Pennsylvania Main Line

Pennsylvania Main Line

The Main Line is an unofficial historical and socio-cultural region of suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, comprising a collection of affluent towns built along the old Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad which ran northwest from downtown Philadelphia parallel to Lancaster Avenue (US Route 30). The rail line, from which the area affectionately got its name, was central to creating the Main Line communities which in the 19th century became home to many sprawling country estates built by Philadelphia's wealthiest families, many of whom had one house in the city and another larger country home on the Main Line. Long considered a bastion of "old money", today the Main Line is a collection of exclusive and affluent towns including Lower Merion Township (the 5th most affluent township in the country) and Radnor Township (the 20th most affluent township in the country). These Main Line townships are home to many elite ZIP codes including Gladwyne (the 7th richest ZIP code in the country) and Villanova (the 20th richest ZIP code in the country). Currently Amtrak's Keystone Corridor and SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Line service the route from Center City Philadelphia, serving the original Main Line communities and beyond.

With many towns located on steep cliffs along the Schuylkill River, the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, open meadows and winding roads add to the glory of this beautiful area. The Main Line is known for its multimillion-dollar stone Colonial homes, exclusivity, unsurpassed golf, and upscale shopping at celebrated destinations like Suburban Square in Ardmore and the King of Prussia Mall, the second largest mall in the country. The area is also home to many of the best public and private schools in the nation which contributes to the high quality of life found on the Main Line.