Philadelphia is one of the hottest cities in the country right now. It is rich in American history and popular culture. This place is excellent for working in and visiting. Once in town, it is pretty easy to navigate by foot or public transportation. Take in the great restaurants, museums, parks, or a favorite sporting event.
Living within the city might not be your cup of tea or even practical if you are raising a family. Several great suburbs around Philly are within a short driving or train distance for commuters or weekend visitors. Here are 5 of some of the best suburbs around Philadelphia with easy access to the city center.
1. Bryn Mawr
On the western outskirts of the city is the town of Bryn Mawr, home to the prestigious Bryn Mawr College. This place is rich in institutional culture and loaded with hip amenities, such as pubs, boutique shops, hookah bars, and a variety of restaurants. The demographic is a mix of college students and families. Philadelphia is reachable by train in just 20 minutes.
2. Fort Washington
Fort Washington is a historic town dating back to the Revolutionary War. This town has some of the best public and private schools in the area. It is also a family-oriented town with upscale amenities and pretty close to some great shopping in nearby smaller communities and large area malls. Fort Washington is also on the train line that gives you direct access to Philadelphia.
3. Conshohocken
Conshohocken is a small town on the Schuykill River with an industrial vibe. Historically, this was a working-class mill town. With the decline in industry, Conshohocken revitalized into a thriving downtown with great shopping and restaurants. It also has more rental options than some of the other suburbs. This town boasts of 2 SEPTA train stations for a quick commute into Philly.
4. Swarthmore
Swarthmore sits to the southwest of the Philadelphia center. This town has a firm academic culture, as it is home to the lovely Swarthmore College campus. A lot is going on in this community for both students and families. Getting to Philadelphia is accessible via train. If you are looking for a vibrant academic vibe, Swarthmore is a great option.
5. Haddonfield
Yes, this suburb is actually in New Jersey. However, it is just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia and an easy commute by train or car. The downtown area is exceptionally charming with quaint sidewalk shops and plenty of excellent dining spots. Haddonfield is a quick drive to the Cherry Hill Mall. The town has a wide variety of both modest and more upscale single-family homes.
6. Bella Vista
Ok, Bella Vista is definitely not in the “suburbs” of Philly, but we thought it was important to provide at least one recommendation inside the city. Bella Vista is routinely rated as one of the top neighborhoods in Philadelphia. and is known for great diversity, amazing food, and vibrant city life. It is a South Philadelphia neighborhood that was originally home to mostly Italian immigrants, but now has many Latino and Vietnamese businesses, restaurants and gathering places. If you’re looking for an option with a shorter commute, great cost of living, and wonderful school systems, Bella Vista could be a great option for you!
Summary
Trendy, historic, and culturally exciting Philadelphia is more comfortable to commute to than you might have imagined. There are highways to travel by car and a good network of public transportation options. If the city isn’t your thing for living in, consider one of these thriving suburbs with easy access directly to downtown.