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Living in Bryn Mawr, PA and Why It Should Be Your Next Home

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If the name Bryn Mawr conjures images of Middle Earth, that’s because it comes from the Welsh language, a source of inspiration for many of Tolkien’s fictional characters and places. Bryn Mawr, which roughly translates as “big hill,” is a small Pennsylvania town known for its hip urban environment and dynamic lifestyle. With a generally youthful population, it’s a great option for young professionals at the start of their careers, as well as young families just beginning their lives together. Read on to find out more about what it’s like living in Bryn Mawr, PA.

ABOUT BRYN MAWR, PA

Located nine miles west of Philadelphia on the Main Line, Bryn Mawr is a census-designated place that sits across three townships including Radnor and Haverford in Delaware County, and Lower Merion in Montgomery County. Starting out as a colonial farming society, Bryn Mawr has evolved into one of the most prestigious Pennsylvania towns, boasting cosmopolitan appeal, thriving local economy, and first-class amenities accessible to everyone.

History

Like most locations in Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr was also part of the land charter that King Charles II of England granted to William Penn to offset debts owed to the latter’s father, Sir William Penn. The younger Penn then sold 800 acres of the land to Welshman Rowland Ellis, who built a two-story stone home and named the property Bryn Mawr, after his farm back in Merionethshire Wales.

During Ellis’ time, Bryn Mawr was a crossroads that provided local producers with access to consumers from different parts of the area and to the country at large. The construction of the Main Line railroad in 1832 further accelerated the development of the area into a veritable agricultural hub. By the end of the 19th century, there were over 300 households living in Bryn Mawr, PA, making it one of the most populated communities in the location.

Today, Bryn Mawr has become the heart of the affluent Main Line community, surrounded by many upscale restaurants, shops, cafes, colleges, and cultural establishments that make it such a delight to stay here.

Geography and climate

The town of Bryn Mawr sits on a hill with a 420-foot elevation in southeastern Pennsylvania. It has a total area of 0.6 square miles, all land. Despite its diminutive size, Bryn Mawr has a reputation for being one of the most luxurious places to live in Pennsylvania, full of country estates owned by some of the wealthiest families in the state.

Climate plays a big role in Bryn Mawr’s reputation as a great place to live. The area enjoys 200 days of sun each year, and an annual average of 21 inches of snow in the winter – lower than the US average of 28 inches per year. That said, it rains a lot in Bryn Mawr, so you’ll definitely want to stock up on rain gear. Over the course of the year, the temperature in the location can vary from 23 to 83 degrees, with extremes rarely reaching below 6 degrees or above 90.

Population and demographics

According to World Population Review, Bryn Mawr’s current population is 5.573 representing a 47% increase to that of 2010, when population stood at 3,779. The increasing population shows that more and more people are deciding to make their home here. The median age of residents is 29.5, indicating a high number of young professionals and college-age students. The young demographic can be attributed to the presence of a number of colleges in the area, including Bryn Mawr College, widely regarded as one of the most popular higher education institutions for international students.

White-collar workers make up nearly 93% of the workforce, with blue-collar workers accounting for just around 7%. The average household income in Bryn Mawr is $87,600, which is significantly higher than the national average of $74,560. The higher household income suggests that the economic health and living conditions in Bryn Mawr are much better compared to most of the United States.

There are a total of 1,885 households in Bryn Mawr. Families with at least two members account for 49%, while non-families account for the remaining 51%. This balance in household demographics shows that Bryn Mawr is a great place for singles and families alike.

WHY BRYN MAWR DESERVES TO BE YOUR NEXT HOME

Campus Building in Bryn Mawr College

The campus building at Bryn Mawr College

Not sure if shopping for homes for sale in Bryn Mawr, PA is worth it? If you’re still tentative about snapping up a property in this affluent community, here are six reasons why you should stop sitting on the fence and finally begin your journey towards owning the Bryn Mawr property you deserve.

  1. Bryn Mawr, PA is vibrant

    What is Bryn Mawr known for? First and foremost, the community is popular for its luxury properties and upscale communities. Equal parts quaint and modern, Bryn Mawr delivers the best of both worlds, allowing residents to enjoy a leisurely pace of life while also serving as an entertainment hotspot with a thriving nightlife scene. Bryn Mawr provides residents with a lot of activities to partake in, including concerts at the Ardmore Music Hall, hiking at Rolling Hill Park, shopping at Bryn Mawr Square, and film viewings at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, to name a few.

  2. Bryn Mawr, PA is just 30 minutes from Philadelphia

    While Bryn Mawr is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, it’s just a short 30-minute drive from the latter so that residents can enjoy all the perks of a major metropolitan area without the overcrowding, heavy traffic, and other negatives of big-city living. Easy access to Philly is one of the best advantages of living in Bryn Mawr, PA.

  3. Bryn Mawr, PA offers an elite lifestyle

    Fabulous homes, chic boutiques, and swanky restaurants are the norm in Bryn Mawr, PA. Thus, the cost of living fits the lifestyle. According to Payscale.com, the cost of living here is 25% higher than the national average. Housing represents the biggest expense (76% higher than the national average), followed by groceries, utilities, and transportation (17%, 12%, and 9%, respectively). While the upscale and comfortable life that Bryn Mawr makes possible comes at a premium, many seem willing to pay the price, with the median price of sold homes at $840,000 in October 2023.

  4. Bryn Mawr, PA is a safe neighborhood

    What else is Bryn Mawr known for, you may ask? Neighborhood safety is one of them. Living in one of the most secure communities in Pennsylvania means the chance of falling prey to property crime in Bryn Mawr is 1 in 82. Bryn Mawr is also an exceptionally clean community that’s well-maintained by the local government. People can walk the streets or go grocery shopping without any worries, even when it’s late at night.

  5. Bryn Mawr, PA has excellent schools

    Depending on where you’re living in Bryn Mawr, PA, the public schools could be served by either the Haverford Township School District, the Radnor Township School District, or the Lower Merion School District. Whichever school district serves your area, you’ll be glad to know that the public schools in Bryn Mawr have a rating of good and higher by GreatSchools. There are also plenty of private school options in the area including Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (K-12), The Baldwin School (K-12), and Jack M Barrack Hebrew Academy (K-12).

    The community is also home to the distinguished Bryn Mawr College, a private women’s liberal arts college known for upholding education at the highest standards. Other top-rated colleges in the area include Harcum College, Rosemont College, Haverford College, Villanova University, and Eastern University. On top of its highly-rated learning institutions, Bryn Mawr also boasts a highly educated population, with 70% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree.

  6. Bryn Mawr, PA has a diverse real estate market

    Bryn Mawr’s real estate market offers a vast array of choices that cater to various needs. Its reputation as an upscale residential area, college town, and tourist destination contributes to its active property market. Whether you’re looking for historic properties, modern townhouses, or modest apartments – Bryn Mawr has a little of everything. Most of the homes for sale in Bryn Mawr, PA are at high price points, but there are also a number of properties below $500,000.

    The October 2023 median listing price for homes for sale in Bryn Mawr, PA is actually lower by 36.2% compared to the previous year. With median days on the market getting shorter since October 2023, it would make sense to get your home-buying plans back on track.

TOP NEIGHBORHOODS IN BRYN MAWR, PA

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As one of Pennsylvania’s highly sought-after communities, Bryn Mawr has no problem attracting new residents to the community. Get to know the top neighborhoods in the area to see which one feels like the perfect fit. Here are the top three communities known for high-quality living in Bryn Mawr, PA.

  1. North Bryn Mawr

    If you’re looking for a traditional community, the North Side is the best location for you. This old and well-established neighborhood boasts the greatest number of estates than other towns on the Main Line. Some of the homes here are over 100 years old! A very family-friendly locale, the North Side is home to Bryn Mawr College and a number of private schools, making it a desirable community for families with school-age and college students. Inquire about homes for sale in this neighborhood.

  2. Montgomery Avenue

    Not a community per se, but if you’re a college student looking for a place to stay, the student apartments and housing for rent on Montgomery Avenue are your best bet. Though rent is higher than other areas, the living accommodations are safe and clean, with all the classic amenities of college life, including cozy student lounges, breakout rooms, and other spaces. If boredom or frustration strikes, nearby Lancaster Avenue offers plenty of options to clear your mind and enjoy a break from the college grind. Inquire about homes for sale in this neighborhood.

  3. South Side

    Bryn Mawr’s South Side communities are more modest than those on the North Side, and the houses are more modestly priced. South Side Bryn Mawr is the location of Coopertown, a residential community full of smaller, affordable homes. The area has plenty of two-story properties with prices that are well within reach of most people. Coopertown also has a good number of spacious Colonial-style properties. Commuting is easy, thanks to the South Side’s proximity to the Main Line. Commercial areas are also nearby, ensuring households have easy access to all the essentials. Inquire about homes for sale in this neighborhood.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BRYN MAWR, PA

Woman examining modern art at gallery

Small, but always happening, Bryn Mawr is full of activities and entertainment options. Here are some of the top things to do in Bryn Mawr, PA.

  1. Tour the Harriton House

    The house that Welsh Quaker leader, Rowland Ellis, built in 1704 still stands to this day. Located in the middle of Harriton Park, Harriton House, as it is now called, has been meticulously restored and is now open to the public as a historical and cultural landmark. Inside, you’ll see art and artifacts from colonial times, telling a story of what life was like during that period. Some of the pieces were owned and used by Charles Thomson, the first and only Secretary to the Continental Congresses. Harriton House is surrounded by a 15.6-acre park, with multiple vegetable gardens and orchards, an apiary, a barn, and a stream. Of all the things to do in Bryn Mawr, PA, this is a definite must.

  2. Enjoy the outdoors at Ashbridge Park

    Ashbridge Park, located on Montgomery Avenue near the Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work, provides 29 acres of greenspace for walking, jogging, tennis, pickleball, and more. The well-maintained park is open to all, and features a number of historic structures and an arboretum that further make it an enchanting place to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. A fully equipped kid’s playground can keep the little ones busy as you chill on the benches.

  3. Catch a flick at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    Lovers of movies will find themselves immediately drawn to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, a non-profit community movie theater that shows everything from classic movies to current films. Whether you’re on a date or out with family and friends, you can easily find a movie to watch in one of the institute’s four theaters. The pièce de résistance, however, is the fully restored historic 1926 Seville Theater, which harkens to Hollywood’s golden age. For those with skills behind the camera, Open Screen Mondays, held every first Monday of the month, allows local filmmakers to screen their own movies.

  4. Indulge your palate at The Choice

    If you’re craving for something new and delicious, you can’t go wrong with The Choice, a modern restaurant on Lancaster Avenue serving classic European cuisine with a contemporary twist. A family-owned and operated restaurant, The Choice features an impressive selection of meat and seafood dishes, served by the family members themselves. The restaurant’s slogan – “Food is culture, habit, craving & identity” – is meant as both a pledge and a guarantee that the restaurant will provide guests with delicious food prepared with love.

    For a truly mouth-watering experience, make sure to order the lobster ceviche, pan-seared foie gras, duck canton with caramel-coffee orange sauce, or the Chilean sea bass in miso or truffle sauce. The Choice is a BYOB restaurant, so don’t hesitate to arrive lugging your own bottles of reds and whites to pair with your orders.

  5. Shop til you drop at Downtown Bryn Mawr

    Shopping is one of the top things to do in Bryn Mawr, PA. Downtown is a mecca of boutiques and other retail stores. The best thing about the area is that it is full of local shops offering one-of-a-kind wares. Just check out stores like Skirt, Kindred Collective, Exceptional Finds. Boujee Boutique, and Himalayan Craft, to name a few. For your one-stop shopping needs, the Bryn Mawr Village Shopping Center houses quaint boutiques offering clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs galore. If you need to fuel up, the center has a great selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from.

  6. Appreciate local creativity at the Main Line Art Center

    OK, OK, this one is not in Bryn Mawr, but it’s right on the border between Bryn Mawr and Haverford, and deserves a mention, given it’s reputation as a dynamite venue for visual arts. The Main Line Art Center has been promoting excellence in the local arts since 1963. Located on Panmure Road, the center hosts monthly exhibits of works by emerging and professional artists from the local arts scene. The center also provides a gathering space for workshops and lectures hosted by visual arts luminaries from all over the country. As part of its mission to nurture the local arts, the Center also has programs for kids and even people with disabilities. The center has its own sensory garden accessible to disabled individuals who want to nurture their artistic side.

TALK TO A BRYN MAWR, PA REAL ESTATE AGENT TODAY

What is Bryn Mawr known for? Where in Bryn Mawr do you find a home that fits your needs? Which community is best suited to your lifestyle?

Ask all the questions you want and experienced real estate agent Rebecca Diamond will happily answer them. As the Voice of Main Line Real Estate, Rebecca and her team are committed to providing clients with all their real estate needs in Bryn Mawr, PA. Call (610) 246-0006 or contact us here to get started.

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