Radnor

Nestled under the lush green trees and leafy neighborhood streets that make Philadelphia's Main Line corridor so famous, Radnor draws people in with its stunning homes, top-tier schools and high quality of life.

Among the most expensive places to live in the region, Radnor's architectural landscape testifies to the rich history that permeates the Main Line. Charming and lavish Georgian Colonial and Colonial Revival homes feature brick façades, white columns and stone masonry, imbuing them with classical elegance. Unlike other Main Line communities, Radner's train station, about 15 miles from Center City Philadelphia, does not have a traditional town center like you'll find nearby in Bryn Mawr. Instead, modern shopping centers and corporate office parks that are home to major companies such as Penn Virginia, Brandywine Realty Trust and Lincoln Financial surround the Radnor station. While cozy tree-shaded sidewalks make it easy for neighborhood residents and SEPTA transit system users to get to work, vast asphalt parking lots around the midrise office buildings offer equal convenience for local drivers and commuters who arrive and leave using nearby Interstate 476.

In the predominately residential section near the Radnor train station, nearly every home costs between $1 million and $2 million. In addition to the prestigious Colonial Revival homes, the neighborhood includes magnificent European-style Tudors and coastal-inspired Cape Cods. Along the parallel Main Line rail corridor and Lancaster Avenue, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare, townhouse communities, modern apartment condos, Colonial-style twins and single-family homes under 2,000 square feet sell for between $300,000 and $1 million.

The Radnor Township School District is highly regarded, with Niche ranking it the No. 1 school district in Pennsylvania. Children typically learn to read and write at Radnor Elementary School. Most students then enroll at Radnor Middle School and Radnor High School. Alternatively, families can apply to the various private schools in the community, including The Grayson School, Valley Forge Military Academy and Archbishop John Carroll High School. At any grade level, kids in the neighborhood can aspire to higher education by visiting the stately and picturesque campuses of Eastern University, Cabrini University and nearby Villanova University on the other side of I-476.

Radnor is also known for its lush green spaces and parks that offer recreational activities and beautiful natural settings. The Radnor Trail, a 2-mile scenic path that goes through a primarily residential section south of Lancaster Avenue, provides a perfect place for biking, trail running or a calm stroll under phenomenal trees that offer shade in the summer and colorful falling leaves in the autumn. Along the trail route, Encke Park features well-maintained sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas for relaxed family gatherings, toddler playdates and friendly athletic competition. Other amenities at the site include the Radnor skatepark and John Cappelli Golf Range, expanding the range of recreational activities in Radnor. Between the many shopping centers along the neighborhood's main highway, folks can visit the Radner Memorial Library or play pickleball, basketball or other sports indoors at the Radnor Activity Center.

When it comes to groceries and other essentials, the shopping centers, big box stores and supermarkets along Lancaster Avenue serve the community well. During the workday, office colleagues unwind for lunch at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar or the Estia Taverna, an upscale Greek restaurant where you can dine on succulent oysters or sumptuous lamb shanks in its beautifully decorated indoor courtyard. After work or picking up the kids from school, folks stop into Whole Foods or Target for groceries or restaurants like Saffron Indian Kitchen and Minella's Diner for take-out dinner before returning home for the night.

Written By

Christopher Suarez

Photography Contributed By

Joe Pulcinella

Video By

Mark Barakat