Historic ties paired with 21st-century conveniences
On the outskirts of Philadelphia, across the Schuylkill River, Bala Cynwyd dates to the 1680s and derives its name from a pair of municipalities in Wales, the town of Bala and the village of Cynwyd. Quakers from the European country settled in the eastern Pennsylvania city in the late 17th century, combining the two names together from their homeland. Similar to blending the two cities’ names, current-day Bala Cynwyd is a mixture of historical buildings paired with modern conveniences. “There are lots of great food scenes and businesses in the area,” says Jake Toyberman, an associate broker and Realtor with Homestarr Realty. “It’s very vibrant.”
Over 9,000 locals call Bala Cynwyd home. Winding residential streets make up much of the city, branching northward off City Avenue and the area’s small downtown landscape. City Avenue also provides residents with convenient access to Interstate 76, and locals aren’t far from driving into Philadelphia proper. “It’s the first town off the expressway coming from Center City, conveniently the first stop along the Main Line,” says Realtor Andrea Robbins of Fox & Roach with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who has sold homes around the area since 1978. “It has shops, trails and great schools.”
The Cynwyd Heritage Trail Bridge has stunning views of the Schuylkill River in Bala Cynwyd.
There are plenty of shopping and dining options right on city ave.
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Older-style architecture populates Bala Cynwyd
The housing landscape of Bala Cynwyd consists of a mix of single-family homes, townhouses and condos. Many of the single-family homes date to the first half of the 20th century, and the overall median price is about $627,000. Colonial-style homes are the most commonly found architecture in the city, including some that add stone designs and Dutch Colonial flair. “Architecture is in the older style and mid-century homes, which is lovely.,” Toyberman says. “It’s very historic, yet very modern because a lot of these older homes have been updated, so it’s really nice. If you like the old type of classic look with modern updates, they’re fantastic.” Some ranch-style homes, Tudors and split-levels can be found in the area as well. Winding streets, some lined with sidewalks, comprise most of the city.
Cold winters in Bala Cynwyd can deliver up to over half a foot of snow, on average, in January.
Tudor style homes can be found throughout the Bala Cynwyd community.
The Bala Cynwyd neighborhood contains some of the county’s oldest and finest mansions.
Tudor-style homes stand out in Bala Cynwyd with their steeply pitched gable roofs.
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A historic trail and paths near the river
The Cynwyd Heritage Trail follows former railroad tracks for nearly 2 miles through the center of the city. It also includes the Manayunk Bridge, which offers views of the river. West Laurel Hill Cemetery and Merion Memorial Park both sit within the city and serve as final resting places for many former residents. Pencoyd Trail runs along the river, and residents can fish and boat on the waters of the Schuylkill. Just east of the city, Fairmount Park lines both sides of the Schuylkill River and spans nearly 10,000 acres in its entirety. Multiple fields, trails and both open and forested spaces sit on the west side of the river. Visitors can also take in views of the Philadelphia skyline from the park. The Bala Golf Club is a private club with a William S. Flynn-designed course that serves as home to the University of Pennsylvania men’s and women’s golf teams.
The West Laurel Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd is known for its panoramic view of the Schuylkill River.
Bala Cynwyd Park has a large playground.
The Mcmoran Park basketball Courts provide a dynamic space for players to enjoy a game.
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Shopping outlets along City Avenue
Bala Avenue serves as a mini rustic downtown area for the city. Several local eateries, including a grill, a pizzeria and an Italian restaurant, are situated along it. Bala Avenue leads to City Avenue, which operates as the area’s primary hub for shopping and dining. The Bala Cynwyd on City Avenue shopping mall has several restaurants, an ACME Markets for grocery shopping and several other national chain stores. More spots to dine out are situated to the west down City Avenue, and a Target sits across the thoroughfare.
Locals can find something to where at Jody's Collection in Bala Cynwyd.
Individuals in Bala Cynwyd can dive into delicious Mediterranean fare at Al Dar Bistro.
Most Bala Cynwyd locals got to City Avenue for everyday shopping needs with stores like Target.
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Commuting into Philadelphia on the interstate
City Avenue connects to Interstate 76, also known as the Schuylkill Expressway, which parallels the banks of the river and runs along the north side. Residents are less than 5 miles from the interstate, which traces the edge of the Schuylkill before crossing over into Philadelphia. “It’s a great location to get into the city, and the easy access to the highways is fantastic,” Toyberman says. Buses and trains have stops within the city for public transit, including Cynwyd Station south of the city center. Philadelphia is less than 10 miles southeast. Philadelphia International Airport sits almost 15 miles south of Bala Cynwyd. Roxborough Memorial Hospital is less than 3 miles across the Schuylkill.
A passenger waiting for the next train in Bala Cynwyd.
There are two SEPTA train stations in the Bala Cynwyd neighborhood.
City ave in Bala Cynwyd has bus stops on both sides for easy access to shopping and offices.
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A highly-rated school district for city students
The Lower Merion School District serves students in the Bala Cynwyd area, encompassing six elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Niche gives the district an A-plus. Merion Mercy Academy is one of the closest nearby private schools, and the all-girl Catholic school gets an A-plus from Niche. The Hawk Hill Campus of Saint Joseph’s University sits just south of Bala Cynwyd, while Villanova University is about 11 miles west of the city.
Bala Cynwyd Middle School has a rigorous multi-disciplinary curriculum.
The Cynwyd School staff is knowledgeable and dedicated to its students.
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Events taking place in Philadelphia proper
About 5 miles away, the Ludington Memorial Library in Bryn Mawr ranks in the 99th percentile for resident visits per year across the United States, offering a wide variety of programs ranging from children’s story time to chair yoga to film screenings. Residents of Bala Cynwyd live on the outskirts of Philadelphia, and as such can head into the city for a number of events around the calendar year. The now-defunct Eastern State Penitentiary is about 5 miles southeast, hosting events around Halloween themed to the former prison’s haunted past and offering tours during much of the year. The Philadelphia Sports Complex is about 10 miles south of Bala Cynwyd, where Phillies, Eagles, 76ers and Flyers fans can go to watch their home city’s teams play at three venues. Various festivals also take place in Philadelphia proper throughout the year, spotlighting cultures, holidays and more.
Changing crime rates in Bala Cynwyd
The city is located in Lower Merion Township, and the township’s police department recorded a slight drop in violent crimes from 2022 to 2023. However, property crimes increased significantly in that two-year span.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Video By
Matthew Link
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Toll,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bala Cynwyd, PA sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Bala Cynwyd, PA over the last 12 months is $624,750, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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