Located in the middle of the Main Line, a collection of affluent villages around Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr is census-designated place of just 3,500 people. Bryn Mawr is known for its youthful population, beautiful setting, and walkability with small shops and cafes to explore. Bryn Mawr has become one of the hottest suburbs of Philadelphia with top-rated public and private schools that help draw in young families as well as young professionals to the community. Named for an estate in Wales that belonged to a Welsh Quaker who immigrated to the United States in 1686, the name Bryn Mawr means “big hill” and it’s the place to be if you want a quieter alternative to the city without giving up walkability. Here’s what you should know about living in Bryn Mawr, PA and why it’s one of Philly’s best suburbs! It’s also the home of Bryn Mawr College.
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Bryn Mawr Population and Demographics
Bryn Mawr is located in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 14 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The census-designated place (CDP) has an area of 0.6 square miles and it’s in the 610 and 484 area codes and 19010 zip code. However, the Bryn Mawr zip code covers a much larger area and Bryn Mawr can refer to areas outside the CDP like parts of Radnor Township, Haverford Township, and Rosemont. The population of Bryn Mawr is 3,800 but the population is larger when these areas are included.
Bryn Mawr is considered a fairly affluent community with a median household income of $58,600 and a median age of just 22. The community is fairly diverse with an ethnic and racial composition that’s 74% white, 10.7% Asian, 10.5% black or African American, and 5% Hispanic. About 21% of residents have Irish heritage followed by Italian (11%), German (7%) and English (6%).
Despite the small size of the community, there have been several famous residents of Bryn Mawr including President Woodrow Wilson and actresses Jayne Mansfield and Katharine Hepburn, the latter of whom graduated from Bryn Mawr College.
Typical Bryn Mawr Weather to Expect
What’s it like living in Bryn Mawr? The climate plays a big role in your comfort and quality of life! Bryn Mawr gets 200 sunny days every year, more than average, and 21″ of snow annually. That’s less than average for the U.S. Be prepared for a lot of rain, though! You’ll get about 48 inches of rain per year in Bryn Mawr, far above the U.S. average! You’ll definitely want to pack your rain gear and be braced for hot summers with average temperatures in the high 80s in July and about 20 days per year over 90 degrees.
Bryn Mawr, PA Cost of Living
How much does it cost to live in Bryn Mawr, PA? Bryn Mawr is one of the most prestigious communities around Philadelphia with a cost of living to match. You’ll pay a premium for living in Bryn Mawr with a cost of living that’s about 50% higher than Pennsylvania and the national average.
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While healthcare, utilities, and transportation tend to be very affordable in the community, housing pushes the Bryn Mawr cost of living quite high. Pennsylvania homes are about 25% more affordable than the U.S. average but the average home price in Bryn Mawr is $615,000, far above the national average of $227,000.
If you’re going to rent after moving to Bryn Mawr, PA, you can expect average Bryn Mawr rent of $1,670, far above the average for Metro Philly. There aren’t many rental properties in the community but the two main complexes are The Villas at Bryn Mawr and Radwyn Apartments, both delivering upscale living and amenities like hardwood floors, pools, and fitness centers.
Jobs in Bryn Mawr, PA
Want to explore career options before relocating to Bryn Mawr, PA? Many of the jobs in the community revolve around two major sectors: healthcare and education. Top employers in Bryn Mawr include Bryn Mawr College and Beaumont at Bryn Mawr. Many people living in Bryn Mawr choose to commute to Philadelphia for work with greater employment options with major employers like the University of Pennsylvania and Health System, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, Comcast, and Tower Health.
You can get an idea of jobs available in the community by searching online for Bryn Mawr, PA jobs.
Bryn Mawr Schools & Colleges
Moving to Bryn Mawr with kids? Bryn Mawr is a great place to live for education! The community is served by several public school systems depending on where you live:
- Lower Merion School District for Lower Merion Township residents. This includes all of the Bryn Mawr CDP.
- Radnor Township School District for Radnor Township residents.
- School District of Haverford Township for Haverford Township residents.
These are some of the best schools in Pennsylvania with Lower Merion High School and Harriton Senior High School both far exceeding state averages.
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There are also private school options in Bryn Mawr including The Baldwin School, a prestigious all-girls school founded in 1888, the Shipley School, and Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr, a private Catholic school for girls.
If you’re considering higher education, Bryn Mawr is close to several top-rated colleges. Bryn Mawr College is a historic women’s college founded in 1885. You’ll also find Harcum College and Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr with other nearby options like Haverford College, Villanova University, and Eastern University.
Top Neighborhoods in Bryn Mawr, PA
What type of lifestyle and home do you want after moving to Bryn Mawr? This exciting community has something for everyone and a surprising range of prices despite its high cost of living.
If you’re after prestige and a well-established community, North Side is a good choice. The homes and buildings in this neighborhood are often over a century old with a neighborhood built around Bryn Mawr College and the community’s private schools.
Planning to rent? You’ll find student housing and apartments along Montgomery Ave with additional apartments near Lancaster Avenue. The Lancaster area is the center of town and it’s a popular neighborhood for families and Millennials who want to be close to the action. You’ll be within walking distance of the farmer’s market, Ludington Library, Clover Market, and great restaurants.
On the south side of town you’ll find Coopertown, an established residential community with more affordable, smaller homes. This is a popular Bryn Mawr neighborhood for families with plenty of privacy and many two-story Colonial homes. You won’t be far from the train and the more commercial areas of town without giving up a yard.
Ready to see the best neighborhoods in Bryn Mawr, PA within your budget? Start your search for Bryn Mawr, PA homes for sale.
Fun Things to Do in Bryn Mawr, PA
Curious about the top Bryn Mawr attractions and free things to do in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania? Want ideas for upcoming date nights? Bryn Mawr may be small but something is always happening! There’s also convenient shopping in Bryn Mawr with the Bryn Mawr Village Shopping Center, Rosemont Square, Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop, ACME Markets, and Renaissance Consignment.
Need more fun things to do on the weekend? Here’s what the short 13.9-mile drive from Bryn Mawr, PA to Philadelphia looks like!
Harriton House
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This historic home, originally known as Bryn Mawr, was built in 1704 by Rowland Ellis, the immigrant who owned the Welsh home, Bryn Mawr, for which the town gets its name. Be sure to take a tour of this gorgeous home after relocating to the area or stop by for fun classes and demonstrations.
Harriton House, 500 Harriton Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (610) 525-0201
Ashbridge Park
The 29-acre Ashbridge Park is one of the best things to do in Bryn Mawr, PA with kids! Along with open green space, the park is home to historic structures and an arboretum with trails and hills for sledding, jogging, and playing.
Ashbridge Park, 1301 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (610) 645-6220
Best Bryn Mawr Restaurants to Visit
Where will you love celebrating birthdays and anniversaries while living in Bryn Mawr, PA? This exciting community is home to tons of award-winning restaurants. Here are a couple of the best you’ll love!
Enoteca Tredici
Get ready for the best Mediterranean restaurant in Bryn Mawr! Stop by the wine bar and enjoy succulent seafood and small plates.
Enoteca Tredici, 915 Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (484) 381-0268
Xolo Tacos
Xolo Tacos is Bryn Mawr’s best Mexican restaurant and taqueria with a huge tequila selection and amazing shrimp tacos!
Xolo Tacos, 14 N Merion Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (610) 527-7777
Living in Bryn Mawr Tips
- Choose from several family-friendly and exciting neighborhoods
- Enjoy a world-class education with great public and private schools and top-rated colleges in Bryn Mawr
- Find employment in Bryn Mawr or commute to nearby Philadelphia
- Be prepared for high housing costs compared to the rest of Greater Philadelphia
- Explore outdoor recreation, locally-owned shops, and great restaurants while living in Bryn Mawr
Is beautiful Bryn Mawr, PA calling to you? If you’ve settled on moving to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, let the trusted movers at Suburban Solutions make your relocation the fast, easy, and stress-free experience you deserve. Give us a call today to request your free moving estimate!
