Mansions and more on the Main Line
In the heart of the Main Line, Merion Station – usually referred to just as Merion – is a lush suburban neighborhood on the cusp of Philadelphia proper. It’s a neighborhood steeped in history, but history doesn’t drive it forward. "That's where the mansions of glory are," says Michael Cohen, a Philadelphia native and real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. But while residents may live in stately homes that were once countryside estates for the city's Gilded Age social elite, they are building for the future with the some of the best schools in the region. Merion is in a beneficial location for the tech, financial and pharmaceutical workers that drive the Philadelphia-area economy, with convenient commuting and transport options.
European-influenced estates and more
Graceful century-old neo-Colonial estates mingle with Tudor-influenced twins and modern Traditional construction, with greenery everywhere. "There are some incredible homes, including ones that are 4,000 square feet or more," Cohen says. Timber and stone exteriors are common throughout Merion Station, creating an air of European classiness. Almost every property has off-street parking in the form of driveways and garages, as many residents commute out of the neighborhood for work and need the parking space. Condos in the neighborhood offer an affordable alternative for a desirable zip code, with prices ranging from $175,000 to $400,000, while townhouses generally range from $325,000 to $500,000. Semi-detached homes regularly sell for between $400,000 and $550,000, with detached single-family living falling in a wide range from $450,000 up to $1.5 million. The grand old homes of the neighborhood, often named estates, can crack $2 million, and these homes go quickly – on average, they only spend two weeks on the market, less than a third of the national average.
The best schools in Montgomery County
Students in Merion Station live in the top school district in Montgomery County according to Niche, which grades Lower Merion School District an A-plus district based on academic achievement, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings and more. Merion Elementary, a two-time U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award winner, and Cynwyd Elementary serve the neighborhood's children before they move on to Bala Cynwyd Middle School. After finishing 8th grade, students can choose between attending Lower Merion High School and Harriton High School. The former is known for having a successful boys varsity basketball program – including three AAAA championship as well as being the home of Kobe Bryant – while the latter has one of the most successful Science Olympiad chapters in the area, at one time winning 16 straight state championships. All of these schools earn an A-plus from Niche. Waldron Mercy Academy offers Catholic schooling, while the Jewish population – Merion Station has a comparatively large population versus other nearby neighborhoods – may attend the Kohelet Yeshiva High School.
Parks to play in and enjoy native flora
Swaths of green space offer a taste of the outdoors in Merion Station. General Wayne Park features a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court and numerous sports fields, offering activities and sports for all ages. A bit more sedate and tranquil, the Merion Botanical Park is open to the public and offers a walking path. Maintained by the Botanical Society of Lower Merion for over 70 years, the park is a focus for native plants, as members of the society regularly hold clean-up and planting days. A little further out of the neighborhood, Fairmount Park is one of the most popular parks in the Philadelphia area for picnics, athletic events, and running the miles of trails.
A landmark delicatessen
While the neighborhood is primarily residential, a handful of stores in the northern corner have been generational fixtures in the community. Hymie's Deli has been the go-to for tasty New York-style deli fare on the Main Line for over 60 years and has won numerous accolades including the #1 Deli in Philadelphia from Eater. Locals know that pairing the “The Best of Both Worlds” Reuben with their unmatchable pickle bar is the right move. Next door, Babis Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy that has been filling prescriptions for over 40 years, while nearby ACME Markets, a homegrown full-service supermarket dating back almost a century, is a favorite stop for groceries.
Skip the Schuylkill, take the SEPTA
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority – SEPTA – provides bus routes that run through the neighborhood, and more importantly, operates the Paoli-Thorndale rail line with stops at Merion and nearby Overbrook station, for easy transit to the center of Philadelphia. Merion Station is fairly walkable and bikeable but most residents still opt for getting around by car. Route 1 runs along the bottom of the neighborhood, and while it’s a direct and convenient route, it’s often backed up during the day. Philadelphia International Airport, one of the largest in the country, is roughly 14 miles south of Merion Station, usually a 30-minute drive – although SEPTA service offers service to and from the airport. Lankenau Medical Center, which provides 24-hour emergency care for the area, is under two miles west of the neighborhood, mere minutes for most residents.
Mann Center hosts music and more
Few events take place within the neighborhood, but only two miles south, Fairmount Park provides incredible opportunities year-round. From major national music acts playing at the Mann Center on a regular basis, to the annual A Very Philly Christmas in Fairmount Park, trips to the park are common. A little further east, the Schuylkill River hosts the annual Regatta that draws locals and tourists alike.
Hawks pride
The Merion Station community includes parts of Saint Joseph's University Hawk Hill campus, where thousands of students live and study in old Gothic-style dormitory buildings and lecture halls. Part of Philly’s Big 5 for collegiate athletics, St. Joe’s spans both sides of City Avenue, with students living in rentals and dorms in Merion Station. Students don’t just hide on campus, they are involved in the community by enrolling in service-learning classes and volunteer programs. "The kids there are incredible," Cohen says. "They're a great attribute to the area."
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
