Browse real estate listings in Main Line Philadelphia.
What is the housing market like in Main Line today? In October 2025, Main Line home prices were down 13.4% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $680K. On average, homes in Main Line sell after 33 days on the market compared to 28 days last year. There were 266 homes sold in October this year, up from 231 last year.
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Buying in the Main Line Philadelphia real estate market comes with a few unique considerations—like school districts, property taxes, train access, and the mix of historic homes and new construction. Below are the questions buyers ask most often when they’re comparing neighborhoods, budgeting for ownership, and deciding how to move in a competitive market.
“The Main Line” generally refers to a group of sought-after suburbs west of Philadelphia along the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale rail line. Commonly referenced Main Line communities include Ardmore, Wynnewood, Narberth, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Wayne, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli, and Malvern (among others). Exact boundaries can vary depending on who you ask, so it helps to define your priorities—commute, schools, lot size, walkability—then narrow towns from there.
Home prices on the Main Line tend to run higher than many parts of Philadelphia due to school districts, larger lots, and overall demand. Your budget can stretch very differently depending on whether you’re looking in areas like Ardmore/Narberth versus farther west toward Berwyn/Paoli/Malvern, and whether you want a move-in-ready home or a renovation opportunity. A local agent can help you compare recent sales and “true” monthly costs across towns—not just list prices.
It can be—if you buy with a strategy. The Main Line often stays competitive because inventory can be tight, and well-located homes near top schools or train stations can attract multiple offers. The best approach is to track recent sold prices, days on market, and how often homes close above asking in the specific neighborhood you want (not just the broader metro headlines).
In many Main Line neighborhoods, desirable homes (great condition, strong location, priced well) can move quickly. You may see multiple offers, escalation clauses, appraisal gaps, or pre-inspections—especially in hotspots close to trains, shopping, and highly rated schools. The key is preparation: solid pre-approval, clear terms, and a plan for what you’ll do if the home needs updates.
Families often prioritize school districts, parks, neighborhood feel, and commute options—so towns like Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Wynnewood, Wayne, Berwyn, and Devon come up frequently. That said, “best” depends on what your family needs (walkability vs. yard size, train proximity, sports programs, etc.). Touring at different times of day—and mapping the school assignments for each address—helps you choose confidently.
Young professionals often look for easy train access to Center City, walkable downtowns, and restaurants/coffee shops—so Ardmore and Narberth are common favorites, with parts of Wayne and Bryn Mawr also appealing. If commute is a top priority, being close to a SEPTA station can matter as much as the town name itself. Condos and smaller single-family homes can be a great “first step” into the Main Line lifestyle.
It can be, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Investors often focus on rental demand near colleges, hospitals, and train lines, plus long-term resale strength in high-demand school districts. Before buying, run realistic numbers on taxes, insurance, maintenance (especially for older homes), and any township rental rules or inspection requirements.
Property taxes vary widely by county and township (and by school district), so two homes with similar prices can have very different tax bills. Your tax bill is typically driven by assessed value and local millage rates, and it may include multiple layers (township/borough, county, and school). A smart move is to estimate taxes early—before you fall in love with a house—so your monthly payment stays comfortable.
Older Main Line homes often offer character, mature landscaping, and prime locations, but they may come with higher maintenance (roof, plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring in some cases, etc.). New construction can mean modern layouts and lower immediate repair costs, but availability can be limited and pricing may be higher—plus you’ll want to confirm what’s included in the base price. Either way, strong inspections (and understanding renovation costs) is essential.
In the Main Line Philadelphia real estate market, buyers typically budget for a down payment plus closing costs like lender fees, appraisal, inspection, title/settlement charges, and prepaid items (taxes and insurance). If you’re buying within the City of Philadelphia, the Realty Transfer Tax is a major cost at closing (it combines state and city transfer taxes and is commonly negotiated/split in the contract). The process generally follows pre-approval → showings → offer → inspections → appraisal → final loan approval → settlement, and your lender can provide a cash-to-close estimate early so you’re not guessing.
Stephanie believes that a home is one of the most important and often the biggest investments you make. Whether you’re buying or selling a home on the Main Line, in Center City, or in Southern New Jersey, you can rely on Stephanie’s successful track record and proven expertise.
