The affluent community of Bala Cynwyd, PA is a gorgeous area that can be found about 8 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia. It is bordered by neighboring communities like Narberth, Merion Station, Manayunk, East Falls, Wynnefield Heights, and Belmont Village.
Established by Welsh Quakers back in 1682, the area’s name was chosen after a small town called Bala and a village called Cynwyd, both of which are located in Wales. The area was settled soon after William Penn arrived in Pennsylvania and developed into a residential neighborhood quickly.
Bala Cynwyd is known for being a family-centric community that is only a few miles from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. An interesting fact about Bala Cynwyd is that it was home to the National Football League (NFL) headquarters between the years 1946 to 1960.
There have been a few notable people from Bala Cynwyd who have found fame over the years such as voice actress Julie Nathanson and blues musician Skip James. The most recognized name on the list of people from this area is NBA basketball legend Kobe Bryant who attended one of the local middle schools.
1. People Living in Bala Cynwyd, PA – Population & Demographics
How many people live in Bala Cynwyd? There has been minimal growth for many years as a community that is already developed, though people are still relocating to Bala Cynwyd as others move away. The Bala Cynwyd population is 9,524 residents with a median age of 45 years old.
Looking at local Bala Cynwyd demographics, the area isn’t overly diverse with about 81% Caucasian, 10% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 3% Hispanic or Latino. There is a fairly significant gap in the gender ratio as the majority are women with a split of 55% female and 45% male.
As an area that is steadily becoming more wealthy, the median household income in Bala Cynwyd is $116,475 per year.
Is Bala Cynwyd a safe place to live? The crime rate in Bala Cynwyd is about 14% higher than the Philadelphia average and almost 94% higher than the national average. As with any city or town, you’ll want to make sure you check around the local communities before choosing where you want to move. But overall, Bala Cynwyd is a safe place to live.
As part of the Lower Merion Township Police Department, residents living in Bala Cynwyd have 135 men and women serving and protecting them as active-duty police officers.
2. Cost of Living in Bala Cynwyd, PA
How much does it cost to live in Bala Cynwyd, PA? As a fairly expensive place to reside, the average cost of living in Bala Cynwyd is 43.5% higher than the national average and about 51% higher than the Pennsylvania state average. Nearly every item on your monthly will have a higher price in this community including groceries, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and the Bala Cynwyd real estate market.
Most people who end up in the area buy their properties as the homeownership rate in Bala Cynwyd is 78%. When looking for nearby Bala Cynwyd, PA homes for sale, it’s easy to see why people love living there with the many beautiful places to choose from. The average price of a home in Bala Cynwyd is $452,000, which is a median sale price of $258 per square foot.
There is a Bala Cynwyd property tax rate of 1.560% for people who own their homes, which is around $7,051 per year for an average house.
About 22% of people residing in Bala Cynwyd rent their houses, apartments, or condos from month to month. The average price of rent in Bala Cynwyd is $2,162 per month depending on local amenities and community perks.
3. Bala Cynwyd Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Bala Cynwyd
Where should you live in Bala Cynwyd? While it is a small area, there are a couple of local Bala Cynwyd neighborhoods worth looking into before moving to the community:
Bala Cynwyd is home to four local parks as well as other nearby outdoor activities that residents have access to all year long. These fun destinations are always well-maintained and managed by the reliable Lower Merion Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Searching for convenient shopping in Bala Cynwyd? It’s easy to find whatever you need close by at places like Target, Michael’s, CVS, ACME Markets, and the local Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center.
As a convenient place to live, local residents can easily get from Bala Cynwyd to Philadelphia in about 20 minutes when driving the quick 8 miles.
4. Bala Cynwyd, PA Weather & Climate
Local weather in Bala Cynwyd tends to bring with it freezing cold winters and mild, warm summers. Since there is a continental climate in Bala Cynwyd, the area also gets a significant amount of rain. Make sure you have an umbrella around at all times in case a storm shows up!
The average temperature in Bala Cynwyd is warm during the summer, reaching highs in the upper 80s and lows in the low 70s. Winters cool down significantly as temps drop in the mid-20s at night and only reach around 40°F during the day.
Bala Cynwyd weather gets about 48 inches of rain and around 16 inches of snow per year.
5. Things to Do in Bala Cynwyd
With activities available for all ages, residents living in Bala Cynwyd can enjoy plenty of local places to visit, fun outdoor attractions, and other points of interest.
Bala Golf Club
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Built in 1901, the ever-popular Bala Golf Club is often considered one of the top things to do in Bala Cynwyd for those who enjoy a day out on the links. This private course was designed by William Flynn, offering 18 holes along with an upscale diner and other membership perks.
Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Ave #2699, Philadelphia, PA 19131 (215) 473-8504
Bala Cynwyd Park
Spanning over 13 acres of land, the local Bala Cynwyd Park offers a variety of activities such as a children’s playground and a tot lot as well as basketball courts, softball fields, tennis courts, baseball fields, and much more. As the best park in Bala Cynwyd, it’s worth a visit when you’re in the mood to enjoy some fresh air outside.
Bala Cynwyd Park, 374 Trevor Ln, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Additional Bala Cynwyd Attractions
- St John’s Episcopal Church, 404 Levering Mill Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
- Barmouth Trailhead, 215 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
6. Bala Cynwyd Restaurants
It’s always a good idea to look into the top restaurants in Bala Cynwyd so you can determine where to get a bite to eat whenever you don’t want to cook at home.
Honeygrow
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One of Bala Cynwyd’s most popular places to eat is known as Honeygrow, offering a unique treat bar that will captivate your senses. They allow visitors to create a custom “honeybar” with fresh fruit, a delicious garnish, and specific honey of their picking.
Honeygrow, 169 E City Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (610) 667-2573
Mama’s Pizzeria
Among the most highly-rated Bala Cynwyd restaurants, Mama’s Pizzeria has been serving up Italian favorites since 1957. This family-friendly diner boasts a savory menu packed with yummy pizzas, hoagies, salads, and cheesesteaks.
Mama’s Pizzeria, 426 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (610) 664-4757
7. Jobs in Bala Cynwyd
When it comes to local careers and job opportunities in the area, the average salary in Bala Cynwyd is $64,294 per year. Residents who earn a paycheck pay a state income tax rate of 3.1%. Currently, there is a Bala Cynwyd unemployment rate of 3.9%.
Are you on the hunt for local Bala Cynwyd jobs? As you go through your search, some of the most trusted places to work in Bala Cynwyd are:
- SAP
- University of Pennsylvania
- Merck
- Temple University
- Deloitte
- J.P. Morgan
- Comcast
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
8. Bala Cynwyd Schools
Equaling around 25% of the total population, there are about 2,381 kids between the ages of 0 and 18 years old living in Bala Cynwyd. Known for its comfortable atmosphere and award-winning schools, Bala Cynwyd is an excellent place for families to live.
As parents do research on schools in Bala Cynwyd, they’ll find the majority of them are part of the Lower Merion School District. Within the district, children attend top-rated schools like:
- Cynwyd School
- Belmont Hills Elementary School
- Bala-Cynwyd Middle School
- Kohelet Yeshiva High School
Anyone looking for colleges and universities near Bala Cynwyd will find convenient programs at Saint Joseph’s University and Drexel University.
The free public Bala Cynwyd Library offers access to all residents living in the area so they can rent movies or books whenever they want.
9. Bala Cynwyd Statistics & Information
Taking up only about 2.7 square miles, Bala Cynwyd is located near the southernmost point of Montgomery County in Pennsylvania. The local zip code is 19004. Phone numbers have area codes of 610 and 484.
The time zone in Bala Cynwyd is Eastern Standard Time (EST) but also shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) when daylight savings time arrives.
The elevation in Bala Cynwyd is 302 feet above sea level.
Map of Bala Cynwyd, PA
As you take a look at this helpful Bala Cynwyd map, you’ll be able to see the many other convenient places that can be found scattered in and around the community.
Tips for Living in Bala Cynwyd
- People living in Bala Cynwyd have easy access to downtown Philadelphia, which is only 8 miles away.
- Since the area gets substantial amounts of rain and snow, it’s a good idea to keep warm coats, gloves, and hats around.
- With its high cost of living, newcomers to the area will want to confirm local expenses are within their budget ahead of time.
Moving to Bala Cynwyd, PA
There are so many perks of relocating to Bala Cynwyd that have long made it a pleasant and enjoyable place to live. If you’ve determined this popular community is destined to be your new home, it’s time to find top-rated Bala Cynwyd movers who can help with your switch to the area. Reach out to the team at Suburban Solutions today by calling (610) 314-6868 or filling out the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!
