Main Line, PA - Homes for Sale and Community Information

The Main Line is another name for the western suburbs of Philadelphia along Lancaster Avenue (U.S. Route 30) and the former Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line. Main Line extends the city limits westward out to Bryn Mawr and Paoli -- an area of about 200 square miles. It is home to some of the wealthiest places in the United States, such as Gladwyne, which has the 14th highest per-capita income in the country with a population of 1,000 or more. The eastern section of Villanova was also ranked 39th in The Elite 100 Highest Income Neighborhoods in America with a median household income of $366,904. Other prestigious cities include Bryn Mawr, Drexel Hill and Haverford.

With diverse topography, steep cliffs along the Schuylkill River, rolling hills, and open meadows, the region benefited from the early planning of William Penn. The Main Line has multimillion-dollar stone Colonial homes, exclusivity, and upscale shopping at destinations like Suburban Square in Ardmore and the King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest in the country.

MAIN LINE SEARCH by zip code

Ardmore 19003
Bryn Mawr 19010
Chadds Ford 19317
Chester Springs 19425
Drexel Hill 19026
Gladwyne 19035
Haverford 19041
King of Prussia 19406
Malvern 19355
Narberth 19072
Paoli 19301
Springfield 19064
Valley Forge: 19481, 19482, 19484, 19493, 19494, 19495, 19496
Villanova 19085
West Chester: 19380, 19381, 19382, 19383
Wynewood 19096

HISTORY

The Main Line region was long the homeland of the Lenape Native Americans. Europeans arrived in the 1600s, after William Penn sold a tract of land, called the Welsh Tract, to a group of Welsh Quakers in London in 1681. This accounts for the many Welsh place names in the area.

Main Line Today magazine cover

The Pennsylvania Railroad built its main line during the early 19th century as part of the Main Line of Public Works that spanned Pennsylvania. Later in the century, the railroad, which owned most of the land along the tracks, encouraged the development of this picturesque region by building its way stations close to Philadelphia. Penn RR promoted the idea as "healthy yet cultivated country living," and this early example of lifestyle marketing clicked with Philadelphia's social elite. Many upper class Philadelphians owned one house in the city and another larger "country home" on the Main Line. In the 20th century, with the advent of the automobile, many families moved outright to the Main Line towns and cemented its status as greater Philadelphia's most affluent and fashionable suburbs.

PARKS, RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS

The Main Line is such a sprawling and diverse area, it has dozens of unique parks, recreational areas and event calendars. For a fairly comprehensive look at life, culture and action on the Main Line, check the MainLine Today web site.

THE MAIN LINE - THESE PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS ARE THE "BEST OF THE BEST"

Homes on the Main Line are are a desired address and neighborhood for anyone who has worked hard to arrive at a certain station in life. House hunters who are looking on the Main Line should call RE/MAX Action Realtor® Diane Sarkisian, 215-358-1100. She has the latest information, and access to the best deals on all the homes along the Philadelphia Main Line.

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