Relocating to the Philadelphia Area: Haverford

Should you move to Haverford? The Main Line lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but many transplants to the Philadelphia area choose to buy homes in this area. Haverford might be a great fit if you are interested in living in an area with very well-respected schools, a non-urban feel and attractive historic buildings in beautiful natural surroundings. It suits people who like windy roads and mature trees but would like to be able to access the the cultural, shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities the city offers.

If you just want a quick overview, I encourage you to take a look at my “Neighborhood in a Nutshell” series. For the Haverford post, click here. To read more in depth about Bryn Mawr, and see some pictures of the area, click here. If you are interested in learning about other Main Line Philadelphia towns, please see my Main Line Neighborhood Guide.

Please contact me for more information at 610 308-5973 or jen@jenniferlebow.com.

Haverford Overview

While geographically quite small, this Main Line community has it all, in terms of housing: some of the most desirable estates, some very affordable housing and some lovely, single family homes set on ample lots. As far as location, it’s hard to beat Haverford. Traveling to center city is easy by train and not difficult by car. Residents enjoy access to lots of shopping and dining on Lancaster Avenue and with Haverford College’s open-to-the-public walking trail and speakers/performances, there are cultural offerings as well. Traveling to center city is easy by train and not difficult by car. More shopping and dining both east (Ardmore) and west (Bryn Mawr) make for very easy living.

This tiny town has the distinction of being home to two elite golf clubs that have both hosted the US Open more than once.

Haverford: What it’s like to live here

Families often gravitate to the Coopertown neighborhood of Haverford (located in the Havertown Township section). This area is a very tight knit community. The streets, (Deer, Doe, Fawn, Buck, etc.) offer small and medium sized homes. Many are stone and most are colonials, though there are some Capes available as well. With very little pass through traffic, it is safe to walk a stroller or jog. Lots of dog walkers, too. If you are looking for a bit more space, you might choose Merion Golf Manor, an older, established neighborhood adjacent to the Merion Golf Club. There is more affordable housing in the areas surrounding major roads like Lancaster Avenue and County Line Road, many of which are twins. Another option is Haverford Reserve, a new 55+ community of well-appointed townhouses on lovely grounds.

On the Lower Merion side, most of the properties that fall within the Haverford zip code are relatively expensive. Home to the storied Merion Cricket Club, Haverford has an impeccable pedigree.The streets surrounding the cricket club contain some of the most sought-after estates on the Main Line. While most of the properties are not necessarily enormous, many of the houses are spectacular, in a historic, Main Line fashion. Perhaps because they are often set relatively near the road, these grounds are often beautifully landscaped. These are not flashy modern homes, but elegant, tasteful residences.

Read more about Haverford on Wikipedia.

If you are relocating to the Philadelphia/Main Line area, please go to my blog page and search for posts using the relocation tag. Contact me to discuss your Philadelphia area relocation! jen@jenniferlebow.com/610 308-5973