Mainline and surrounding

There are 16 communities that make up Main Line Philadelphia. The first six are the core towns of the Main Line and you’ll easily remember them by following the popular acronym: “Old Maids Never Wed And Have Babies.” They include:

•  Overbrook
•  Merion
•  Narberth
•  Wynnewood
•  Ardmore
•  Haverford
•  Bryn Mawr

Over the years, many other neighborhoods have sprung up on and around the Main Line area, like Wayne, Paoli, Gladwyne, Villanova, Radnor, Strafford, Devon, and Berwyn. And although all of the Main Line offers a great quality of life, a few of these areas stand out. So, in this Neighborhood Guide, we are breaking down 5 of the best neighborhoods in the Main Line. Bryn Mawr Bryn Mawr is one of the smallest and youngest Philadelphia Main Line towns, attracting many millennials, young families, and young professionals over the last 15 years. It’s recognized as one of the hippest Main Line communities and boasts great restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of eclectic shops and lush green spaces. If you have children, Bryn Mawr is a great choice for families since it is home to some of the best schools in Pennsylvania with Lower Merion High School and Harriton Senior High School both far exceeding state averages.
Top things to do in Bryn Mawr: •  Have a picnic, walk the dog or take the kids out for a fun day out at Ashbridge and Clem Macrone Park
•  Visit Harriton House, a historic home, originally known as Bryn Mawr, built in 1704
•  Try delicious food and drinks like La Colombe for smooth coffee, El Limon for Mexican, Pho Street for Vietnamese, and Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft for excellent pub food and drinks
Narberth Living in Narberth, you’ll love how close everything is. Whether you want to get to your favorite shop on foot or hop onto the train for a quick commute, Narberth is a well-connected neighborhood. This neighborhood also has a brilliant shopping scene with many independent shops, some existing for decades. Locals, young and old, can enjoy playing basketball, soccer, tennis, and baseball at the two recreational centers, The Narberth Playground and the Sabine Avenue Playground. With access to great schools, beautiful historic residences, and a wide array of cultural resources, Narberth offers great quality living close to Philadelphia city. Top things to do in Narbeth: •  Shop at decades-old independent shops like the American Family Market, The Cheese Company, and Real Pizza
•  Have fun at the Spring Sidewalk Sale and the Narberth Dickens Festival
•  Try some delicious food and drinks like Pub of Penn Valley for pub food, Hymie’s for delicious meat sandwiches and soups, and Sabrina Cafe for sweet french toast and flavorful huevos rancheros
Wayne Wayne's lively downtown, close proximity to Philadelphia's renowned public schools, and easy accessibility to major highways make it a wonderful place to live. This historic neighborhood was once described as “a town built by design” in 1887 due to its intentional layout regarding water, light, and drainage systems. The neighborhood is well-connected and boasts numerous high-end boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that residents can enjoy. But what makes Wayne truly special are the frequent seasonal events like its old-fashioned Christmas and the Radnor Fall Festival in September. Top things to do in Wayne: •  Check out the farmer's market where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables.
•  Take a short drive to the historic estate Chanticleer, proclaimed "America's most inspiring garden” by Garden Design
•  Eat your way through the Restaurant Row at unique food spots like White Dog Cafe, where dog portraits adorn the walls, The Goat’s Beard for delicious craft beer, and Estia Taverna for authentic Greek seafood.
Gladwyne Life in Gladwyne feels like living in a picturesque English village where many residents own horses with large estates, cottages, and English Tudor manors, They bump into their neighbors at the upscale charcuterie shop, grocery store or at church and enjoy pleasant catch-ups at a local coffee shop, Homeroom. Kids go to some of the finest American private schools and the Lower Merion public schools are ranked among the best in the state. Gladwyne is just a short drive to Suburban Square in Ardmore, home to 370,000 sq ft of upscale shops, cafes, Trader Joe's, and the very popular Farmer’s Market. And although this neighborhood has been ranked the 6th richest zip code in the United States, Gladwyne elicits a laid-back atmosphere, very different from some of the other affluent Main Line towns. Top things to do in Gladwyne: •  Visit the 1690 House, which is the entire area’s oldest standing building
•  Nature lovers will enjoy hiking, dog walking, and fly fishing at the Valley Forge National Park just 20 minutes away
•Go horseback riding on the Bridlewild trails and picturesque rolling hills
Ardmore This vibrant community has been voted the third-best place to live in the state for 2021, and it's easy to see why. Ardmore is the largest town on the Main Line, offering residents the best of both worlds – a small-town feel with all the amenities and excitement of a big city. Ardmore is a great place to live with some of the best public amenities, shopping, and dining around. Most residents own their homes, and there's a great sense of community here. Philly Magazine even named it the Best Suburban Nightlife Scene. It’s also known for Ardmore Restaurant Week in July and Oktoberfest which highlights its growing craft brewery scene. Families with children can take advantage of the highly rated public schools around and young professionals can easily commute to the city for work. Top things to do in Ardmore: •  Visit the Suburban Square, one of America’s oldest shopping centers that today features luxury retailers and the Ardmore Farmers Market
•  Visit local landmarks like the Vernon V. Young Memorial Park
•  Check out Ardmore Music Hall, a premier independent music venue for world-class musicians and popular for its kids concerts
•  Enjoy some of the best dining and nightlife experiences at great spots like Tired Hands Brewing Company, Ripplewood Whiskey and Craft, and Delice et Chocolat