Ardmore, PA has everything needed to make a suburb great: Close-knit communities, easy access to a wealth of top amenities, and beautiful homes. Known as the “The Main Street of the Main Line” because of its rich history and culture, Ardmore is a fantastic place to work and play. If you’re curious about this gem of an area and why Ardmore, PA is a good place to live, here’s why it’s rated as one of the best suburbs in America.
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Ardmore, PA at a Glance
Located 12 miles west of Philadelphia, Ardmore is an integral part of the state’s Main Line region. It was originally called Athensville before it changed its name to Ardmore in 1873.
Once a railroad system was established in the area, Ardmore began to grow and prosper, and in 1900, a local government was formed through its first Board of Commissioners.
Today, Ardmore is a thriving community with around 14,000 residents. The number of people moving to this suburb has been slowly increasing in recent years and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. There’s a reason why those who move to Ardmore stay here: Ardmore offers a high quality of life and an excellent live, work, and play environment.
With the exceptional quality of life that Ardmore offers, it comes as no surprise that the cost of living here is 21% higher than the national average. Despite this, many still choose to live in Ardmore with the benefits far outweighing the cost. Ardmore residents have access to world-class amenities, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. In Niche.com’s 2023 report for Best Suburbs to Live in America, Ardmore came in second overall with Chesterbrook, another suburb of Philadelphia taking the top spot.
What makes Ardmore, PA a good place to live in?
Simply put Ardmore is one of the best suburbs to live in because of the top amenities, and quality of life that it offers its residents. Here are some other reasons that put Ardmore above your normal suburb.
Ardmore has a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities
Ardmore, PA is known for being the busiest business district on the Main Line. It is home to more than 250 restaurants, retail stores, and other local businesses. Ardmore is also home to a wide range of industries, with the biggest being healthcare, education, retail, financial services, and scientific research.
Ardmore is home to top schools
In terms of education, Ardmore ranks very highly. The suburb is served by two top-performing school districts: The Lower Merion School District and the Haverford Township School District. Both districts offer excellent academic programs, extracurricular activities, and facilities for students in kindergarten through high school. The Lower Merion School District, in particular, has been recognized for its excellence in education and is ranked by Niche.com as the 4th best school district in Pennsylvania.
Ardmore is home to Lower Merion High School. Celebrated for the world-class public education that it offers, Lower Merion High School emphasizes learning, leading, and challenging its students. The school has a long history of excellence and innovation, producing leaders and visionaries in various fields and sectors. Notable alumni include NBA superstar and basketball legend Kobe Bryant, 19-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor Jim Vance, and Hollywood producer Nancy Myers.
Ardmore has a variety of residential real estate options
If you’re looking for a home in Ardmore, you’ll have plenty to choose from. The housing options are diverse, just like the town itself. Whether it’s a single-family home, townhouse, condo, or apartment, you are certain to find a property that fits what you need. Stunning Colonial homes, spacious townhouse units, and newly-built condos are some of the many available properties here.
It’s easy to commute in and out of Ardmore
Another reason why Ardmore, PA is a good place to live is the easy commute to Philadelphia, with the suburb being around 12 miles out from the city center. When commuting out of Ardmore, you have several options. It takes around 22 minutes via the Paoli/Thorndale Line of the SEPTA Regional Rail and around 40 minutes via the SEPTA Norristown High-Speed Line. Alternatively, you can hop on one of the SEPTA Bus Routes that serve Ardmore like the 44, 103, 105, or 106.
Even though Ardmore provides easy access to Philadelphia, it is an extremely walkable suburb. It’s easy to explore the town on foot and enjoy its many shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions.
There’s always something to do in Ardmore
From enjoying the outdoors to joining local events, there’s no shortage of activities here. The mild weather allows for exciting outdoor fun, especially during the summer months. For outdoor recreation, there are these Ardmore parks:
- Vernon V. Young Memorial Park
Covering around 5.2 acres, Vernon V. Young Memorial Park is a spacious park with a variety of activities for people of all ages and interests. Among the amenities and facilities here are the well-maintained baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a large playground.
- Linwood Park
A small, but beautiful outdoor area in Ardmore, Linwood Park is a 1-acre park that doubles as a community garden and a venue for local events. The park has a short path that circles the green space where you can walk and admire the different flowers, bushes, and trees. Linwood Park also has a special path for foot reflexology. Park visitors are welcome to sit and relax by the chairs or on the grass. Small but intimate, this is a lovely place to stroll through or meet with friends.
- South Ardmore Park
Although technically in Wynnewood, South Ardmore Park is located right on the border with Ardmore. This scenic park is a go-to for Main Line residents. Spanning across 18 acres of land, South Ardmore Park is equipped with a variety of sports courts, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. The park also has a 1-mile walking trail that’s surrounded by trees.
Another recreational spot in the suburb is the Ardmore Avenue Community Center. This multi-purpose area is often used by the residents for exercising, reading books, or holding meetings.
If you love a round of golf, you’ll want to join Merion Golf Club. This private club has two courses: The East Course and the West Course. The East Course, which was designed by Hugh Wilson, is regarded as one of the best golf courses in the country. Its challenging and varied layout features twisted fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and rough greens. The course has played host to 5 U.S. Opens.
Ardmore’s calendar of exciting local events provides not only a sense of seasonality but also the opportunity for locals to get together and have fun. Just a couple of the events to enjoy include Ardmore Restaurant Week, a two-week event held every July that showcases the suburb’s vibrant dining scene. With its 3-course, prix fixe menu, guests are given the opportunity to sample the latest and best cuisine Ardmore has to offer. In September, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of fall than at the Ardmore Oktoberfest and Fall Festival. This one-day event features a beer garden with local and seasonal brews, live music, food, and games. The festival also includes a free walking tour centered around Ardmore’s rich history. Whether you take the tour before the serious fun or after is up to you.
Ardmore is home to unique attractions
Ardmore is a location that has something for those who enjoy the more cultural and artistic aspects of life. One of the main attractions here is Ardmore Music Hall. Independently owned and operated, Ardmore Music Hall is a historic venue that frequently hosts national and local music acts. It has a long and rich legacy of showcasing some of the best musicians in the world, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Ramones, the Dave Matthews Band, and Macy Gray. At any time you can expect artists from any genre such as rock & roll, hip-hop, funk, and Americana.
Ardmore has the top spots for shopping
A retail paradise in Philadelphia’s Main Line, Ardmore has some of the best shopping spots in the region. Here are the top places to shop:
- Suburban Square
Located in the heart of the Main Line, Suburban Square is a shopping, dining, and lifestyle destination that has something for everyone. Opened in 1928, it was one of the first outdoor shopping areas in the country and it continues to evolve and innovate as a shopping mecca. Discover a wide array of shops here at Suburban Square, from well-known brands to Pennsylvania-based businesses.
- Downtown
Aside from Suburban Square, there is a wide variety of local shops and independent retailers in Ardmore’s downtown area. Most of these shops can be found on Lancaster Avenue, Cricket Avenue, and Greenfield Avenue. One gem is a family concept store called pucciManuli. The unique store sells timeless finely crafted items for children of all ages, including books, toys, and accessories. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind treasures in Past Present Future. Dubbed a “part gift store, part mini-museum,” the store offers a curated collection of jewelry, wearable art, and home decor.
- Ardmore Farmers Market
Open all year round, the Ardmore Farmers Market is the place to go for fresh food and high-quality products. Regarded as one of the best food markets in the area, the Ardmore Farmers Market has plenty of choices for buyers, from gourmet cheeses to homemade dishes.
Ardmore has a thriving dining scene
One of the things that make Ardmore, PA a good place to live in are the delicious dishes that you can get from the suburb’s thriving dining scene. Whether you’re craving authentic Korean dishes or classic American fare, you’ll find a restaurant that will excite your taste buds. Some of the best restaurants on the Main Line are located in Ardmore. Here are some of the best restaurants to try:
- El Limon
When it comes to Mexican fare, few do it better than El Limon. Get authentic and flavorful dishes like chorizo tacos, chicken tinga quesadillas, and pork tamales. El Limon also has the best sopes in Pennsylvania. If you haven’t tried one of these fried corn doughs with savory toppings, you’re in for a treat.
- Not Your Average Joe’s
Inspired by American cuisine, Not Your Average Joe’s Kitchen & Bar serves everything from gourmet pizzas to buffalo chicken tenders. The restaurant also caters to customers who prefer gluten-free meals. Not Your Average Joe’s has a casual and pub-like vibe, with an open kitchen and a wide selection of beer, wines, and spirits.
- DanDan
Founded by renowned restaurateurs Catherina and Kevin Huang, DanDan offers a unique Sichuan and Taiwanese dining experience. Authentic, delicious, and full of flavor, the dishes served here will delight. DanDan caters to different dietary needs and can modify dishes to satisfy your vegetarian or gluten-free preferences.
- DePaul’s Table
This award-winning fine dining restaurant has a claim to serving the best steaks on the Main Line. Immaculate presentation, sophisticated ambiance, and complimentary valet parking make this establishment a cut above the rest.
Ardmore offers a laid-back nightlife experience
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted beers, specialty cocktails, or just a cozy spot to unwind, Ardmore delivers. In 2018, Philadelphia Magazine even named Ardmore as having the “Best Suburban Nightlife Scene.”
The Tired Hands Brewing Company is a craft brewery and restaurant that was founded right here in Ardmore. Established in 2011 by Jean Broillet IV, the brewery is known for its innovative ales and bold flavors. Tired Hands Brewing Company produces around 1,000 barrels a year and they have several tap tops and restaurants in and around Ardmore.
Another Ardmore brewery that you shouldn’t miss out on is Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft. A cozy and charming spot in the suburb, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft offers a classic whiskey bar experience, along with creative cocktails and unique entrees.
Make the move to Ardmore, PA
Ardmore, PA is without a doubt a good place to live, we’d argue that it’s great. If you’d like to know more about Ardmore, start your real estate journey with me, Rebecca Diamond. With over 20 years of experience as a Realtor, investor, and landlord I know the Philadelphia area and am perfectly positioned to provide you with the highly personalized and honest service you deserve.
Let’s explore your options in Ardmore, PA. Get in touch with me today by calling 610.246.0006 or send me an email here. I’d love to hear from you.