Lower Merion Township is one of the largest suburbs in Philadelphia, along with Upper Darby, Haverford, and Cheltenham. The township was first settled in 1682 by Welsh Quakers on a patch of land given to them by William Penn. With excellent schools, high income, and job opportunities, Lower Merion Township is a good place to live. Lower Merion Township is known for its rich Jewish community, with over 13,000 households! With beautiful natural surroundings, plenty of historic places to see, top universities, and safe communities, Lower Merion Township is a jewel in the Philadelphia area.
If you’re thinking about moving to Lower Merion Township PA, here’s everything you have to look forward to.
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Where Is Lower Merion Township Pennsylvania?
Lower Merion Township is one of the largest Philadelphia suburbs. Lower Merion Township is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Philadelphia Main Line. Lower Merion Township is about 11 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia and part of the Philadelphia Metro Area. The Township is bordered by Philadelphia County to the east and northeast, to the south by Radnor and Haverford Townships of Delaware County, by West Conshohocken Borough, and Upper Merion Township of Montgomery County to the west and northwest.
Lower Merion Township PA Population & Demographics
The Lower Merion Township population is 63,633, according to the 2020 census, which was a 10% increase from 2010. The median household income for Lower Merion Township is $148,721. By comparison, Philadelphia residents make an average of $52,649, making Lower Merion Township an affluent Philadelphia suburb.
The racial demographics of Lower Merion Township are 79.7% White, 7.1% Black or African American, 4.7% of two or more races, 7.7% Asian, and 0.1% American Indian. Hispanics make up 3.7% of the population. Kobe Bryant went to middle and high school here. Alexander Haig, Ronald Reagan, and Patti LaBelle, Grammy award-winning singer, are other notable people from Lower Merion Township.
Additional Lower Merion Township demographics:
- Median age: 42.4
- Sex ratio: 53.1% female to 46.9% male
- Homeownership rate: 75.2%
- Educational attainment: 79.0% bachelor’s degree or higher, 98.5% high school grad or higher
- Foreign-born population: 12.6%
- Veteran population: 2,128
Lower Merion Township, PA is a safe place to reside. The crime rate in Lower Merion Township is 12% lower than the overall crime rate in Pennsylvania and 40% lower than the national average. The annual crime rate is 1,510 incidents for every 100,000 people. The violent crime rate in Lower Merion Township accounts for only a 3% share of all reported crime. Just 49 incidents for every 100,000 people are reported, much lower than the national violent crime rate of 379 offenses per 100,000 people. The Lower Merion Township Police Department serves Lower Merion Township with 136 sworn police officers.
Cost of Living in Lower Merion Township
The cost of living in Lower Merion Township is 14.4% higher than the national average. By comparison, the Philadelphia cost of living is 10% higher than the US average. Housing is one of the biggest expenses you face while living in Lower Merion Township. The average home price in Lower Merion Township is $886,900, and $315 per square foot, which was a 5% jump from last year. Homes in Lower Merion Township stay on the market for around 28 days, up slightly from last year. Check out houses for sale in Lower Merion Township, PA to see how much a home in the Lower Merion Township area will cost you.
The average one-bedroom apartment cost in Lower Merion Township is approximately $1,521 per month. Rents in Philadelphia average $1,896 per month.
Communities in Lower Merion Township, PA
There are 15 communities in Lower Merion Township. Three of the most prominent are:
Merion Station
Merion Station is located along the southeast border of Lower Merion. Per the 2020 census, the population is 5,741, and the median household income is $233,340. The community is not very diverse, as it is 89.3% White. The median home price in Merion Station is $565,000.
Villanova
Villanova is one of the most affluent communities in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $250,000+ per the 2020 census, and the population is 8,213. The median price for a home in Villanova is $689,000. Some of the oldest and most impressive homes on the Main Line are found in Villanova. Properties here are typically large, expensive estates that can cost $2,000,000+.
Bala Cynwyd
Bala Cynwyd is located in the eastern corner of Lower Merion Township. The population is 9,285, and the median household income is $128,945, according to the 2020 census. Some of the oldest and most well-preserved homes in Lower Merion are located here, built from 1880 through the 1920s. The median home price in Bala Cynwyd is $570,000. Bala Cynwyd has a wide range of housing opportunities.
Other Lower Merion Township communities:
- Ardmore
- Belmont Hills
- Bryn Mawr
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- Overbrook Hills
- Pencoyd
- Penn Valley
- Penn Wynne
- Roseglen
- Rosemont
- Wynnewood
Lower Merion Township, PA Weather & Climate
Lower Merion Township is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 80s. Winters are mild, but it can get quite cold. The township averages 48 inches of rain a year, 10 inches above the national average. You can expect about 18 inches of snow per year in Lower Merion Township. July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 87.1°. The best time to visit Lower Merion Township is September, May, and June. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 24.2°. Although this seems very cold, Lower Merion Township is one of the warmest places in Pennsylvania.
Things to Do in Lower Merion Township
If you’re wondering what fun things there are to do in Lower Merion Township, PA, you won’t be disappointed in the wide range of fun and activities the township has to offer. You’ll also find plenty of shopping opportunities at The Shoppes of Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center, and Ardmore Shopping Center.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in Lower Merion Township:
Philadelphia Country Club
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The Philadelphia Country Club was founded in 1890 and is a stunning 27-hole golf course designed by renowned architect William S. Flynn. With its immaculately manicured fairways, challenging greens, and breathtaking views, the club provides an exceptional golfing experience for those who are looking for fun things to do in Lower Merion Township!
601 Spring Mill Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035, 610-525-6000
Rolling Hill Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Lower Merion Township, Rolling Hill Park is it! With creek trails and historic landmarks, your children will love looking around the stunning green spaces and nature trails.
1301 Rose Glen Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035, 610-645-6220
Please Touch Museum
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Please Touch is a great place for kids, with engaging exhibits and programs children can pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. From creative arts to science and more, Please Touch encourages kids to touch, feel, discover, and learn.
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, 215-581-3181
Additional attractions near Lower Merion Township:
Still looking for things to do in Lower Merion Township? The Lower Merion Township Parks and Recreation Department offers many opportunities for recreation and nature lovers. Facilities include playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, bird sanctuaries, bridle trails, baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, nature and botanical parks, hiking trails, soccer fields, and more! Check out the Lower Merion Township City Event Calendar for even more things to do.
Lower Merion Township PA Restaurants
You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants in Lower Merion Township to choose from. Whatever type of cuisine you’re looking for, you can find it in Lower Merion Township. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Lower Merion township:
Citron & Rose Tavern
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If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Lower Merion Township for date night, look no further than Citron & Rose Tavern. With unique alcoholic drinks and delicious grub, you’ll see why this is a favorite for those moving to Lower Merion Township.
261 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, 610-257-7577
Hymie’s
Hymie’s serves up variations on traditional family recipes, combining American and New England influences to create simple, savory dishes that you won’t get anywhere else in the area.
342 Montgomery Ave, Merion Station, PA 19066, 610-668-3354
Zagafen
For great-tasting Italian cuisine, Zagafen is the place to go. This family-owned pizza restaurant in Lower Merion Township offers pizzas of all types. With a 4.6 star rating, this is a favorite for those living in Lower Merion Township.
370 Montgomery Ave, Merion Station, PA 19066, 610-667-7777
Jobs in Lower Merion Township
Montgomery County, PA employs 435,000 people. The largest industries in Montgomery County are Health Care & Social Assistance and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. The highest-paying industries are Utilities and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services.
Major employers in Lower Merion Township:
The average salary in Lower Merion Township residents is $138,839 or $67/hour. You can explore the Lower Merion Township city job board and Indeed for opportunities.
Lower Merion Township Schools & Higher Education
The Lower Merion Township School District was established in 1834 as one of Pennsylvania’s first public school districts. The district operates 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. The schools in the district are consistently top-rated for excellence at the regional and national levels.
A number of colleges and universities are located in the township, including Bryn Mawr College, Harcum College, Rosemont College, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Saint Joseph’s University, and Haverford College. Montgomery Community College is a 2-year school in the township. Students will also enjoy the free public libraries in Lower Merion Township, including Lower Merion Library System.
Lower Merion Township Statistics & Information
- County: Montgomery
- Area: 23.83 square miles
- Area codes: 610 and 484
- Elevation: 200 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
- Closest airport: Philadelphia International Airport, 12.2 miles away
Lower Merion Township PA Map
Find other fun attractions and restaurants with this Lower Merion Township map.
Are you moving to Lower Merion Township? Our trustworthy, professional Lower Merion Township movers at Suburban Solutions is ready to help make your move stress-free. Give our award-winning team a call at 610-314-6868 today for a free quote!
