Relocating to the Main Line: A Practical Guide

Moving to the Main Line from another region raises questions that locals rarely think about: why one town name covers three townships, how school districts are drawn, and which train goes where. This guide walks through the decisions in the order most people face them.

Start with how you will get around

Commuting shapes the choice of town more than anything else.

• Regional Rail. The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line runs through most Main Line towns to Center City Philadelphia. Living within walking distance of a station is the single biggest commuting advantage.
• Amtrak. Keystone Service stops at Ardmore and Paoli, with trains to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and west toward Harrisburg; some continue to New York. Check current schedules for your trip.
• Other lines. The Norristown High Speed Line runs north-south through Haverford, Bryn Mawr and Villanova, and the Cynwyd Line serves Bala Cynwyd.
• Driving. I-76, I-476 and Lancaster Avenue carry most traffic. Gladwyne and parts of the western Main Line are car-dependent.

Understand townships before towns

Main Line place names are mostly mailing addresses. The township or borough sets your property taxes, zoning, trash and other services, and your public school district. Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Rosemont and Wynnewood are each split between two or more townships. Our Main Line guide explains the layout, and each town guide lists its municipalities.

Schools: confirm by address

If public schools matter to you, confirm the district for each specific address rather than relying on the town name. Our school district resources list the municipalities each district serves and explain how to verify an address. We do not rate schools; the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes school data.

Consider renting first

If you are unsure between towns, renting for a year can be a sensible step. You learn the commute, the downtowns and the township services before committing. We can help you find a rental and then a home to buy. See homes for rent.

Budget for Pennsylvania costs

• Property taxes combine county, municipal and school district taxes and differ by township. Look up the actual bill for any home you consider.
• Realty transfer tax applies to most purchases. See our guide to Pennsylvania realty transfer tax.
• Local earned income tax. Most Pennsylvania municipalities and school districts levy a local tax on earned income, usually withheld by your employer. Rates vary by where you live.

After you arrive

• Get a Pennsylvania driver's license and register your vehicles; PennDOT sets deadlines for new residents.
• Register to vote at your new address.
• Contact the township for trash and recycling schedules, and any permits for work you plan on the house.

How we help people relocating

We can tour by video, explain township and tax differences for specific homes, coordinate inspections when you cannot be here, and recommend lenders and attorneys familiar with Pennsylvania transactions. Start with a Main Line buyer consultation.

Before you decide

Schedules, tax rates and deadlines change. Confirm them with SEPTA, Amtrak, PennDOT and your township, and ask us for current information on any home you are considering.