Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “The City of Brotherly Love,” or just by its name, Philadelphia is often considered one of the great destinations to relocate to in the North East. From its legendary food scene to its easy access to all Pennsylvania has to offer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise nearly 2 million people live in Philadelphia. If you’re considering buying a home in Philadelphia, know that the housing market is somewhat competitive. The median home sale price is $289,900, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia is about $2,142.
If those prices don’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to call home, we’ve compiled a list of the six best affordable Philadelphia suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 45 minutes away from the city. You’ll still be close enough to Philadelphia to explore all the city has to offer without paying the price of living there.
#1: Chester
Median home price: $91,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,180
Driving distance from Philadelphia: 25 minutes
Chester, PA homes for sale
Chester, PA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price nearly $200K less than Philadelphia, Chester claims the first spot on our list of affordable Philadelphia suburbs. Just about a 25-minute drive away from Philadelphia, you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer. Chester is known for its historical landmarks and its role in the American Revolution. The city is also known for its steel industry and for being the birthplace of the American flag
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#2: Upland
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Median home price: $110,000
Driving distance from Philadelphia: 30 minutes
Upland, PA homes for sale
Upland, PA apartments for rent
Upland comes in as the second best affordable suburb in Philadelphia. Just about 30 minutes from Philadelphia, you can head into the city in just a quick drive. Upland is known for its history and its many traditions. The community is home to several businesses and organizations, including the Upland Museum, the Upland Historical Society, and the Upland Chamber of Commerce. When living in this suburb of 3,400 people, you can also explore the charming downtown.
#3: Linwood
Median home price: $115,000
Driving distance from Philadelphia: 35 minutes
Linwood, PA homes for sale
Linwood, PA apartments for rent
Linwood takes the third spot on our list, with a median home sale price of $115,000, and is only a 35-minute drive away. The suburb is just south of Twin Oaks and Upper Chichester. Even with a population of about 3,500, there are plenty of cool areas to explore in Linwood. Make sure to visit one of the many local shops and attractions if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: Collingdale
Median home price: $160,000
Driving distance from Philadelphia: 30 minutes
Collingdale, PA homes for sale
Collingdale, PA apartments for rent
A bit more expensive than Linwood is none other than the borough of Collingdale. This area is home to the Collingdale Community Park and many local stores and shops. You can also attend one of the many community events that are held throughout the year or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
#5: East Lansdowne
Median home price: $290,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,539
Driving distance from Philadelphia: 30 minutes
East Lansdowne, PA homes for sale
East Lansdowne, PA apartments for rent
About a 30-minute drive into the city, consider adding East Lansdowne to your list of Philadelphia suburbs to check out. With 3,000 people living in this affordable area, East Lansdowne is a small community with a long and rich history. While the commute by car into Philadelphia is around 30 minutes, the city is actually only 6 miles away – making this a great area to live in if you’re looking to be close to the city center.
#6: Norwood
Median home price: $294,750
Driving distance from Philadelphia: 25 minutes
Norwood, PA homes for sale
Norwood, PA apartments for rent
A recognizable Philadelphia suburb is Norwood, where the median home sale price is $294,750. Home to roughly 6,000 people, Norwood is a great suburb to consider buying a home in. Just minutes from I-95 and the Philadelphia International Airport, Norwood takes up 524.8 acres and includes 256 acres of water, such as Muckinipattis Creek and Darby Creek. From neighborhood parks to favorite local restaurants, you’ll never tire of exploring this great suburb.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Philadelphia and under a 45-minute drive from downtown Philadelphia. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during July 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during July 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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17 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia
Top Reasons to Move to Philadelphia and Why You’ll Love it
Pros and Cons of Living in Pennsylvania
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