Nether Providence Township

Nether Providence, a township of about 14,000 residents just 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia, is a tight-knit community with access to popular downtown areas, major highways and an international airport. “It’s an easy place to live and move around,” says Realtor Heidi Foggo with Compass Real Estate. “There’s a strong sense of community here because the houses are relatively close together.”

In fact, it’s common to see residents outside maintaining their lawns and kids riding bicycles on the neighborhood sidewalks. “Nether Providence definitely has a suburban feel,” Foggo says. “And there’s a house style here for everyone.” You can expect to see a variety of center-entry colonials, including stone front homes that date to the 1920s. There are four-bedroom brick split-levels going for about $450,000 and renovated Cape Cods from the 1950s that are priced just below $500,000. You’ll also see brick and stone-front ranch-style houses that are fetching about $550,000 and pockets of new construction, including condominium buildings.

Students here are served by the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, a school system with a distinguished reputation and an A+ rating from Niche. Students in the township begin their educational journeys at Nether Providence Elementary School, a National Blue Ribbon School. The school has many updated facilities, including a modern library, gym, music and art room. From here, students go on to Strath Haven Middle School, which has an A rating from Niche. In addition to their core academic courses, all students in sixth through eighth grade take a 12-week music course. They also can participate in a host of clubs and activities, including ultimate frisbee, ping pong and Paw Print, the school’s seasonal newspaper. Strath Haven High School has an A+ rating from Niche, is a National Blue Ribbon School and was named a Secondary School of Distinction by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The well-rounded educational experience here includes core academics, art classes, athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities. “The high school also has an incredible 400-member band,” Foggo says. “A lot of people go to events at the school to hear them play.”

Speaking of playing, the township offers a host of opportunities to get out and have fun in nature. Hepford Park is a four-acre space with a playground and walking path, and Houston Park, a larger, 45-acre park is home to athletic fields and a new walking trail. If you’re looking for more rigorous exercise, walk or bike the Leiper-Smedley Trail, a two-mile long paved trail that connects historic buildings in the area to park space. “There’s a private country club here that has gained a lot of popularity,” Foggo says. The Springhaven Club, one of the country’s earliest golf clubs, offers members access to a relatively flat 18-hole course, an athletic complex and several dining options.

Foggo notes that when locals want to go out to eat, they often head to nearby Swarthmore or downtown Media, a popular spot with lots of restaurants and shops. “Media is known as everybody’s hometown,” she says. Here you’ll find a variety of locally owned restaurants and well-known chains. You can sip a latte from Ocean City Coffee Company and enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at Ariano. When you’d rather prepare a meal at home, Trader Joe’s is nearby for all your shopping essentials.

It’s not surprising that Nether Providence is appealing to academic professionals with its proximity to Swarthmore College, a private, liberal arts school. Philadelphia International Airport is about a 12-minute drive away, and train access via Wallingford station allows for a 25-minute ride into Philly, making the township very desirable for commuters. “The train can also take you right into New York City,” Foggo says. “This is a great area for people who want to head into the city but live in a smaller community.” Perhaps North Providence will be the ideal home for you.

Written By

Melissa Face

Photography Contributed By

Joe Pulcinella

Video By

Antoine Allen