Considering moving to the Philadelphia area? There are tons of great suburbs around the City of Brotherly Love where you can find affordable housing options, good schools, and fun things to do. If you’re ready to settle down in the Philly metro, here are five Philadelphia suburbs worth checking out!
Ardmore
Photo via @hardyrealestategroup
- Home Price: $309,600 median purchase price; $1,267 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Enjoy a small-town lifestyle about ten minutes away from the heart of Philadelphia in one of the area’s best suburbs: Ardmore! This small city is known as the “Main Street” of Philadelphia’s Main Line because of its vibrant shopping choices, fun annual events like Oktoberfest, and restaurant scene teeming with trendy spots to grab bites and brews—which means you’ll always have things to do in Ardmore! But that’s not all you’ll find in Ardmore. There are Craftsman-style homes and brick rowhouses, low unemployment and tax rates, and quality schools like Chestnutwold Elementary School and Lower Merion High School.
Things to Do in Ardmore
Listen to music, win prizes, and bowl at Rock N’ Bowl night at Wynnewood Lanes Bowling & Lounge. Go shopping or attend one of the many seasonal events hosted at Suburban Square. Check out the city’s live music scene at Ardmore Music Hall, featuring artists from a variety of genres, including country, rock, soul, and more. Go for a walk, see outdoor art, or just soak in the sights at the beautiful and eco-friendly Linwood Park, where nearly 100% of maintenance and programming is done by volunteers. Try the Spicy Triol and Orange Rolls from the expansive sushi menu at Herosame Japanese Restaurant. Make dinner reservations at one of the best restaurants in the Philadelphia area, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft. Or sip on refreshing brews like Modern Gulpie and Trendler Pilsner at Tired Hands Brewing Company.
Conshohocken
Photo via @benfloydphoto
- Home Price: $278,000 median purchase price; $1,452 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re moving to the Philadelphia area in search of big-city amenities but still want the laid-back feel of a smaller city, consider living in Conshohocken. With plenty of walking trails and green space, as well as a number of shops and restaurants lining historic Fayette St, Conshohocken is one of the best suburbs of Philadelphia for on-the-go singles, couples, and families. Settle down in one of the suburb’s beautiful yet affordable Craftsman or Colonial homes, and get peace of mind sending your kids to great Conshohocken schools like AIM Academy and Conshohocken Elementary School.
Things to Do in Conshohocken
Let your four-legged family members run, romp, and play at Conshohocken Dog Park. Bike, jog, or take a leisurely hike among the natural beauty of the Delaware Valley on the award-winning Schuylkill River Trail. Practice your swing on the driving range, play a round of mini-golf with your family, or spend a day on either of the two 18-hole courses at Tee’s Golf Center. Put your wits to the test with an escape room experience at Project Escape. Wine and dine at Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, where stellar Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana pair perfectly with Remo Farina Italian Red Blend by the glass or bottle. Order lunch at Jasper’s Backyard—the Buffalo Cauliflower and Fried Chicken Sandwich are must-tries! Relax on the patio with a plate of Carnitas Tacos and a Signature Mojito or Oaxacan Toddy at Coyote Crossing. Or hit up happy hour at The StoneRose Restaurant for some Short Rib Mac & Cheese Spring Rolls, a Fry Flight, and Prosecco by the bottle.
Exton
Photo via @tomtoolesalesgroup
- Home Price: $320,700 median purchase price; $1,481 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Low crime rates, affordable ranch-style and Colonial homes, and a large shopping district await you in Exton! Located about 40 minutes outside of the city, this beautiful Philadelphia suburb is known for its retail and recreation, so whether you’re a nature lover or someone more accustomed to urban comforts, Exton has the amenities and things to do for you! This Philly suburb is also home to top-rated schools like Exton Elementary School, Collegium Charter School, and Downingtown High School East, so it’s an ideal home for families.
Things to Do in Exton
Grab your bike for a ride down the scenic Chester Valley Trail. Have a picnic by the pond, play kickball in the field, or walk along the trail at the 727-acre Exton Park. Get your retail fix by checking out dozens of stores and restaurants on Main Street at Exton. Admire the local arts scene with a trip to Exton Square Studio Gallery, where new art displays are installed every four months. Enjoy hearty American fare like Icarus Wings or a Rise N Shine Burger in the colorful taproom at Stolen Sun Brewing & Roasting Co. Treat your tastebuds to unique flavors from Roasted Butternut & Fig Flatbread to Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and beyond at ChopHouse Grille. Indulge in beautifully crafted sushi rolls like Tuna Maki, Alaska Rolls, and more at Issho. Or fill up on Ahi Tuna Poke Tacos or a Cheddar Chicken Avocado Melt with a Dunkel Lager at The Pour House.
King of Prussia
Photo via @davisdevelopmentgroupllc
- Home Price: $294,000 median purchase price; $1,256 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Originally built around an 18th-century inn and tavern of the same name, King of Prussia is known for its great restaurants and shops, including one of America’s largest retail shopping malls, the King of Prussia Mall. This affordable Philadelphia suburb is less than 30 minutes from the city center, offers a variety of housing options from contemporary apartments to new construction, and is home to highly-rated schools like Gulph Elementary School, Upper Merion Area Middle School, and Upper Merion Area High School.
Things to Do in King of Prussia
Hike, bike, or ride horses along the many trails at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Explore 93 acres of parkland and attend workshops at McKaig Nature Center. Have a cold beer while you test your aim at Bury the Hatchet Axe Throwing. Try for a hole-in-one on the lush greens at the century-old Gulph Mills Golf Club. Meet up with friends for a round of disc golf at Sweetbriar Park. Wake up with a 5 Dollar Breakfast Platter or a Bagel with Lox at Savor. Dig into a Lamb Gyro, Chicken Shawarma, or other Mediterranean favorites at Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine. Treat yourself to superlative surf-n-turf dishes like Grilled Scottish Salmon or a Black & Blue NY Strip Steak from Creed’s Seafood and Steaks. Or experience flavorful Japanese fare like Gyoza, Chicken Yaki Udon, and Shrimp Teriyaki Bento at Kabuki Japanese Restaurant.
Phoenixville
Photo via @thebasicrealtor
- Home Price: $213,800 median purchase price; $1,081 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Formerly an industrial steel mill, Phoenixville has transformed over the years into one of Philly’s best suburbs, thanks to its spacious housing, thriving restaurant scene, unique shopping, and proximity to the 119-acre nature preserve at Black Rock Sanctuary. Of course, this suburb is far more than just a fun place to live! Phoenixville has top-quality schools like Phoenixville Area Middle School and Phoenixville Area High School and is home to major Philadelphia area employers like the Phoenixville Hospital.
Things to Do in Phoenixville
Score tickets for live music, limited-run movie screenings, and other great events at Colonial Theatre. Shop for farm-fresh produce and other locally-grown and produced goods at Phoenixville Farmers’ Market. Bring your kids to the playground or play a game of pick-up baseball with friends on the field at Reeves Park. Try the famous Philly Cheesesteaks or Pizza Steaks from Hog Island Steaks. Schedule a Sunday brunch outing and get a stack of Buttermilk Pancakes or some Brioche French Toast from Black Lab Bistro. Have a light lunch with a Classic Caesar Salad or a California Wrap at the cozy and comfortable Nudy’s Cafe. Or chow down on a hearty meal like a Brisket Sandwich or Mushroom Swiss Burger with a pint from the rotating tap list at Stable 12 Brewing Co.
***
Moving to the Philadelphia metro? Extra Space Storage has convenient self storage facilities located throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs in the Delaware Valley, so we can help with your transition. Find cheap storage near you!
City statistics from AreaVibes
