Garnet Valley

Bordering the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line, Garnet Valley is a center of retail convenience, top-notch schools and serene suburbia. Residents enjoy the community’s proximity to Philadelphia and Wilmington while avoiding the bustle of life in the city.

Garnet Valley features several smaller subdivisions like Smithfield Estates, Chartwell and Northbrook. Nearly every subdivision has sidewalk-lined and moderately woodsy streets that residents stroll. Housing consists primarily of spacious, contemporary colonials from the 1980s and ‘90s. Each colonial commonly features over 3,000 square feet, four bedrooms and a $700,000 price tag. A few pockets of Garnet Valley feature homes on quarter-acre properties, but several have more than an acre of land, bumping up the price to $900,000. You’ll also find several spacious ranch styles and luxury town homes between $600,000 and $700,000.

Students in the area attend schools under the top-rated Garnet Valley School District, which earned an overall A-plus on Niche. Out of the 496 school districts in Pennsylvania, Niche ranked Garnet Valley as number 16. Students kickstart their education at Garnet Valley Elementary School, which touts an overall A on Niche and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Students advance to Garnet Valley Middle School, where they score far above average on their tests, scoring a nine out of 10 on GreatSchools. Students continue to Garnet Valley High School, which earned an impressive A-plus from Niche.

For a day outside, park options abound. Clayton County Park is a 165-acre outdoor space featuring various amenities, including nature trails, a playground and a picnic area. The Clayton Park Golf Course is an added perk, where players enjoy the quick nine-hole course. Another nearby park is the Concord Township Community Park. Bring the kids to the Kids Dream Playground, play a friendly game on sand volleyball courts or peruse the short walking trail. The park also features several multi-use athletic fields for local leagues and recreational games. If you want a spot to bring your furry friends, head to the Bethel Dog Park. Let your pets roam leash-free to greet their fellow four-legged community members.

For shopping, most residents head to the Concordville Town Center. You can anticipate a full day of store hopping, with many retail shops, grocery stores and service businesses. Some of the center’s big box names include Target, Marshalls and DSW. Head across the street to the Shoppes at Brinton Lake for more options. Grab groceries at The Fresh Market or explore the clothing stores nearby. There are ample choices for a bite to eat, but a local favorite is the Terrain Garden Café. The café boasts decorative greenhouse seating with seasonal menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The multi-functional café also serves as a flower and plant shop, selling intricate arrangements.

Locals head to Booths Corner Farmers Market for an enriching shopping experience. The family-owned business has been a booming center of commerce since the 1950s, with different merchants selling produce, grilled meats, snacks and much more. Booths Corner hosts several events, like a Halloween parade and car shows. Meet your neighbors and connect with your community at the Concord Country Club. The country club features a golf course, outdoor pool, fitness center and a full calendar of social events.

Most residents drive in Garnet Valley, but a few bus stops are accessible via the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA. Bust stops line Conchester Highway and a few streets that branch off. Philadelphia is 25 miles east, and Wilmington is 10 miles south for those commuting to nearby cities. Interstate 95 is under 5 miles east if you’re headed toward Philadelphia. Residents also commonly use Route 1, which runs through Garnet Valley. When you need to reach the hospital, Riddle Hospital of Main Line Health is 5 miles north. Garnet Valley blends slow-paced suburban living with the convenience of Delaware and Pennsylvania with arm’s reach.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Joe Pulcinella

Video By

Damien Kincannon