few suburbs of its own too. The Philadelphia suburbs are residential districts that are a fair distance away from the city center. Not only are they considerably more peaceful than the central neighborhoods, but they're also suitable for families thanks to their low crime rates, the great schools nearby, and more.
Ardmore
Ardmore isn't just considered one of the finest
neighborhoods in Philadelphia—or more accurately, near the city—but also one of the best suburbs in all of Pennsylvania. Located just 9 miles northwest of the bustling metropolis, the area maintains a nice balance between a residential district and an urban oasis. It has its own bustling downtown area and it's lively enough to provide excitement for locals without being as hectic as Philadelphia itself. On the other hand, its homes are widely regarded as some of the best in the city. From townhouses to apartments, prime real estate reigns supreme here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ii2nmd
Bryn Mawr
If you're someone young, maybe single, and you're
moving to Philadelphia, consider settling down in Bryn Mawr. Another of the best Philly suburbs, this place is often praised as one of the perfect places for the youth to live in the city. It helps that it's an affluent district. Young professionals who work good jobs in the city center and are still single, which means they have more than enough disposable income, will find Bryn Mawr to be a great town to live, have fun, and grow. Dine in its chicest restaurants, shop at the high-end boutiques, and party in the area's nightlife district.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ii2nmd
Conshohocken
Speaking of those who work in Philadelphia, another great suburb for you is Conshohocken. Located only 15 miles from the city center, it's fairly easy for residents to commute to any part of Philly and back.
Philadelphia's public transport is pretty efficient so you'll find no trouble going to and from the city every day. As for the town itself, Conshohocken combines both a fun urban area with a relatively peaceful residential district. If you didn't have to work in Philly's city center, you'd barely need to go there at all. There's a lot to see, do, and places to eat around here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Jeffrey M. Vinocur.
Devon
As great of a place it is,
Philadelphia's crime rates are unfortunately high. Today, its general crime rate is 78%, which is pretty high even for a big city. This is also the reason why many prefer to relocate to and live in Philadelphia's suburbs. The places listed here are comparatively safer and more peaceful than the city center. One such is Devon. With only 39 crimes per 100,000 residents, this suburb is one of the safest places to live, not just in Philadelphia, but in all of Pennsylvania. Hence, it's also perfect for families to settle down too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Lucius Kwok
King of Prussia
Don't let its admittedly funny name fool you! King of Prussia is undoubtedly one of the best suburbs in Philadelphia. Located only 21 miles away from the city center, its proximity alone already makes it covetable for those moving to the city but don't want to stay amidst all the hustle and bustle. Notably, King of Prussia is also known as a treasure trove of prime real estate. The neighborhood has some of the best
luxury homes to rent in Philadelphia, including big townhouses and high-end apartments. The rental prices here are just right, especially compared to those in the city center.
Source: Flickr.com/ Montgomery County Planning Commission
Media
Since a recent study dubbed Media as “Everybody’s Hometown,” there's no denying that it's one of the best Philadelphia suburbs. It’s only 13 miles away from the city center, so it's easy enough to go to any part of Philly and back. Media also evokes a small-town feel, more reminiscent of charming communes in the
American countryside instead of a standard suburb of a big city. This lovely provincial feel, especially when contrasted to Philadelphia's overwhelming urban energy, is why many locals choose to settle down here when they retire. But other groups of people, like young professionals, families, and the like, love it here too.
Source: Flickr.com/ jpmueller99
Phoenixville
Phoenixville also evokes a small-town vibe, albeit a bit livelier than Media. Located 28 miles northwest of Philadelphia, it's one of the farthest suburbs in the city. It's even valid to consider it in another part of Pennsylvania entirely, but so many of its residents regularly go to the city center just the same. Fortunately, Phoenixville has a lot to offer, so you won't need to go to Philly if you don't have to. From its homegrown restaurants to its unique indie shops, the town offers a different glimpse of Pennsylvania that you won't find anywhere else.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Squelle
Swarthmore
Is Swarthmore a good place to live? Well, it wouldn't make it onto this list of Philadelphia's best suburbs if it wasn't! Much like the other districts on this list, Swarthmore offers a nice mix between a fairly urban town with a peaceful neighborhood. It's pretty famous for its strips of timbered houses, giving off an old-world appeal that's different from Philadelphia's most famous historic landmarks. At the same time, Swarthmore is also as convenient as any contemporary district today. It has a number of shops, restaurants, and other establishments that will take good care of you while you're here.
Source: Flickr.com/ Adam Fagen
The Philadelphia Suburbs are arguably the best places to live for anyone, especially families, relocating to the city. They're quieter and lovely neighborhoods that are just as exciting as Philly's central districts.
