More than 28,000 New Jersey residents moved to Pennsylvania last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Many settled in suburbs just west of the Delaware River, where property taxes are lower and homes often cost less per square foot. The suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families that continue to draw attention include places with top-ranked public schools, direct train service to Philadelphia, and crime rates below state averages. Some of these towns—like Chesterbrook and Penn Wynne—rank among the safest in the region. Others, such as Ardmore and Bryn Mawr, offer walkable downtowns and short commutes. Movers in US report increased demand along the Main Line and in townships near major rail stations. This article breaks down ten specific suburbs based on income levels, school performance, home prices, and transit access.
Why Does Chesterbrook, PA, Frequently Lead the Lists?
Is Chesterbrook one of the best suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families because of its mix of comfort and convenience? Very likely. The best local movers say that its strong school system, safety profile, and real‑estate stability make it a consistent top pick. Chesterbrook has a population of around 5,440, a median household income of $140,972, and home values of around $432,200. (It’s also 33 % above the national average in cost of living, driven largely by housing.)
Commuting here isn’t terrible: it sits in Tredyffrin Township, about 23 miles from Philadelphia. You’ll also find routes to major roads like US 202 and access to SEPTA bus lines that connect to commuter rail. The local school district (Tredyffrin/Easttown) is one of the stronger ones in the region. Public amenities—parks, trails, coffee shops, walkable areas—add to the appeal. If your family prioritizes prestige, stability, and access without being too remote, Chesterbrook makes a compelling case.
Quick Facts About Chesterbrook, PA
Chesterbrook consistently ranks at the top of family‑friendly suburbs near Philadelphia. Known for strong schools and safe streets, it’s often a relocation target for those crossing over from NJ.
- Population: ~5,440
- Median household income: $140,972
- Median home value: $432,200
- School district: Tredyffrin/Easttown (9/10 on GreatSchools)
- Distance to Center City Philadelphia: ~23 miles
- Crime rate: 65% lower than national average
- Property tax rate: ~1.49%
- Nearby highways: US 202, I‑76, Route 252
- Walkability score: 45 (suburban, car‑dependent)
- Local amenities: Wilson Farm Park, Trader Joe’s, Chesterbrook Plaza
What Makes Penn Wynne, PA a Smart Choice?
Could Penn Wynne be one of the ideal suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families when you want a balanced size and connection? Yes. The US long distance movers recommend Penn Wynne because it tends to reduce stress in cross‑state transitions. It’s compact, which keeps commutes shorter for kids and parents alike. The walkability is strong. Local amenities—shops, neighborhood services, green pockets—are easily accessible.
School performance in Penn Wynne scores high on Niche. Students often enjoy shorter travel to school, which adds to quality of life. Crime rates are lower than many suburban alternatives. The tight geography helps create a cohesive community feel. If your priority is minimizing disruption while upgrading your environment, Penn Wynne is solid.
Quick Facts About Penn Wynne, PA
Penn Wynne offers walkable streets, great schools, and easy access to Philadelphia. It’s a small but highly sought-after neighborhood.
- Population: ~5,800
- Median household income: $107,500
- Median home value: $385,000
- School district: Lower Merion (10/10 elementary school rating)
- Distance to Center City: ~10 miles
- Crime rate: 52% lower than national average
- Commute options: SEPTA bus, Ardmore train station nearby
- Property tax rate: ~1.38%
- Parks and rec: Penn Wynne Park, Wynnewood Valley Park
- Grocery options: Whole Foods, Giant, Wynnewood Shopping Center
How Does Devon, PA Combine Elegance and Functionality?
Is Devon truly in the top suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families because of its reputation and data? It seems so. The best residential movers have seen many families drawn to Devon’s calm streets, high prestige, and academic strength. Suburban Solutions and Niche consistently list Devon among desirable family suburbs. Movoto Real Estate also reports healthy demand and pricing stability.
Devon is small—just over 1,600 people in the CDP—but that lack of scale gives it a quiet, exclusive feel. Homes are priced at a premium. Over half the households make over $200,000 annually. The area is among the safest in the region. One standout institution is Devon Preparatory School, a private all‑male Catholic prep school with tuition around $27,600 for upper school and $24,600 for middle school.
Quick Facts About Devon, PA
Devon is a polished, quiet suburb with an upscale reputation and high-performing schools. The homes are larger and often on spacious lots.
- Population: ~1,600
- Median household income: $202,000
- Median home value: $680,000+
- School district: Tredyffrin/Easttown (9–10/10 across levels)
- Distance to Center City: ~20 miles
- Crime rate: 70% below national average
- Transit access: Devon Station (Paoli/Thorndale Line)
- Property tax rate: ~1.45%
- Landmarks: Devon Horse Show Grounds, Jenkins Arboretum
- Local feel: Very quiet, residential, no commercial sprawl
Why Does Ardmore, PA Appeal to Commuters and Families?
Could Ardmore be among the suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families you’ll actually want to live in? For many, yes. The moving companies in Pennsylvania are seeing more interest in Ardmore lately. That growth stems from its transit access, walkability, and mixed suburban feel. Ardmore spans portions of Delaware and Montgomery counties and hosts a central commercial corridor with shopping, restaurants, and services.
With around 13,500 residents, Ardmore provides a density that supports public transit. It sits on the Main Line commuter rail routes, so commuting to Philadelphia is easier than in many outer suburbs. Schools are decent, infrastructure is solid, and the feel is less isolated than many bedroom communities. If your family needs access to urban work or cultural hubs but prefers suburban calm, Ardmore is a strong pick.
Quick Facts About Ardmore, PA
Ardmore blends transit‑friendly infrastructure with a vibrant local scene. It’s one of the most walkable Main Line towns.
- Population: ~13,500
- Median household income: $104,000
- Median home value: $490,000
- School district: Lower Merion (rated 10/10 by GreatSchools)
- Commute to Philly: ~25 minutes via SEPTA Regional Rail
- Crime rate: 50% below U.S. average
- Transit hubs: Ardmore Station, Suburban Square
- Walk Score: 76 (Very Walkable)
- Local attractions: Ardmore Music Hall, Trader Joe’s, dining corridor
- Rental price (2-bed): ~$2,200/month
What Strengths Does Berwyn, PA Offer to Moving Families?
Might Berwyn be underrated among suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families? Quite possibly. The best movers in Philly participated in many relocations that included Berwyn, and they often advise travelers to check it out. Movoto lists Berwyn among the “best ten suburbs for families” around Philadelphia.
Berwyn offers quieter streets, mature trees, and a community feel. Homes often carry a moderate premium, but you’re not at the top end like in Devon. School systems are also good. Local services, parks, and neighborhood culture are stable and family-focused. Many families relocating from New Jersey are willing to accept a slightly longer drive for a more relaxed setting. Berwyn balances access and tranquility nicely.
Quick Facts About Berwyn, PA
Berwyn offers calm, family‑oriented neighborhoods with excellent schools and easy train access to Philly.
- Population: ~3,700
- Median household income: $122,000
- Median home value: $470,000
- School district: Tredyffrin/Easttown (10/10)
- Commute to Philadelphia: ~35–40 minutes (SEPTA Paoli Line)
- Transit station: Berwyn Station
- Property tax rate: ~1.43%
- Local vibe: Small‑town feel with community events
- Safety rating: Excellent—low crime across all categories
- Grocery & shops: Handel’s Ice Cream, La Cabra Brewing, boutiques
Why Do Many Families Prefer Bryn Mawr, PA?
Is Bryn Mawr often a go‑to when listing suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families? For good reason. Finding the best packing services is the number one solution for families moving into Bryn Mawr, since you’ll likely have a lot of delicate items—especially if your home includes antiques or book collections. Bryn Mawr lies right on the Main Line corridor and has both historical gravitas and modern amenities.
With a population near 5,800, it mixes university life (Bryn Mawr College) and residential living. That leads to more cultural events, bookstores, cafes, and pedestrian energy. The median household income is more modest than in some outer suburbs—about $87,218 as of recent data. Private schools are strong. For example, Sacred Heart Academy charges about $24,463 annually and maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio.
Quick Facts About Bryn Mawr, PA
Historic homes, good public and private schools, and a college-town vibe define Bryn Mawr. It’s active, cultural, and walkable.
- Population: ~5,800
- Median household income: $87,218
- Median home value: $450,000
- School district: Lower Merion & Radnor (both rated 9–10/10)
- Private school tuition: $24,000–$35,000
- Distance to Philadelphia: ~11 miles
- Transit options: SEPTA rail and buses
- Walk Score: 80+ (Very Walkable)
- Local spots: Bryn Mawr Film Institute, Ludington Library, cafés
- Community events: Farmer’s market, arts festivals, music nights
Is Paoli, PA a Viable Option for NJ Families?
Could Paoli make your shortlist of suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families? Yes — especially if you value transit options. The movers NJ to PA say Paoli gives a longer run but with payoff: you get Amtrak or commuter rail access, plus direct highway links. Paoli is farther out on the Main Line. It had about 5,651 people, a median household income of over $117,000 (as of recent surveys), and a strong mix of older homes and newer developments.
Commuting options are robust: Paoli sits on the regional rail and also sees Amtrak’s Keystone line pass through. That’s rare in suburban locales. Schools are good. The quality of life includes parks, green corridors, and proximity to local hubs. If you’re okay with slightly more commute but want value and access, Paoli is worth weighing.
Quick Facts About Paoli, PA
Further out on the Main Line, Paoli offers more house for the money, reliable trains, and good schools.
- Population: ~5,651
- Median household income: $117,000
- Median home price: $430,000
- School district: Great Valley & Tredyffrin/Easttown (both strong)
- Amtrak station: Yes (Keystone Corridor)
- Distance to Philly: ~25 miles
- Transit options: SEPTA Paoli Line + Amtrak
- Public parks: Woodbine Park, Paoli Battlefield Preserve
- Local employers: Vanguard nearby in Malvern
- Rental range (2-bed): ~$1,900–$2,300/month
What Advantages Does Villanova / Radnor Offer?
Are Villanova and Radnor among the top suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families? They are, according to many real estate sources. The best movers for seniors also say that these areas offer a mix of comfort, walkability, and prestige without being overwhelming. They sit in the heart of “Main Line” territory, known for strong school systems and consistent demand.
Themacdonaldteam.com promotes these neighborhoods heavily, and Main Line Today highlights their appeal for families. Real estate in Villanova and Radnor often commands a premium because people value reputation, infrastructure, and quality schools. The draw is consistency: you rarely see a big drop in home values. For families wanting permanence and prestige, these neighborhoods are reliable.
Quick Facts About Villanova and Radnor, PA
Prestigious schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and steady home values make this area a reliable favorite.
- Population (Radnor Township): ~31,000
- Median income: $139,000
- Median home price: $680,000–$950,000
- School district: Radnor Township (GreatSchools 9–10/10)
- Colleges: Villanova University
- Commuter time: ~30 minutes to downtown Philly
- Transit: R5 Paoli/Thorndale Line, I‑476 access
- Cultural sites: Radnor Trail, Chanticleer Garden, college events
- Public safety: Excellent police and EMS coverage
- Tax rate: ~1.39%, varies by property location
Can Upper Darby Township, PA Be an Option for NJ Movers?
Should you consider Upper Darby Township among the suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families if you want a more urban‑suburban balance? Yes. The moving companies in Pennsylvania are seeing more inquiries in Upper Darby. It’s close to the city edge, has more density, more transit options, and more diversity. That mix gives you flexibility.
Upper Darby has multiple school zones, neighborhoods of varying price points, and solid access to Philadelphia via subway, regional rail, and bus lines. For families who want faster access to urban amenities while retaining suburban calm, Upper Darby offers one of the sharpest tradeoff balances. It’s less glossy than Main Line suburbs, but often more practical.
Quick Facts About Upper Darby Township, PA
Closer to the city, Upper Darby gives you lower prices, diverse schools, and strong transit connections.
- Population: ~85,000
- Median income: $55,000
- Median home price: ~$200,000
- School district: Upper Darby School District (variable ratings: 5–7/10)
- Commute time: ~20–25 minutes
- Transit: SEPTA subway (69th Street hub) + buses
- Diversity index: One of PA’s most diverse townships
- Crime: Higher than Main Line suburbs, lower than city core
- Local shopping: Terminal Square, 69th Street shops
- Home rental range: ~$1,200–$1,800/month
Suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey Families: Data That Helps Decide
The review of these ten areas shows clear patterns. Suburbs in Pennsylvania for New Jersey families with the strongest pull combine above‑average school ratings, lower property taxes than comparable New Jersey towns, and direct commuter access to Philadelphia. Chesterbrook, Devon, and Villanova/Radnor rank highest on income and home value, while Upper Darby and Newtown Square offer lower entry costs with good transit or growth potential. Median household incomes range from $55,000 in Upper Darby to more than $200,000 in Devon. Median home prices span from about $200,000 to over $680,000. Crime rates in the top‑scoring suburbs are typically 40–70 % below the national average. Families moving from New Jersey can use these figures to weigh trade‑offs between price, commute, and school performance before choosing a destination.