The Main Line in Pennsylvania is a historical and coveted stretch of neighborhoods, given the high quality of life afforded to its lucky residents. Tracing its origins to the 19th century due to the construction of the Philadelphia Railroad, it became accessible to those who wanted summer homes and estates in the beautiful temperate area. Today, with upscale housing that has access to excellent schools, any of the cozy but also vibrant suburbs would be a great choice. However, I’m here to tell you why you should choose homes for sale in Villanova, PA.
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VILLANOVA, PA AT A GLANCE
Where it is. Located just outside Philadelphia on the Main Line, the suburban community of Villanova is a picturesque area with rolling hills and dotted with parks and trails. The small yet affluent community occupies an area of approximately 2.7 square miles, spanning both Delaware and Montgomery counties. The population is relatively small, with around 8,200 residents, contributing to its close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere.
What it’s known for. Villanova is most known for being home to the prestigious Villanova University, which was founded in 1842. Much of the surrounding area was built around the campus and continues to thrive thanks to the different activities organized by the school which are often open to the community. The university blends seamlessly with the residential community and adds a vibrant energy to the locale.
Homes for sale in Villanova, PA. Homes in this community are a mix of historic homes and modern estates, many with significant land and diverse architectural styles. Single-family homes will often have wide spaces with lush green yards and expansive floor plans. House hunters will be able to find a wide range to choose from and boast of having everything nearby no matter where you’re located.
What to expect. There are upscale shopping and dining options, particularly in neighboring towns like Bryn Mawr and Wayne. Residents enjoy numerous parks, golf courses, and country clubs, as well as outdoor activities and sports. Many buildings and estates reflect the rich heritage of the Main Line.
Read on to check out the best reasons to purchase a home in Villanova.
4 REASONS WHY VILLANOVA, PA SHOULD BE YOUR NEW HOME
A cursory search online will reveal the solid look and feel of the community and the appeal of its residential options.
Homes for sale in Villanova, PA, are ideal for those looking to settle down along the Main Line because of the proximity to the city. It’s easy to pop in quickly to Philadelphia and get home by dinnertime. Moving to this elegant and connected suburb will afford you the top four perks listed below.
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Villanova, PA has excellent schools
Choosing homes for sale in Villanova, PA means gaining access to top notch schools in a close knit and safe community.
Homes were mostly built around the campus of Villanova University, formerly Villanova College. The university is “inspired by Augustinian Catholic values” and has provided a variety of courses from bachelor degrees to doctorates since 1842.
Boasting over 9,000 enrolled students, Villanova University is in the Top 15% of national universities ranked in 2024. It receives exceptional marks in nursing and service learning or volunteerism, and has some of the best undergraduate engineering programs in the country.
All told, the university imparts a young, vibrant, and prestigious feel to the community, and serves as a great option for families with kids about to go into college. Even if you don’t have children at this age yet, the idea of having the community close to campus life and activities can be inspiring and aspirational.
For younger students, Villanova also has a number of public and private schools in both Radnor and Lower Merion Townships. Residents of Radnor Township can send their kids to Radnor Elementary, Middle, and High School as part of the Radnor Township School District. Radnor High School is considered #3 in all of Pennsylvania by the US News & World Report, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities and sports teams.
Residents of Lower Merion can send their kids to Gladwyne Elementary School, Black Rock Middle School, and Harriton High School. Nearby, there are historical schools such as Haverford School in Haverford and Episcopal Academy located in Newtown Square, Newtown Township. Both institutions have been educating young minds for over a century. In Bryn Mawr, there are all-girls institutions like Baldwin School and Agnes Irwin School, as well as centers of learning founded in the 1800s which have produced a long list of accomplished students. TOO GENERIC. NAME THE “CENTERS OF LEARNING”
Needless to say, Villnova, PA has outstanding educational options That, in and of itself, is one of the most important reasons for moving to Villanova, PA.
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Villanova, PA has great housing variety
If the education is exceptional, so are the homes for sale in Villanova, PA.
Thanks to its long history as a residential community, there’s a fine range of housing options available. Many homes reflect the historical architecture of the Main Line, featuring traditional Colonial and Victorian designs with intricate details and period features. These historic properties often come with modern upgrades while maintaining their original charm.
Villanova is known for its expansive luxury estates situated on large plots of land. These luxury homes typically include high-end amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts, and extensive gardens. Newer luxury properties, on the other hand, boast state-of-the-art features and modern architectural designs.
Contemporary single-family homes built within the last 20 years offer open floor plans, upgraded kitchens, and integrations suitable for seamless 21st-century living.
Buyers looking for something brand new can put their personal preferences on new construction homes, or choose homes with flexi-spaces that will give them the freedom to grow their family, turn it into a multigenerational home, or allot rooms for home offices, hobby spaces, or gyms.
There are even farmhouses, reimagined from former barns. These houses offer loft-style living and a sizable outdoor space. They feature the rustic feel of country living but with modern amenities.
Lots are another option. Some come with blueprints from commissioned architects. Investors can use the designs or tweak them to fit their vision. The possibilities are endless.
Typical single-family homes for sale in Villanova, PA will have at least 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. They are prized buys in a lively and growing community.
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Villanova, PA has great outdoor recreation
Even though Villanova has a population of just 8,200, there is plenty on offer when it comes to outdoor activities. In addition to parks, the community has nature trails to explore and sporting activities to engage in.
Willows Park is one of the jewels of Villanova. Located in Radnor Township, the property dates back to when the Main Line began to flourish in the late 1800s. Several wealthy heirs of venture capitalists became owners of the land and lived in what is now referred to as the Mansion.
The Township acquired the Mansion in 1973 and it was almost shut down a few years ago. Luckily, the Willows Park Preserve was established by residents to renovate the structure. Today, it can be rented out for parties, weddings, pre-nuptial photo shoots, and other activities.
Since 2022, Willows Park and the Mansion have also hosted lifestyle events, a health and wellness festival, and a few concerts. It really shows how Villanova is a community that cares about preserving history and creating meaningful moments by providing great venues.
Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden is another wonderful outdoor location. Like Willows Park, it used to be privately owned. After living there since 1932, the Haas pharmaceutical family donated it in 2016 to Natural Lands, an organization that aims to preserve biodiversity and the cultivated beauty of nature. The group now looks after 23,000 acres of land across the US, 42 of which make up Stoneleigh.
Since opening to the public in 2018, the garden has welcomed 45,000 visitors annually, especially during the summer. Stoneleigh often hosts estate tours, community events like yoga, as well as a touring musical theater. The organization has also encouraged volunteers to help maintain its gardens.
The Radnor Trail is definitely the place for those who love biking and hiking. Just like many of the other locations in Villanova, this trail is located along the former railroad tracks made by the Philadelphia & Western Train Company. It was converted into a trail in 2006 upon the urging of residents and is accessible during all seasons. There’s a parking lot with a temporary bathroom along the trail and dog walking is also allowed. The spot is a favorite for walkers, runners, hikers, bikers, and rollerbladers.
There are prestigious golf courses in Villanova and the surrounding Main Line area, such as Overbrook Golf Club and Radnor Valley Country Club.
You can also go horseback riding on the Main Line’s several equestrian centers and trails.
If water is more your thing, go boating in nearby areas such as the Schuylkill River and various lakes, or spend the day fishing in local streams and ponds.
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Villanova, PA has an engaged community
Close-knit, supportive, and lively. When it comes to settling down and looking for homes for sale in Villanova, PA, it’s clear that this place has your people.
In addition to being one of the most affluent and educated communities in Pennsylvania, with residents employed in finance, law, medicine, and academia, Villanova is very family-oriented and populated by many married couples with children. This focus is reflected in the high quality of local schools and numerous family-friendly activities.
Indeed, local events tighten the bonds of the community. Christmas or Halloween are celebratory traditions. Oktoberfest is held in nearby Ardmore and the summer Twilight Concerts in Bryn Mawr make it easy to participate in the seasonal fun. Gatherings are always popping up in parks and gardens, encouraging townsfolk to get to know their neighbors better.
When it comes to sporting events, Villanova University takes the lead. Football games and alumni homecoming are definite thrills. Bring the kids to the games and cheer on the Villanova Wildcats, which put on great games for their fans. The university is also open to volunteer work from residents.
There’s always something to get involved in. You won’t have to go into the city to find like-minded folk. There are local book clubs, sports clubs, fitness classes, outdoor recreation, and a whole lot more to get into.
There are farmer’s markets and local shops to support, and restaurants to casually dine in or make a night of. All of these are often walking distance from the residential areas or a short car or bike ride away. It won’t take long to feel like a full-fledged local if you decide to settle down here.
Plus, there is a strong culture of volunteerism and philanthropy, with many residents participating in charitable activities and supporting local nonprofits.
TO LIVE THE GOOD LIFE, CHOOSE VILLANOVA, PA
There you have it! The four main reasons why Villanova, PA should become your next address.
Villanova, PA has excellent educational institutions, great housing variety, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a warm and welcoming community with a close-knit vibe. Some may consider Villanova a sleepy stop on the Main Line, but it’s also another word for serenity, easy-goingness, and a rich and meaningful life that’s full of contentment.
And being content in Villanova, PA is more than many communities can hope for. Villanova is a place where you can relax in a beautiful home but it’s also a place to keep an active lifestyle and marvel in the splendors of nature. It’s a place where you can spend time with your neighbors or watch a football game at the university, but it also encourages the community to give back to people and the place that has been good to them.
Let me, Rebecca Diamond, help you make Villanova, PA your new neighborhood. I have lived, worked, thrived, and received multiple awards for my work as a Realtor in the southeastern area of Philadelphia, for more than 20 years.
I’m also an investor and landlord on the Main Line and have helped people successfully buy or sell their houses here. Find out why Villlanova, PA could be the new place you call home. Call me, Rebecca Diamond, at 610.246.0006 or send me an email to set up a meeting today.