Picture yourself strolling through a historic Main Street. Mature trees line the sidewalks, there are tons of local businesses, and everyone reaches out to say hello. This is just a glimpse of what life is like in Bala Cynwyd, a tranquil community that’s less than a half hour away from Philly. Curious to learn more? Here are a few quick facts to get you started.
Your Guide to Bala Cynwyd
The Basics
Alright, I know what you’re thinking—how exactly do you pronounce Bala Cynwyd? Bal-uh Kin-wood is a picturesque town that’s nestled within the Lower Merion Township in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Founded in the 1680s, Bala Cynwyd has a population of just under 10,000…but don’t let those numbers fool you.
Although it might seem like just a small village, Bala Cynwyd is a community that has all the conveniences of city living, minus the hustle and bustle. It also has plenty of exciting amenities, historic destinations (like the Cynwyd Heritage Trail!), and so much more.
The Homes
Take a moment to picture your perfect place. Are you searching for a historic beauty? Perhaps you’re on the hunt for a new construction home. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here in Bala Cynwyd.
Here, homes typically sell for around $445,000, which is up by over 200% since last year! As home values continue to improve, now is the time to invest in this five-star community. Although it is still possible to snag a deal in Bala Cynwyd, you’ll have to act fast. Properties in this area usually go for just .3% below the original asking price.
The Jobs
Do you work in Philadelphia and want to shorten your commute? So many city dwellers think they’ll have to sacrifice convenience for peace and quiet…but that isn’t the case in Bala Cynwyd. This charming town is just an 18 minute drive from the center of Philly—and that means you’ll spend less time in car every day.
Unsurprisingly, Bala Cynwyd’s proximity to the city means its residents have plenty of job opportunities. Philadelphia is home to many international corporations, such as Comcast, Duane Morris, Toll Brothers, and Open Systems Healthcare. As if that isn’t enough, Bala Cynwyd also has a jaw-dropping unemployment rate of just 2.8%!
The Shopping & Dining
Whether you’re running errands or shopping the day away, you won’t have to wander far from home to find just what you need. Bala Cynwyd features a wide variety of locally-owned shops, as well as larger retailers that you know and love. Top spots include the Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center, Lord + Taylor, and Gabrielle.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head to one of the area’s fabulous restaurants! Even the pickiest eaters will love Bala Cynwyd’s eclectic cuisine, which fuses American classics with international favorites. La Collina, Mama’s Pizzeria, B2 Bluefin, and honeygrow are some of the most popular eateries in town—be sure to check them out.
The Schools
If public schools are an important factor in your home search, you’ve come to the right place. Bala Cynwyd’s younger residents are served by the Lower Merion School District, which received an A+ rating from Niche. This top-performing district is considered one of the best in the state, and students can attend Cynwyd Elementary, Bala Cynwyd Middle, or Lower Merion High School.
Looking for private schools? Don’t worry—you’ll also find plenty of stellar institutions all across the area. Many households choose to send their children to Kohelet Yeshiva High School, Merion Mercy & Waldron Mercy Academies, or the French International School of Philadelphia.
Ready to Explore Bala Cynwyd?
If it’s time to take your next steps, I’d love to help simplify your Main Line move! Just contact me, Tammy Harrison, for more information about Bala Cynwyd and the area’s other top communities. Selling a home on the Main Line? I can certainly help with that, too!