Map / Lower Merion Township / Radnor Township / Tredyffrin Township / Links to the Philadelphia Region
The Main Line developed in the late 1800's as wealthy Philadelphians looked west for a respite from city life. Towns began to sprout up along the Pennsylvania Railroad's Main Line. Today, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Narberth, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, Villanova, Radnor, St. David's, Wayne, Strafford, Devon, Berwyn, Daylesford and Paoli are a haven for some of the most sought after real estate in the United States -- everything from magnificent estates to starter homes, to commercial centers and investment properties. Perhaps, the brightest stars of the Main Line are Lower Merion, Radnor and Tredyffrin Townships.
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Lower Merion Township dates back to 1713 and spans 23.24 square miles. It can boast many of the wealthiest communities in all of Pennsylvania, including Gladwyne, Villanova, Belmont Hills, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Penn Wynne, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Rosemont.
Lower Merion provides its residents with the most elaborate recreational programs of any municipality in Montgomery County, and nine out of ten of its schools have been recognized for excellence by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Harrington High School has twice been designated as a Blue Ribbon school, and approximately 92% of the districts high school graduates go on to attend institutions of higher learning.
The Township supports a whole host of specialty stores and community shopping centers. The nearest major shopping mall is Suburban Square in Ardmore which offers a large variety of traditional and upscale shops.
According to Philadelphia Magazine, Radnor Township is the best place to live in the Philadelphia suburbs. But, then, Radnor residents have know this since the township was incorporated in 1682. The township is home to numerous community organizations, including the Memorial Library of Radnor, Wayne Senior Center, Wayne Art Center, and many colleges and universities -- all of which contribute to the richness of life in the township.
Radnor High School has been named one of 266 schools nation wide designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon school. Nine out of ten Radnor students go on to a four year college or university.
By 1707, Tredyffrin's population was large enough for it to be incorporated as a township. Today, a population of more than 28,000 live within its 19.8 square miles. The township is bounded on the west by Chester County, on the east and south by Delaware County, and, to the north, is Montgomery County. Its most important residential and commercial center is the town of Wayne.
The township is made up of Wayne, Strafford, Daylesford, Paoli, Chesterbrook and parts of Devon and Berwyn. Here, you will find a mix of new construction, as well as homes and buildings that date back to the18th century.
The most notable historic area of the township is the portion of Valley Forge National Historic Park located within its borders. While no battle was fought at Valley Forge, American troops occupied the site from December 1777 to June 1778. In 1903, it became a Pennsylvania State Park and, today, local residents enjoy not only its historic significance, but miles of trails, sledding, horse back riding, biking and kite flying, as well.
For over 100 years, Wayne has been considered one of the best places to live and raise a family along the Main Line. Settlers first came to Wayne in the late 1600's. It's development was greatly enhanced by the completion of Lancaster Avenue -- the first paved turnpike in the world -- in 1795. The area fast became a favorite country getaway for city dwellers. Lancaster Avenue and the westward growth of the Pennsylvania Railroad made it possible for wealthy businessmen to relocate their families to this rural community and commute to Philadelphia.
