Villanova

While the Villanova community is known for its university namesake, its surrounding landscape comprises grand million-dollar estates and scenic parks ideal for the outdoorsy at heart. Villanova is a part of a larger group of thriving suburban communities called the Main Line suburbs. The sought-after community boasts proximity to revered schools, hiking trails and ample shopping.

Villanova lends itself to an affluent vibe, with sprawling estates afforded at million-dollar price tags. Houses are often priced around $1 million yet can reach the $5 million mark. The community’s steep housing prices bolster impressive homes that usually cover over 5,000 square feet of wiggle room. Each house has its own flair unique to the original homeowner, but many have similar opulent features like three-car garages, French-door entryways, tall columns and grand foyers. You’ll also find several split levels and traditional colonials that offer smaller square footage and price points that teeter $1 million. Community streets are lined with trees that tower over the road, often creating an arch of flourishing green.

Students in Villanova attend various schools, but a common pipeline of schools falls under the Lower Merion School District. Out of the 496 school districts in Pennsylvania, Niche ranks the Lower Merion School District in the top five, with an overall A-plus. Many children begin school at Gladwyne Elementary School, ranked 15 out of the 1,622 elementary schools in the state and touts an overall A-plus. Students advance to Welsh Valley Middle School, which also sports an A-plus on Niche. Students head to Harriton High School to earn their diplomas. The high school connects students with top-notch academic resources, including an enriching writing center, a dual enrollment program and ample summer programs. The school earned an overall A-plus on Niche.

Villanova’s natural landscape boasts an idyllic scenery, ideal for outdoor excursions. Weather permitting, most residents leash up their pups and head to Skunk Hollow Park to explore the intricate trail system. You’ll see active wildlife, trickling streams and rich vegetation. Skunk Hollow Park connects with the Willows Park Preserve just north. The Willows Park has a deep-rooted history with a stunning central mansion, a small pond and ample walking trails. If you’re looking for a spot to bring the kids, head to Encke Park. The park covers just over 10 acres, featuring amenities like a playground, two baseball fields and ample open green space. Adventurers enjoy Radnor Skate Park at Encke Park, which has a mini ramp and quarter pipes.

Shopping is well within reach for most Villanova residents. Within a mile north is St. David’s Square, a buzzing shopping center with big box retailers like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Old Navy and Homesense. The shopping center additionally features a Giant for when you need to restock your pantry. When you want to enjoy a meal out of the house, several restaurants are nearby. Treat yourself to fine dining and make a reservation at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, where you can order a filet mignon, king crab legs or lobster bisque accompanied by a glass of wine. Head to Pietro’s for more options. The restaurant features tasty Italian dishes like linguine Bolognese and eggplant parmesan.

Villanova is proximal to several country clubs where locals often mingle. Many residents have a membership at Radnor Valley Country Club, providing access to a family-friendly aquatic complex, a fitness center, tennis courts and an expansive golf course. Golf enthusiasts also have memberships to the Overbrook Golf Club, which sports a 35,000-square-foot mansion for dining and a well-manicured golf course, a part of the Philadelphia Golf Association.

Most residents drive in Villanova, but public transportation is easily accessible. The SEPTA Train Line serves the community and features several stations near the grounds of Villanova University. The Villanova and Stadium train stations are the most accessible to area residents. Locals that commute in and out of the area primarily use Route 30 and Route 476, both accessible in Villanova. Locals that work in Philadelphia have a 20-mile trip south. Villanova affords upscale suburban living in a proximal location.

Written By

Jessica Haddad

Photography Contributed By

Jay Ratchford