Ultimate Guide to the Philadelphia Suburbs (Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Bucks)

Thinking about moving to the Philadelphia suburbs? Whether you’re relocating from out of state or upgrading within the area, choosing the right suburb can feel overwhelming. Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Bucks counties each offer unique advantages—schools, housing, lifestyle, and commutes differ dramatically from one to the next.

This post gives you a snapshot of what makes each county unique. For the full in-depth guide, including detailed breakdowns of school districts, housing markets, and lifestyle highlights, click here to read the complete version.

Montgomery County (Montco)

• Who it’s for: Buyers seeking strong schools, top employers, and easy access to Philadelphia.

• Highlights: King of Prussia Mall, Valley Forge National Park, Conshohocken nightlife.

• Housing: Median home prices $380K–$420K. More affordable in Norristown; premium in Lower Merion and Blue Bell.

• Schools: Lower Merion, Upper Dublin, and North Penn rank among the state’s best.

Chester County

• Who it’s for: Families who want top schools, scenic farmland, and historic small towns.

• Highlights: West Chester downtown, Longwood Gardens, Phoenixville’s arts district.

• Housing: Median home prices $380K–$420K. High-demand areas like Unionville and Malvern; more value farther west.

• Schools: Unionville-Chadds Ford and Great Valley consistently among Pennsylvania’s best.

Delaware County (Delco)

• Who it’s for: Buyers prioritizing affordability and a short commute to Center City.

• Highlights: Media’s walkable downtown, Ridley Creek State Park, proximity to PHL Airport.

• Housing: Median home prices $250K–$350K. Radnor and Wallingford-Swarthmore at the higher end, Chester more affordable.

• Schools: Radnor Township, Garnet Valley, and Wallingford-Swarthmore top the list.

Bucks County

• Who it’s for: Families looking for strong schools, space to spread out, and small-town charm.

• Highlights: Doylestown’s historic downtown, New Hope arts scene, Delaware Canal Towpath.

• Housing: Median home prices $350K–$400K. Affordable in Levittown; premium in New Hope and Central Bucks.

• Schools: Central Bucks and Council Rock consistently top-ranked.

Quick Comparison

• Affluence: Chester & Montgomery → wealthiest; Bucks → upper-middle; Delaware → affordable.

• Housing: Highest in Chester/Montgomery; lowest in Delaware; Bucks in the middle.

• Schools: All four offer strong options; top districts spread across counties.

• Commutes: Delaware fastest; Bucks typically longest.

• Lifestyle: Chester → countryside; Montco → suburban/urban blend; Delaware → convenient & diverse; Bucks → historic & scenic.

Which County is Right for You?

• Montgomery & Chester: Higher-end living, prestige schools, suburban amenities.

• Bucks: Balanced mix of affordability, good schools, and small-town character.

• Delaware: Affordable housing with unmatched convenience to the city.

👉 For a full breakdown with detailed maps, school rankings, and housing data, read the complete Ultimate Guide to the Philadelphia Suburbs here.