While not technically part of the Main Line, Media is often the choice of relocators who move to Philadelphia and plan to live in its suburbs. It is a little bit more economically diverse than some Main Line towns and has a very different feel. The Media/Elwyn train line takes you to University City and 30th Street Station, though it’s about a 40 minute ride. Media is one of few places that has a true downtown/village center and residents rate it as the number one reason to live there. It is the first official Fair Trade town in the nation. While it has a Trader Joe’s and other chain stores, there still remain many independent businesses. Real trolleys still run through downtown, adding to the charm.
Media Borough is comprised of this downtown area as well as the original homes which were built when the town was settled. The borough hosts a music series, a New Year’s Eve party complete with ball drop (!) and a food and craft festival every year. Earth and State is one of several Fair Trade shops. Night Orbs and Quincy’s are also popular shops. Many stores participate in Media’s Second Saturday shopping nights once a month. Media is the county seat for Delaware County and has the lovely courthouse building to prove it.
To the south of Baltimore Pike, the homes are older and more modest and on smaller lots. To the north, they are more similar to those in Newtown Square. Here, too, you’ll find several nice developments with newer houses as well as some older, with lots commonly around half an acre. As far as restaurants go, Media has several, including a great breakfast at Bittersweet and Lotus Farm to Table. Gradyville State Park, Tyler Arboretum, Linvilla Orchards and the Hedgerow Theater are all popular destinations in Media.
