Moving to Philadelphia? There are tons of great suburbs in Philly where you can find affordable housing options, good schools, and fun things to do. If you’re ready to settle down in the City of Brotherly Love, here are five Philadelphia suburbs worth checking out!
Ardmore
- Home Price: $346,300 median purchase price; $1,469 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Experience small-town charm about ten miles away from the city in one of the best Philadelphia Suburbs: Ardmore! This small city is known as “Main Street’s Main Line” in Philadelphia because of its walkable downtown area filled with vibrant shopping choices, fun annual events like Fall for Ardmore, and a restaurant scene teeming with trendy spots to grab bites and brews—which means you’ll always have fun things to do in Ardmore. There are Craftsman-style and Colonial homes, low unemployment and tax rates, and quality schools like Chestnutwold Elementary School and Lower Merion High School that help make this one of the best areas to live in Philadelphia.
Things to Do in Ardmore
Lace up your bowling shoes, enroll in a league, and go for a perfect game at Wynnewood Lanes. Go shopping in Ardmore or attend one of the many seasonal events like Family Sundays 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. Explore the Philadelphia outdoors with a walk, see outdoor art, or just soak in the sights at the beautiful Linwood Park. Try the Spicy Trio Roll, Fire Cracker, and Orange Rolls from the expansive sushi menu at Herosame Japanese Restaurant. Make dinner reservations for your next date night to eat cuisines like Charred Octopus, Mahi Tacos, and Pork Ribs at Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft, one of the best places to eat in Ardmore. Grab pizza in Ardmore with delicious toppings like Pepperoni, Sausage, Anchovy, and more at Marrone’s Pizzeria. Or sip on refreshing brews like the Alien Church, Shambolic, and Trendler Pilsner at Tired Hands BrewCafé.
Conshohocken
- Home Price: $339,300 median purchase price; $1,689 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a Philly suburb that offers big-city amenities with historic charm, consider living in Conshohocken. Founded as a mill town, Conshohocken has plenty of walking trails and green space, as well as a number of shops and restaurants lining the historic Fayette St downtown area, making it 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 townhomes, or buy a Colonial-style house. Parents can also get peace of mind by sending their kids to great Conshohocken schools like AIM Academy and Conshohocken Elementary School.
Things to Do in Conshohocken
Scratch your competitive itch with a game of horse on the basketball court, stay active on the walking trails, or relax in the shade in pavilions at Sutcliffe 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 like Meltdown or The Wizard’s Secrets at Project Escape. Wine and dine at Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, where stellar Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana pair perfectly with Red Blend Eshcol by the glass or bottle. Enjoy well-lit outdoor seating and order the Buffalo Cauliflower, Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Black Bean Burger at Jasper’s Backyard. Relax on the patio with a Conshohocken lunch of Chicken Tacos and a House Mojito or Spicy Margarita at Coyote Crossing. Or hit up happy hour at The StoneRose Restaurant for some Wagyu Sliders, a Fry Flight, and a Cucumber Martini.
Exton
- Home Price: $376,100 median purchase price; $1,681 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Low crime rates, a family-friendly atmosphere, affordable homes, and an energetic shopping district await you in Exton! Located about 25 miles west of the city in Chester County, this suburb of Philadelphia is known for its eclectic retail and outdoor recreation options. With this combination, whether you’re a nature lover or someone more accustomed to urban comforts, Exton has the amenities and things to do for you! This suburb is also home to top-rated schools in the Philadelphia area like Exton Elementary School, Collegium Charter School, and Downingtown High School East, making it an ideal place for families to call home.
Things to Do in Exton
Walk, jog, or 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. Travel less than 15 minutes outside of town to explore a variety of well-preserved rotorcraft, attend the speaker series, or enroll your kids in a summer program at the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center. Enjoy classic American sports bar fare like the House Nachos, Firecracker Shrimp Tacos, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Appetites on Main. Treat your tastebuds to unique dishes like the Steak Flatbread, Irish Burger, and Crab Cakes at ChopHouse Grille. Indulge in beautifully crafted sushi like the Spicy Tuna Roll, Peanut Avocado Roll, and Alaska Roll at Issho. Or fill up on Ahi Tuna Poke Tacos, a Maple BBQ Burger, and Short Rib Cheese Fries at The Pour House.
King of Prussia
- Home Price: $327,000 median purchase price; $1,593 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 one of the best Philly suburbs, 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 20 miles 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. Wake up with a Savor Platter, Bagel Sandwich, or Omelette at Savor. Dig into a Lamb Gyro, Toshka Arayes, or Greek Salad at Aroma Mediterranean Cuisine. Treat yourself to Philadelphia food favorites like Big Glory Bay Salmon, Pekin Duck Breast, or Filet Mignon 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
- Home Price: $258,900 median purchase price; $1,204 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of Pennsylvania cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Phoenixville, PA has undergone a large transformation over the years from a steel mill into one of the top suburbs of Philadelphia. Residents love living in this Philly suburb because of its varied townhomes and ranch-style homes, thriving restaurant scene, and proximity to world-class amenities like the 119-acre nature preserve at Black Rock Sanctuary. Of course, this suburb is more than just its high-quality amenities. Phoenixville families can enroll their kids into top-quality schools like Phoenixville Area Middle School and Phoenixville Area High School, while jobseekers can find opportunities here at major Philadelphia area employers like 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 fresh produce, freshly-baked bread, and more locally sourced 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. Swing your way through 18 holes of mini-golf surrounded by scenic features like a waterfall at Markie’s Mini Golf. Try the Green Pepper Cheesesteak, Italian Calzone, or Pizza Steak from Hog Island Steaks. Schedule a Sunday brunch outing and get a stack of ButterMilk Pancakes, Brioche French Toast, and a Grilled Cinnamon Bun from Black Lab Bistro. Have a light lunch with a Classic Caesar Salad, Fish Tacos, or a California Wrap at the cozy and comfortable Nudy’s Cafe. Or chow down on a hearty meal of Loaded Tots, Grilled Cheese, and a Southwest Burger with a pint from the rotating tap list at Stable 12 Brewing Co.
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