Welcome To Main Line
There is no better place to raise a family.
Along the historic Philadelphia railroad, situated west of Philadelphia is a group of suburbs known as the Main Line.
Main Line Towns
The Main Line in Philadelphia consists of the following 18 communities:
- Overbrook
- Merion
- Narberth
- Wynnewood
- Ardmore
- Haverford
- Bryn Mawr
- Rosemont
- Villanova
- Radnor
- St. Davids
- Wayne
- Strafford
- Devon
- Berwyn
- Daylesford
- Paoli
- Malvern
Where is Main Line, Philadelphia Located?
The Philadelphia Main Line, often referred to simply as the Main Line, is located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here are some key details about its location.
Geographic Location
The Main Line extends northwest from Center City Philadelphia, running parallel to the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike (U.S. Route 30). It covers an area of approximately 200 square miles (520 km2).
Boundaries
The Main Line is not officially defined, but it traditionally includes the following areas:
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It starts at the city limits of Philadelphia
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It extends westward, traditionally to Bryn Mawr and ultimately to Paoli
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It includes parts of Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties
Being situated along the historic Philadelphia railway means residents with a daily commute can easily travel between Philadelphia and their homes. Main Line boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with many parks and green spaces throughout the connecting neighborhoods. Narberth Park in Narberth and Ashbridge Memorial Park in Rosemont are two great options n Lower Merion for those with children.
Shopping and entertainment options are also abundant in the Main Line community. With everything a family could ask for, it becomes easy to see why the Main Line community is one of Pennsylvania's most sought-after areas to live.
What to Love
- Wayne Music Festival
- Devon Horse Show
- Radnor Hunt
- Proximity to Philadelphia
- Ardmore Suburban Square
- Downtown Wayne
- Walkable Neighborhoods
- Restaurants and Shopping
Lifestyle
Main Line's charming and family-friendly community, located along the historic Philadelphia Railway, offers a wide range of amenities. The Main Line community is perfect for those looking to start a family or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The neighborhoods in the Main Line community are adorned with beautiful trees and sprawling parks, making the walk to and from your favorite restaurant or coffee shop quite enjoyable.
The community is also known for its highly sought-after schools. If a daily commute to Philadelphia is in order, residents of Main Line can zip to the city in a snap by catching one of the many trains along the Philadelphia Railway.
Primarily residential, locals can expect a strong sense of community bolstered by events and activities like Radnor Hunt and Narberth Dickens Festival. Downtown Wayne offers an excellent mix of restaurants and bars for those wanting a night out. Main Line offers refuge from city life's extreme hustle and bustle and allows the peace of mind to relax and feel at home.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There is truly something for everyone, with many dining, entertainment, and shopping options within walking distance. Locals love a day of shopping at Haverford Square or Suburban Square. Both include many high-end retailers, such as Lululemon, Veronica Beard, and Sephora, just to name a few.
When the shopping is complete, wrap up the day with a fabulous dinner at DePaul's Table or Lark (owned by a James Beard Award Finalist and Top Chef winner, Nicholas Elmi). The greenhouse cafe of Terrain is a unique dining experience offering the best local and fresh seasonal cuisine. With world-class restaurants like White Dog Cafe, Lola’s Garden, and Azie on Main in every direction, you can always find just the right option to fulfill your cravings.
Overview of Main Line Philadelphia's Housing Market
The housing market in Main Line Philadelphia has shown significant growth. In September 2023, home prices in the Main Line area increased by 22.1% compared to the previous year, with a median selling price of $763K. Homes on average sold after 21 days on the market, which is consistent with the previous year's data. This trend indicates a robust and dynamic housing market in the region, with a strong demand for properties​​. The Philadelphia housing market overall has experienced a mix of growth and stabilization, impacted by the pandemic and economic factors. This indicates a complex market environment where buyers and sellers need to be well-informed​​.
Parks and Natural Attractions
Local Parks and Green Spaces
Main Line Philadelphia offers a wealth of natural destinations, including gardens, arboretums, and parks. Notably, French Creek State Park, one of the largest state parks in the area, boasts over 7,500 acres with more than 35 miles of trails for hiking and exploration. This provides residents and visitors ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and engage in various recreational activities​​.
Nearby Natural Attractions and Scenic Spots
The region is also home to several important and scenic National Park sites, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. These sites add historical significance and natural beauty to the Main Line, enhancing its appeal as a destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts​​.
Arts and Culture Scene
Cultural Institutions and Museums
Main Line Philadelphia is rich in arts and culture, with a vast array of museums, galleries, community arts centers, theater companies, performance venues, and historical sites. These cultural institutions offer a variety of experiences, from traditional museum visits to contemporary art displays and theatrical performances, enriching the cultural landscape of the area​​.
Art Galleries and Exhibitions
The region's vibrant arts scene is further highlighted by numerous art galleries and exhibitions. Main Line Neighbors, a community arts and culture guide, lists a wide range of arts event options in film, literary arts, and visual arts, along with museum exhibitions and tours. This diversity in artistic offerings caters to a wide audience, from art aficionados to families looking for cultural experiences​​​​.
Main Line Philadelphia's blend of dynamic housing market, rich natural attractions, and a thriving arts and culture scene make it a unique and desirable place to live, offering something for everyone.
Things to Do
Main Line is also home to many neighborhood events, such as the Bryn Mawr Farmers Market, where top-notch local produce, food vendors, and crafts are found during the warmer months.
Narberth Dickens Festival is an excellent family-friendly event held in early December. The borough of Narberth is decorated like mid-1800s London, and characters from A Christmas Carol wander the streets entertaining all.
The Devon Horse Show is a fantastic option for those who love horses. Main Line also offers incredible opportunities for music festivals such as Wayne Music Fest.
Schools
Some of the Main Line's highly sought-after schools include both private and public schools plus an abundance of universities including::
