10 Things to Know Before Moving to Ardmore, PA
Ardmore is considered by many to be an excellent location to call home; it is situated approximately twelve miles northwest of Philadelphia and is close to Wynnewood, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr.
The west Philadelphia suburb of Ardmore is home to a thriving commercial district that has earned it the nickname of “The Main Street of the Main Line” for decades. The pleasant neighborhoods and abundance of available jobs are just two of the many reasons why Ardmore is an excellent place to call home.
Here are ten things to know before moving to Ardmore, PA.
1. Ardmore’s cost of living is 17% higher than the national average
Living in Ardmore comes with an above-average cost of living compared to national and statewide averages. Specifically, the overall cost of living in Ardmore is approximately 17% higher than the U.S. average and around 25% pricier than Pennsylvania’s average.
The primary driver of Ardmore’s high costs is the local housing market. Housing costs make up the largest portion of the cost of living. The median home price is $455,612.
When tallying up expenses for necessities like housing, food, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and more, the estimated annual cost for a single adult to live in Ardmore is about $40,092. This is substantially more than Pennsylvania’s average annual cost of $36,278 and the nationwide figure of $38,433.
2. Live in neighborhoods like Cricket Avenue, Walnut Avenue, or Wynnebrook Manor
Ardmore has several small neighborhoods each with its own distinct vibe. The historic Cricket Avenue District has elegant early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets. Walnut Avenue near the Cricket Club has larger estates. Ardmore’s downtown along Lancaster Avenue features shops, restaurants, and apartments.
Other neighborhoods in Ardmore include Wynnebrook Manor, Ardmore Crossing, Wynnewood House, and Suburban Square Community. Overall, Ardmore’s neighborhoods range from historic homes to modern developments but maintain the town’s quintessential Main Line charm.
3. Eat at El Limon or Not Your Average Joe’s
Once you’ve moved to Ardmore, you probably want to know where the best restaurants are. El Limon is a must-visit restaurant for any foodie with a penchant for authentic Mexican cuisine. Among the many delicious options available at this Ardmore joint are tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, burritos, fajitas, and loaded nachos.
You also have the very acclaimed Not Your Average Joe’s to choose from. The unique menu at this Ardmore hotspot begins with appetizers like cheesesteak egg rolls or ahi tuna wontons and continues with scrumptious main courses including jambalaya, chicken parmesan, grilled salmon, salads, sandwiches, and a plethora of other options.
4. The Haverford Township School District and the Lower Merion School District serve the city
Ardmore is home to Lower Merion High School, where Kobe Bryant first gained national attention as a top-tier basketball prospect. The city is also served by the Haverford Township School District and the Lower Merion School District, which together educate 1,858 students (ranging in age from 5 to 17), or approximately 14.1% of the total population.
Among the top schools in Ardmore, you’ll find Chestnutwold Elementary, Penn Wynne Elementary, The Haverford School, Lane Montessori, and Lower Merion High School, which is ranked fourteenth in Pennsylvania.
5. Work in industries like healthcare, research, retail, or banking
Many different types of businesses thrive in Ardmore’s robust commercial center, including those dealing with instruction, healthcare, research, retail, banking, and insurance. Ardmore has a median household income of $87,807 per year from these and other occupations.
Top Ardmore jobs are available from companies like UPS, Deloitte, UnitedHealth Group, Bryn Mawr Hospital, and Ardmore Animal Hospital.
6. An average of 202 sunny days annually
Ardmore has a humid continental climate. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit and sometimes 90s. Ardmore sees 202 days of sunshine on average in a year. With 17 inches of snow annually, winter sees average highs in the 30s and 40s, while temperatures can drop to the mid-20s.
Annual rainfall averages 49 inches and is spread throughout the year. The area is often influenced by storms moving across the central United States, providing wide temperature fluctuations.
7. Be a part of Ardmore Restaurant Week or Oktoberfest
Numerous events, activities, and entertainment venues can be discovered all over Ardmore. The bustling commercial section of Ardmore is the epicenter of many of these events. Ardmore Restaurant Week is a town favorite that occurs annually. At this yearly event, guests can experience the best of what the town has to offer in terms of cuisine. Running for an entire week in July, it’s a great way to spend a beautiful summer day.
The arrival of fall is best celebrated at Ardmore’s Oktoberfest. With its delightful atmosphere and selection of craft brews, this event is sure to be a hit.
8. Ardmore has lower-than-average crime rates
Compared to national averages, Ardmore has relatively low rates of violent and property crimes, making it a safer place to live. Ardmore’s violent crime rate is about half the United States average, at only 11.8 versus 22.7 nationwide. The area’s property crime rate is equally low at 25.1, much less than the 35.4 average across the US.
With such minimal criminal activity in both violent offenses and property crimes, Ardmore provides its residents with a very secure, safe community environment that is above average in terms of personal safety and crime levels.
9. Catch a performance at Ardmore Music Hall
One of Ardmore’s most notable landmarks is the historic Ardmore Music Hall, which attracts popular music artists from around the globe. The intimate live music venue opened in 2013 and has since hosted an impressive roster of high-profile performers.
Some of the big-name acts that have taken the Ardmore Music Hall stage include rock bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hootie & the Blowfish, and the Dave Matthews Band. Punk pioneers The Ramones have also entertained crowds at the music hall over the years. With its A-list musical history and intimate, quality acoustics, the Ardmore Music Hall provides an iconic performance space.
10. Take the kids to Vernon V. Young Memorial Park
Getting some fresh air at the neighborhood park, Vernon V. Young Memorial Park is another top Ardmore attraction. A children’s playground, tennis courts, volleyball courts, baseball and softball grounds, and a plethora of other sporting facilities make up the park.
There are a lot of things to do at this Ardmore park, such as taking a stroll around the 5.2 acres, picnicking at one of the authorized tables, or even swimming in the Ardmore Pool.
To Sum it All Up
In summary, Ardmore, PA, offers an excellent location with vibrant neighborhoods, diverse cuisine, acclaimed schools, and a relatively low crime rate. However, potential residents should be aware of its higher cost of living, particularly in housing.
Weighing these factors against its cultural events, family-friendly amenities, and overall safety is crucial when considering making Ardmore your home.
