Philadelphia is known for many things, such as its food, rich political history, and amazing art scene. It is no secret that living in or around Philadelphia is a great choice. If you are thinking about moving to Philadelphia with your family and want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then you may want to consider living in a suburb. Suburbs are wonderful for families who want to enjoy Philadelphia’s many amazing amenities while also having access to quieter areas, top-rated schools, and lower crime rates.
Have you already taken a look at the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia but feel like suburbs are more your style? Here are the best suburbs of Philadelphia, PA for families.
Exton, PA | Bustling Suburb in Philadelphia With Great Mix of Nature and Urban Life
- Population: 5,622
- Median household income: $120,246
- Homes for sale in Exton, PA
- Median home price: $557,500
- Median rent: $2,152
- Crime rate: 2,034 per 100,000 people (77% lower than national average)
Exton is one of the best suburbs in Philadelphia, PA. Exton is great for families who want a good mix of city and nature. This Philadelphia suburb borders Exton Park, which is a 701-acre site consisting of walking trails, open fields, and playgrounds. Within Exton, you will find many amazing retail opportunities, and is home to the Exton Square Shopping Mall. You can also enjoy many amazing restaurants in Exton, including Appetites on Main, ChopHouse Grille, and Zwei Restaurant.
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When living in Exton, you will be served by the West Chester Area School District. Exton is home to Exton Elementary, and schools such as Mary C. Howse Elementary School, Fugett Middle School, West Chester East High School, Peirce Middle School, and West Chester Henderson High School are nearby.
Devon, PA | Quiet Philadelphia Suburb With Cozy Cafes
- Population: 1,880
- Median household income: $144,295
- Homes for sale in Devon, PA
- Median home price: $959,000
- Median rent: $2,045
- Crime rate: 2,034 per 100,000 people (88% lower than national average)
The CDP of Devon is part of the Philadelphia Main Line suburbs. This Philadelphia suburb is known for the Devon Horse Show, which is the oldest and largest outdoor horse competition in the country. Devon is a quiet suburb, making it great for families who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. This cozy area has many cute cafes, such as The Black Cat Cafe and Terrain Cafe.
Devon is part of the Tredyffrin-Easttown school system. Schools serving Devon, PA include Devon Elementary School, Hillside Elementary School, and Conestoga High School. If you are searching for private schools near Philadelphia, then you will be happy to know that the top-rated Devon Preparatory School is located just outside of the Devon area.
Phoenixville, PA | Affordable Philadelphia Suburb With Beautiful Waterfront Properties
- Population: 18,602
- Median household income: $86,747
- Homes for sale in Phoenixville, PA
- Median home price: $397,550
- Median rent: $1,778
- Crime rate: 1,317 per 100,000 people (44% lower than national average)
Located just 28 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Phoenixville is no doubt one of the best Philadelphia suburbs. In fact, TravelMag named Phoenixville as one of “The Most Charming Towns and Small Cities in Pennsylvania” in 2021. Phoenixville borders the Schuylkill River, where many of the suburb’s homes are situated. The historic Downtown Phoenixville is full of amazing restaurants, event venues, and breweries.
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This Philadelphia suburb is served by the Phoenixville Area School District, which contains three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Phoenixville is also home to the VFKH Montessori School and the Holy Family School. If you have older children, then they may be interested in the Lansdale School of Business or the University of Valley Forge.
Berwyn, PA | One of the Best Philadelphia Suburbs for Small Families
- Population: 3,228
- Median household income: $124,432
- Homes for sale in Berwyn, PA
- Median home price: $780,000
- Median rent: $1,838
- Crime rate: 2,034 per 100,000 people (83% lower than national average)
When searching for the best suburbs of Philadelphia, you can’t overlook Berwyn. Berwyn is a small suburb bordering Devon. This cozy suburb is known for its beautiful small family homes. Berwyn is home to the Upper Main Line YMCA, which offers fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Nearly all of the residents living in Berwyn are families, with 81% of households occupied by a married couple.
Berwyn is part of the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, which represents 3 of the top 25 “Best Public Elementary Schools in Philadelphia,” according to The Neighbor. If you are moving to Berwyn with young children, you may want to take a look at the Tarleton Day School. The Easttown Library is located in Berwyn, which is part of the Chester County Library System.
Haddonfield, NJ | Philadelphia Suburb Located in New Jersey
- Population: 12,550
- Median household income: $159,323
- Homes for sale in Haddonfield, NJ
- Median home price: $720,000
- Median rent: $1,647
- Crime rate: 1,818 per 100,000 people (22.5% lower than national average)
Although it is located across the border in New Jersey, Haddonfield is still considered to be a Philadelphia suburb. In fact, it is one of the best Philadelphia suburbs for families. Haddonfield is situated just across from Philadelphia on the other side of the Delaware River. This beautiful area is home to many outdoor recreational areas, such as Pennypacker Park, Mountwell Park, and Crows Woods Trails.
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Haddonfield, NJ is home to some of the best schools in the area. It is a part of the Haddonfield Public School System, which contains five schools. Both Haddonfield Memorial High School and Elizabeth Haddon School have been awarded the National Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education.
Blue Bell, PA | Affluent Philadelphia PA Suburb Known for Its Beautiful Real Estate
- Population: 6,506
- Median household income: $134,241
- Homes for sale in Blue Bell, PA
- Median home price: $545,000
- Median rent: $2,169
- Crime rate: 661 per 100,000 people (72% lower than national average)
Once known as Pigeontown because of the large flocks of passenger pigeons that once gathered there, Blue Bell is now known as one of the best places to live near Philadelphia. Blue Bell is known for its gorgeous real estate and is home to many large executive-style mansions. This Philly suburb has many unique restaurants, such as The Blue Bell Inn and From the Boot. Blue Bell is one of the safest Philadelphia suburbs, with a crime rate that is 72% below the national average.
When living in Blue Bell, you will be a part of the Wissahickon School District, which includes four elementary schools, one high school, and one middle school. Blue Bell is also home to two higher education options; Montgomery County Community College and Reformed Episcopal Seminary.
Fort Washington, PA | Busy Philadelphia Suburb Perfect for Those Who Love City Living
- Population: 5,910
- Median household income: $133,942
- Homes for sale in Fort Washington, PA
- Median home price: $383,750
- Median rent: $1,185
- Crime rate: 661 per 100,000 people (72% lower than national average)
Located just off of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Fort Washington is one of the best places to live in Philadelphia, PA. This busy area is great for families who want to live an urban lifestyle. Fort Washington is home to the Fort Washington Office Park, which contains over 6 million square feet of building space and houses the offices of over 100 different companies. This business hub gives Fort Washington a big city feel, even though it is a small suburb. Fort Washington contains some of the best Philadelphia restaurants, including Cantina Feliz, Zakes Cafe, and BB Kitchen and Grill.
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Residents in Fort Washington, PA are served by both the Upper Dublin and Colonial School District. Private schools in the area include Germantown Academy, The Paul Green Rock Academy, and Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School, which was given a Blue Ribbon Award in 2018.
Ardmore, PA | Lively Philly Suburb With Shopping, Cafes, and Restaurants
- Population: 13,566
- Median household income: $107,087
- Homes for sale in Ardmore, PA
- Median home price: $542,500
- Median rent: $1,991
- Crime rate: 775 per 100,000 people (67% lower than national average)
Ardmore, PA is one of the nicest Philadelphia suburbs. This bustling suburb is full of restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities. It is home to Suburban Square, which was one of the earliest shopping centers in the United States. This suburb is very walkable, making it great for families with only one car (or no car at all). Ardmore is also served by the SEPTA Regional Rail and Amtrak passenger trains. This makes it easy to commute in and out of the city without the need for a vehicle. You can trust that your children are safe in Ardmore, as the crime rate is 67% lower than the national average and 62% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Students living in Ardmore are served by the Lower Merion School District and the School District of Haverford Township. Lower Merion High School is the Alma Mater of the late famous basketball player Kobe Bryant.
Swarthmore, PA | Best Philadelphia Suburb for Outdoor Recreation
- Population: 6,543
- Median household income: $128,995
- Homes for sale in Swarthmore, PA
- Median home price: $352,525
- Median rent: $1,349
- Crime rate: 498 per 100,000 people (79% lower than national average)
Swarthmore is easily one of the best suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, when it comes to outdoor recreation. The suburb is home to Crum Woods, Little Crum Creek Park, and Don Henderson Field. Swarthmore is also one of the most affordable Philadelphia suburbs, with its median home price of $352,525 falling under the national average of $386,536. Because Swarthmore is a college town, there is no shortage of great cafes and restaurants, including Hobbs, Vicky’s Place, and Occasionally Yours.
Swarthmore is served by the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, which contains three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Swarthmore is also home to Swarthmore College, which is one of the highest-rated private liberal arts colleges in the country.
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Map of Philadelphia Suburbs
Get a better idea of where these areas are located with this Philadelphia suburbs map.
Are you ready to make the move to one of these Philadelphia suburbs? Suburban Solutions is here to help with any and all of your moving needs. Our team of hardworking, reliable, and professional Philadelphia movers will work to make your relocation as smooth and seamless as possible. Give us a call today at (610) 314-6868 to discuss your move and receive a free quote.
