Why Do People Love Living in Bryn Mawr?

Tucked in Pennsylvania’s famed and upscale Main Line, Bryn Mawr is a small town where the timeless structures of a rich historical heritage and the vibrancy of youth come together in a unique blend of old and new.

Recognized as an educational hub, this charming community boasts an array of top schools, including Bryn Mawr College and Harcum College, while Ivy League institution Penn (the University of Pennsylvania) is just a short ride away. With tree-lined streets, a storied past, top-notch amenities, and a lively vibe, Bryn Mawr and the homes for sale here appeal to a large demographic from young learners and growing families to senior adults. That’s why it’s not surprising that many consider this Philadelphia suburb an excellent place to live.

BRYN MAWR’S UNIQUE CHARM

Bryn Mawr originated as a Quaker farm established in the late 1600s in the north of Philadelphia. It was a modest farming settlement until 1832 when the railroad arrived. From then on, Bryn Mawr’s progress became unstoppable as it became the choice home of Philadelphia’s elite, including prominent businessman John Wanamaker and Pennsylvania Railroad president Alexander Cassatt.

Today, Bryn Mawr stands as a vibrant community in the suburbs of Philadelphia. It teems with history, green spaces, landmarks, and leisure attractions. Residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and community initiatives. Most of all, it has a young population, given its college-town reputation. Overall, Bryn Mawr combines a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with a sophisticated urban feel, making it a unique and dynamic place to live.

TOP REASONS WHY BRYN MAWR IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

Bryn Mawr offers the best of both worlds, allowing residents to relish its Old-World feel while partaking in modern conveniences. This is just one of the many reasons why many people rank this community highly when seeking to settle down in the suburbs. Other reasons are stated below.

Proximity to urban centers and landmarks

While the town itself offers plenty of activities, it’s only 10 miles away from Philadelphia’s center, widening the possibilities for discovery and access to this major city’s various venues for business, recreation, and everything else in between.

Bordered by South Roberts Road to the east and County Line Road to the west, Bryn Mawr provides convenient proximity to these famous landmarks:

• Philadelphia City Hall is considered the largest building in the US – an architectural wonder designed in the Second Empire style. Built from 1871 to 1901, the 548-foot-high city hall was the world’s tallest habitable building until 1908. It was built using over 85 million bricks and houses 250 sculptures, the centerpiece of which is the massive 37-foot statue of William Penn, the city’s founder.

• The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn, was founded by no less than Benjamin Franklin in 1740. Its pioneering spirit has led the university to achieve several global firsts, including the establishment of the first college-level business school. Penn’s almost 300-acre campus has over 180 buildings and landmarks, including Franklin Field, the country’s first football stadium that features double-decker stands.

• Valley Forge National Historic Park is where you’ll discover pieces of our national history while strolling through 3,500 acres of grassy fields and woodlands. Because Valley Forge served as the Continental Army’s campsite from 1777 to 1778, you’ll also see memorials honoring the Revolutionary War. While the park has significant historical value, it also plays a major role in local biodiversity. Its protected area is home to over 700 plant species and 315 animal species.

• Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the oldest and finest museums in the country. Its collection of 240,000 pieces covering 2,000 years reflects humanity’s eventful passage through time. With works from prehistoric times and the medieval era to today’s modern age, the museum has remained committed to its original role as an educational institution and the philosophy that art creates positive change in society.

Education and recreation

Bryn Mawr crosses township boundaries and benefits from the excellent public schools within The School District of Haverford Township and The Lower Merion School District. Notable schools include the following:

• Coopertown Elementary School, which accommodates students from Kindergarten to Grade 5, gets top marks for its academic curriculum and student performance.

• Harriton High School prides itself in its award-winning students who shine in various endeavors from Science Olympiads to – yes – Quidditch tournaments. It’s a Blue Ribbon school recognized on the state and national levels.

• Bryn Mawr College is a prestigious women’s liberal arts college founded in 1885 as a Quaker institution. It’s known for its robust academics, dedication to social justice, and active student participation.

• Harcum College, established in 1915, was the first Pennsylvania college that was allowed to award associate degrees. This private, two-year college emphasizes career-centric education and support services for students.

Houses for sale in Bryn Mawr, PA also have the privilege of being close to green spaces. Visit these gorgeous parks to stay active while being surrounded by nature.

• Clem Macrone Park houses nine acres of lush shrubbery, majestic trees, and a wetland habitat. Amenities include tennis courts, a basketball court, and a playground. Conquer its short but sweet 0.4-mile walking path, then end it with a fun picnic at the pavilion. Because of its design, the park received the 2018 Green and Sustainable Award.

• Ashbridge Memorial Park features walking paths, tennis courts, pickleball lines, and a playground. Here, you can see the historic Ashbridge House, erected in 1769. Constructed from colored field stones in the Georgian period style, the estate’s history mirrors the development stages of the Lower Merion Township.

• Rolling Hill Park is a must-visit nature park, known for its equestrian and hiking trails. Considered a nature preserve, it is an important section of a National Register Historic District. While imparting knowledge about the early Quaker community and industries, the park also offers bird-watching and fishing opportunities.

Abundance of timeless architectural styles

Like other older suburbs around Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr homes for sale boast a rich architectural heritage, blending historical charm with modern updates that make them comfortable without diminishing their classic aesthetics. While the area is predominantly composed of residences built in the 1960s and earlier, you’ll still find homes built post-1970 and a handful of new construction builds.

Some of the more common architectural styles among residences here include

• Colonial Revival
• Victorian
• Tudor Revival
• Craftsman
• Dutch Colonial

Meanwhile, the most popular property types of Bryn Mawr real estate are single-family homes with spacious yards and mostly traditional architecture; townhouses offering the convenience of a single-family home and shared community amenities; and condominiums that promote an urban lifestyle and a more modern aesthetic.

Arts and culture

Bryn Mawr has a vibrant arts and cultural scene supported by local institutions and the community. Bryn Mawr College, in particular, holds concerts, performances, and literary readings for the public to enjoy. Here are more entertainment venues that promote creativity and add color to the town’s cultural tapestry.

• The Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts are held at the downtown community gazebo on select days in Summer. The outdoor performances create a small-town vibe, inviting the audience to bring their own chairs to the venue.

• Singer Songwriters of the Main Line began a few years ago by high school students. Now, the group engages local high school students who have composed and produced their own songs. These young musicians perform in events during spring and fall at the gazebo.

• The Bryn Mawr Film Institute is a non-profit cinema and film education facility that welcomes about 200,000 viewers yearly. BMFI showcases a colorful mix of independent films, classic movies, documentaries, and modern films regularly. Through screenings and educational initiatives, the institute has developed a thriving film community in the area.

• The Wolf Performing Arts Center hones young talent from Kindergarten to high school on various performance aspects, such as voice, acting, theater, dance, and musical instruments. It offers regular shows, featuring well-loved stories like Matilda, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, and many more. As an educational theater, it aims to equip its students with confidence and critical thinking while strengthening their community ties.

• The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church holds various concerts featuring diverse musical genres. The classical concerts are most popular, presented by a world-class orchestra. The church also launches visual art exhibits that promote local talent.

Dining and shopping

When you purchase one of the homes for sale in Bryn Mawr, know that you’re not far from superb dining experiences. Whether you plan to grab a quick bite or go on a fancy dinner date, this exciting Philly suburb has got you covered.

• The Bakery House is the place to visit when you’re craving the best baked goods in town. Operating since 1989, this shop is famous for its freshly baked cakes, scones, and other pastries. Its owner relates that a well-known coffee chain once attempted to commission the bakeshop’s blueberry muffins.

• Kelly’s Taproom is a classic watering hole in the Main Line, popular among college students. Best-selling eats include nachos, chicken tenders and fries, and quesadillas. Wash them down with your favorite beer or wine while belting out a tune during Karaoke Night.

• Fiore Rosso emanates casual elegance with its hand-rolled pasta, sumptuous seafood, and mouth-watering antipasti. Its menu revolves around the belief that regional Italian cuisine is best savored with handcrafted food cooked via charcoal. The restaurant also hosts private events for up to 16 guests.

In need of some retail therapy? Explore the many shops of Bryn Mawr to satisfy your shopping cravings.

• Grove 1.2.1 is an award-winning clothing store that embodies female empowerment, particularly among Gen Xers. While the boutique highlights its personal styling services, it also offers a wide variety of tops, bottoms, and accessories like bags and belts.

• In need of eye-catching furniture for your new home in town? Head on to Redecor, which offers pre-owned pieces that don’t skimp on style. The shop, which is also open to consignment, has been in business for almost two decades and is a solid favorite among locals.

• If you haven’t decided yet on what to buy, visit the Bryn Mawr Village Shopping Center, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops and services, such as Blue Mercury, which specializes in premium skincare brands; Egg, which offers trendy women’s clothes; and Athleta, a women’s athletic wear store.

Community events and spirit

Bryn Mawr is known for its warm and inviting energy, making newcomers feel instantly at home. Here, neighbors know each other, creating a supportive environment. Its strong community spirit is marked by various events throughout the year.

• Bryn Mawr Day is a neighborhood tradition celebrated every September, gathering residents and visitors for some family fun. This cherished event celebrates the town’s rich heritage with a day packed with activities, including historical tours, live music, food fairs, and the circus. It’s an excellent and festive way to celebrate the community while supporting local businesses.

• Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday morning from January to March, locals troop to the Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market at the Bryn Mawr Station along Lancaster Avenue for some of the freshest produce from nearby farms. This market is part of the larger family of producers-only farmers’ markets operating in Philadelphia and nearby areas. Its mission is to protect the countryside industries while giving urban dwellers healthy food choices.

• The Main Line Art Center hosts contemporary art exhibits year-round in its award-winning galleries, showcasing local artists – both established and emerging. Additionally, it offers art workshops for children and adults, catering to groups and individuals alike. Founded in 1937, the center continues to serve as a platform for artistic expression and community engagement in the area.

• The Lower Merion Township regularly conducts Clean Up Weekends, where residents can dispose of their recyclables and refuse, such as electronic appliances, plastic, glass, and fabrics. On certain weekends, the Township’s recycling drop-off facilities are often for such items, with non-profit organization representatives present to collect the refuse.

• The annual tree-lighting ceremony is a major event in Bryn Mawr, which features a thousand lights that literally brighten the community. Last Christmas, the holiday event showcased Santa arriving in a fire truck, and Mrs. Claus hosting a special post-event gathering with cookies and hot chocolate. A school choir serenaded the attendees with holiday hymns.

AN OVERVIEW OF BRYN MAWR REAL ESTATE

Houses for sale in Bryn Mawr, PA don’t stay too long in the market, selling for less than a month with sellers getting well over their asking prices. Over the past three years, home values here have been moving within a band ranging from about $400,000 to more than $4 million.

May saw homes in Bryn Mawr selling at a median price of $600,000, lower than the previous month’s $892,500 and last year’s $1.04 million. However, as mentioned earlier, homes here often sell for over the asking price. Although some signals are changing in the Bryn Mawr real estate market, buyers still must prepare to present a compelling offer that will make sellers take notice.

Those with plans to invest in real estate should also consider Bryn Mawr, given its college town status and the high number of renters living in the area (70.2%, according to NeighborhoodScout.com). The potential for high yields is great, given the high demand for rentals in town.

Several factors sustain Bryn Mawr’s property value appreciation, including its desirable location on the Main Line, famed for its superb schools, historic value, gorgeous neighborhoods, and proximity to bustling Philadelphia. The presence of students enrolled in colleges and universities in and around the area contributes to the youthful and vibrant atmosphere felt in Bryn Mawr, as well as the thriving local economy. All of these factors combine to boost the market value of homes here.

Moreover, Pennsylvania offers various tax incentives for homeowners and renters, including rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible applicants and persons with disabilities who are 18 years old and above. The state also operates in a predictable tax environment, with clear policies and assessments, reducing financial uncertainty for homeowners and investors.

SNAG YOUR BRYN MAWR DREAM HOME WITH REBECCA DIAMOND

It always pays to purchase real estate in a highly sought-after area like Bryn Mawr, PA with the help of a reputable Realtor. Let me, seasoned local Realtor Rebecca Diamond, be the one to guide you. My unparalleled local expertise, personalized service, and proven track record of successful transactions are keys to achieving your real estate goals.

Call me at 610.246.0006 or send me an email to begin your home-buying journey in Main Line!