If you want a Main Line address where you can walk to dinner, catch a show, and hop a train into the city, living in Ardmore, PA belongs near the top of your list. Ardmore pairs a historic, walkable downtown with direct rail service to Center City, and it sits at the eastern edge of the Main Line, just west of Philadelphia. Here is what homebuyers should know before they start touring.
Where Is Ardmore, PA?
Ardmore is an unincorporated community that spans two townships. Most of it lies in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County, and the rest is in Haverford Township in Delaware County. The 2020 Census counted 13,566 residents, up from 12,455 in 2010.
That two-township split matters when you buy. Your property's township determines your local taxes, your municipal services, and your public school district, so always confirm which side of the line a home sits on before you write an offer.
Getting Around: Ardmore's Train Station and Commute
Ardmore is one of the Main Line's original railroad towns, and the train is still a big part of its appeal. Ardmore Station is served by SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line and by Amtrak's Keystone Service, so you can reach Center City for work and connect to Harrisburg or New York without driving.
The station itself is newly improved. In April 2026, SEPTA and Amtrak celebrated the completion of a rebuilt Ardmore Station with elevators, ramps, and high level platforms that expand accessibility for riders. For buyers who plan to commute by rail, a home within walking distance of the station is worth prioritizing.
Downtown Ardmore: Shopping, Dining, and Live Music
Suburban Square
Suburban Square opened in 1928 and is described as one of the earliest planned suburban shopping centers in the United States. Today it includes more than sixty retail and dining spots along with the adjacent Ardmore Farmers Market, and it sits just north of the train station. For many residents, a Saturday morning here is part of the weekly routine.
Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore's downtown is centered on Lancaster Avenue, along with Rittenhouse Place and Cricket Avenue. Independent shops, restaurants, and coffee spots line these blocks, which gives the town a small city feel that is rare in the suburbs.
Ardmore Music Hall
At 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore Music Hall has hosted concerts since 2013. The building has been a music venue for more than 40 years under earlier names, including the 23 East Cabaret and Brownies 23 East. Having a well known live music room in a walkable suburban downtown is one of the things that sets Ardmore apart.
Schools in Ardmore
Because Ardmore spans two townships, it is served by two public school districts:
- Lower Merion Township addresses: Lower Merion School District
- Haverford Township addresses: the School District of Haverford Township
School boundaries can change, so confirm the assigned schools for any specific address directly with the district before you buy.
Homes for Sale in Ardmore
Ardmore's housing reflects its long history as a railroad town. Buyers will find a mix of older single family homes, twins, and condos and apartments near the downtown core, with styles that vary block by block. Homes close to Lancaster Avenue and the train station tend to appeal to buyers who value walkability, while quieter residential streets farther out offer more space.
Because the community crosses two townships and two school districts, comparing homes in Ardmore takes local knowledge. Our team can pull recent sales on the exact streets you are considering and explain how taxes and schools differ from one listing to the next. Start by browsing current homes for sale, then reach out when you are ready to tour.
Nearby Main Line Communities to Compare
If you like Ardmore but want to see a few options, these neighboring communities are worth a look:
- Narberth, a compact borough with its own walkable downtown and train station
- Wynnewood, a mostly residential neighbor just to the east
- Haverford, home to Haverford College and tree lined streets
- Bryn Mawr, a bit farther west on the Main Line
You can also read our full Ardmore neighborhood page for more on the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ardmore, PA a good place to live?
Ardmore appeals to buyers who want a walkable downtown, direct train service to Center City, and Main Line schools. It offers Suburban Square, the Ardmore Farmers Market, Lancaster Avenue dining, and Ardmore Music Hall, all close to the train station.
What county is Ardmore, PA in?
Ardmore is in two counties. Most of it is in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, and the rest is in Haverford Township, Delaware County.
Can you commute from Ardmore to Center City by train?
Yes. Ardmore Station is on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line, and Amtrak's Keystone Service also stops there. The station was rebuilt with elevators, ramps, and high level platforms, with completion celebrated in April 2026.
What school district is Ardmore in?
Homes in the Lower Merion Township part of Ardmore are in the Lower Merion School District. Homes in the Haverford Township part are in the School District of Haverford Township.
Thinking About Buying in Ardmore?
Whether you are moving out of the city or relocating to the Main Line for the first time, our team knows Ardmore street by street. Learn how we guide buyers on our buying page, run numbers with our mortgage calculators, or contact us to set up a tour. Already own a home and planning a move? Get a free home valuation.
More reading: Buying a Home in Philadelphia This Winter and Living in Haddonfield, NJ.
About the Author
Jim Roche is the CEO of The Rarity Real Estate Team, a KW Empower team that has surpassed $1 billion in closed sales across Greater Philadelphia, the Main Line, and South Jersey. A Northeast Philadelphia native and Penn State graduate, Jim has been recognized by Philly Magazine as a top producer and real estate Power Player. PA License #RS332204.
Sources: U.S. Census 2020 figures and community history via Wikipedia's Ardmore, Pennsylvania and Suburban Square entries; Amtrak Media, April 14, 2026; Ardmore Music Hall; Lower Merion School District. Checked November 9, 2026.
