Relocating to the Philadelphia Area: Villanova

Should you relocate to Villanova? One of the most challenging aspects of moving is choosing a community that will be a good fit. If you are moving to the Philadelphia area, you may find it very difficult to figure out which of our towns and neighborhoods to focus on. School district rankings, tax rates, commuting times and the feel of the different areas may all impact your choice. Many transplants choose to live in the suburbs to the west of Philadelphia, known as the Main Line. This area is renowned for excellent schools, good quality of life and charming houses in established neighborhoods. It is also popular because if offers easy access to restaurants, retail stores and other services with (usually) easy, free parking.

Read more about Villanova 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.

Villanova Overview

Villanova is one of several of Philadelphia’s suburbs that is divided between two townships. Why does that matter? Because the township you live in determines your school district as well as your property tax rate. While Villanova University runs right through the center of Villanova, it doesn’t feel like a college town. As a matter of fact, many of the oldest and most prestigious homes on the Main Line are found here. Properties in Villanova are generally large, so the area has less of a “neighborhoody” feel than many of the other Main Line communities.  The homes in Villanova are among the most expensive on the Main Line, and the residents tend to be well-educated with plenty of disposable income. There is a certain cache to living in Villanova and it has a feeling of “you have arrived” vs. “up and coming”.

Villanova: What it’s like to live here

The Lower Merion Township portion of Villanova is where most of the estate homes are found. The lots here are generally more level than the ones in Radnor Township, and many are professionally landscaped. Spring Mill Rd. and Mount Pleasant Rd. are two streets that showcase some of the most impressive homes in Villanova. While the train station certainly takes you into town, the commute from here is a little on the far side for some people. That said, it is very convenient to King of Prussia, Malvern and the more western suburbs.

The Radnor Township section is marked by lots of trees, and windy streets, but few sidewalks. As a result, you won’t see as many people out walking dogs or jogging as you do in some of the other suburbs. Fortunately, there is The Radnor Trail, a repurposed railroad bed that was abandoned years ago and is one of the most loved features of Villanova. Some of the most southern portions feel almost rural and there are even a few horse farms. That area has lots of rolling hills and the landscape is truly stunning.

Read more about Villanova 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