Neighborhood in a Nutshell: Wynnewood
General Vibe
Wynnewood is generally popular with people who don’t want to be too far from Philadelphia, but definitely want a suburban, safe lifestyle. Many of the tree-lined streets in this community are coveted and there are definitely costly enclaves. However, the unincorporated but very well-defined section of Wynnewood known as Penn Wynne has a very different feel. Houses here are more modest in size and are close together. This community is very active as a neighborhood and the kind of place where people sit on their porches on summer evenings and chat with other neighbors who are out for a walk. So, while northside Wynnewood is a little more refined, Penn Wynne is all about heart.
Housing
Penn Wynne is mostly small stone colonial singles but there are some twins and some split levels, too. The Shortridge Tract contains mostly split levels and is in a very desirable location. There are some very “tony” streets with high priced older, gracious homes as well as some newer enclaves including Knightsbridge and Sydbury Glen.
Fan Favorite
Sledding hill at Penn Wynne Park. This park, complete with ball field, tennis courts and playground and located where Manoa Rd. dead ends is possibly best loved for its sledding hill. Whenever we receive more than about 3-4” of snow, you will find kids out en masse enjoying this safe place to enjoy the winter weather.
Don’t Miss
Midsummers Night 5K series. You don’t have to be a long distance runner to participate in this summer evening set of races. They are sponsored by the Bryn Mawr Running Company and raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as well as Lower Merion Parks and Recreation. One night, in June, July and August, the races take place and then everyone is invited for an after party at a local restaurant. It’s a great community charity event.
Best Kept Secret
Wynnewood Valley Park Sensory Garden. This is a very cool garden designed originally for the sight-impaired, but wonderful for anyone who wants to enjoy local plant and flowers with all of their senses (you can even taste things!). Beyond the value of the garden as it stands, though, is the community effort which created it in 1977 and then revamped it in 2009. This volunteer effort is a hallmark of the Penn Wynne neighborhood.
Fun Fact
National Night Out, which is held in towns in all 50 states each year is the brainchild of Wynnewood resident, Matt Peskin. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, it is a family fun night with rides and music—a mini carnival—designed to increase involvement in crime prevention and awareness and strengthen community. Locally, it is held at the Wynnewood Shopping Center.
Read more about Wynnewood here, and for a more in-depth summary with pictures, click here. You might also want to see what Wikipedia has to say.
If you are curious about other Main Line towns and neighborhoods, please take a look at my Main Line Neighborhood Guide.
Please contact me for more information at 610 308-5973 or jen@jenniferlebow.com.
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
