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Comprehensive Guide to Walkable Communities in the Greater Philadelphia Region: Organized by County

Shaina McAndrews

 Comprehensive Guide to Walkable Communities in the Greater Philadelphia Region: Organized by County

Walkable communities are increasingly popular for homebuyers who prioritize convenience, sustainability, and an enhanced quality of life. Living in a walkable community means being able to access daily amenities, public transportation, schools, and parks—all within a short walk from your home. In the Greater Philadelphia region, many communities boast high walkability, excellent public transportation, and top-rated school districts, making them ideal places to live.

This comprehensive guide will break down the top walkable communities in the Greater Philadelphia area, organized by county. We’ll highlight the best neighborhoods with high Walk Scores, discuss public transportation options, and delve into the unique features of each community. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to downsize, these walkable communities offer something for everyone.

 1. Philadelphia County

Philadelphia, the heart of the region, is known for its historic architecture, cultural institutions, and walkable neighborhoods. In fact, Philadelphia consistently ranks as one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., with an overall Walk Score of 84, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot.

Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square

  • Walk Score: 98  

  • Public Transportation: Accessible via SEPTA bus routes and the Market-Frankford Line.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Rittenhouse Square is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Philadelphia, centered around a beautiful public park that hosts farmers' markets and events. The area is known for its high-end boutiques, world-class dining, and luxury apartments. It’s a favorite among professionals and families who enjoy urban living with green space.

Old City

Elfreth's Alley

Photo by Kjetil Ree, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 / Cropped from original.

  • Walk Score: 97  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line and various bus routes.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Old City is the birthplace of American independence, home to iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Alongside its historical significance, the neighborhood features art galleries, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s ideal for those who want to live in a culturally rich and walkable area.

Fishtown

  • Walk Score: 91  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line and buses.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Fishtown is known for its artistic vibe, with a thriving food scene and eclectic bars. It’s a hub for creatives, offering street art, music venues, and co-working spaces. The neighborhood is rapidly growing, attracting young professionals looking for a balance of urban living and a community feel.

Northern Liberties

  • Walk Score: 93  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes and the Market-Frankford Line.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Northern Liberties (NoLibs) is a trendy neighborhood known for its art galleries, dog parks, and nightlife. Formerly an industrial area, it has transformed into a hotspot for modern living with loft-style apartments and new construction.

Manayunk

  • Walk Score: 82  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Manayunk/Norristown Line.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Manayunk is a hilly neighborhood offering a mix of charming row homes and modern apartments. Its Main Street is lined with boutiques, cafes, and bars, and it’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Schuylkill River Trail.

Chestnut Hill

  • Walk Score: 83  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Chestnut Hill East and West Lines.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Chestnut Hill is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and upscale shops. The community offers a small-town feel with the convenience of being a short train ride from Center City. The Morris Arboretum and Wissahickon Valley Park are popular local attractions.

Queen Village

South Street

  • Walk Score: 94  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • -Features: Queen Village is a family-friendly neighborhood known for its historic charm and cobblestone streets. It offers a tight-knit community with excellent schools, playgrounds, and local markets. South Street, known for its eclectic shops and restaurants, runs through the northern part of the neighborhood.

Passyunk Square

Geno’s Steak

  • Walk Score: 95  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Broad Street Line and bus routes.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Passyunk Square is famous for its Italian heritage, with a thriving restaurant scene that includes some of the city’s best Italian markets and eateries. The area has a strong community spirit, with frequent festivals and block parties.

University City

  • Walk Score: 92  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line, trolleys, and buses.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: University City is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The neighborhood is bustling with students and academics, offering museums, theaters, and dining. It’s also one of the most bike-friendly areas of the city.

Society Hill

  • Walk Score: 96  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA buses and the Market-Frankford Line.  

  • School District: The School District of Philadelphia.  

  • Features: Society Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, featuring beautiful 18th-century townhouses. It’s an upscale, quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets, close to historic landmarks and the waterfront.

 2. Montgomery County

Montgomery County offers a variety of walkable communities with a more suburban feel, while still providing easy access to Philadelphia via public transportation.

Ardmore

  • Walk Score: 90  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Lower Merion School District.  

  • Features: Ardmore is a bustling suburb with a popular shopping destination, Suburban Square. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, with plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues. The town is also known for its excellent schools and proximity to parks.

Narberth

  • Walk Score: 85  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Lower Merion School District.  

  • Features: Narberth is a small, charming town with a village-like atmosphere. Its walkable downtown is lined with cafes, shops, and a local movie theater. It’s a tight-knit community that hosts frequent events like farmers' markets and outdoor concerts.

Conshohocken

Tower Of Health Urgent Care

  • Walk Score: 77  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Manayunk/Norristown Line.  

  • School District: Colonial School District.  

  • Features: Conshohocken (often called "Conshy") has a revitalized downtown area with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a growing hub for young professionals due to its proximity to major highways and corporate offices, yet it retains a small-town feel.

Jenkintown

Outback Steakhouse

  • Walk Score: 82  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Warminster Line.  

  • School District: Jenkintown School District.  

  • Features: Jenkintown is known for its historic homes and a vibrant downtown with theaters, coffee shops, and specialty stores. The school district is highly rated, and the community prides itself on being family-friendly.

Ambler

  • Walk Score: 87  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown Line.  

  • School District: Wissahickon School District.  

  • Features: Ambler offers a lively downtown with a historic theater, restaurants, and shops. The town is also home to a growing arts scene and hosts community events like music festivals and farmers' markets.

Lansdale

  • Walk Score: 78  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown Line.  

  • School District: North Penn School District.  

  • Features: Lansdale has a revitalized downtown with new restaurants, breweries, and shops. It’s a family-friendly town with a strong community spirit and excellent schools.

Bryn Mawr

  • Walk Score: 80  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Lower Merion School District.  

  • Features: Bryn Mawr is known for its upscale boutiques, fine dining, and proximity to Bryn Mawr College. It’s an affluent community with excellent schools and a walkable downtown area.

Glenside

  • Walk Score: 76  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Warminster Line.  

  • School District: Abington School District.  

  • Features: Glenside offers a mix of suburban and urban living, with access to parks, shops, and the historic Keswick Theatre. The area is family-friendly with highly rated schools.

Hatboro

  • Walk Score: 74  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Warminster Line.  

  • School District: Hatboro-Horsham School District.  

  • Features: Hatboro is a historic town with a walkable downtown, known for its antique shops, cafes, and parks. It’s a quiet, family-friendly area with strong community ties.

Pottstown

The Hill School

  • Walk Score: 78  

  • Public Transportation: Pottstown Area Rapid Transit (PART).  

  • School District: Pottstown School District.  

  • Features: Pottstown is a historic town with a walkable downtown, offering shops, restaurants, and community events. The town is working on revitalization efforts to enhance its livability.

 3. Bucks County

Bucks County is known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm. Many of its communities offer a mix of walkability, history, and scenic beauty.

New Hope

Bucks County Play House

  • Walk Score: 85  

  • Public Transportation: Shuttle services to SEPTA train stations.  

  • School District: New Hope-Solebury School District.  

  • Features: New Hope is a riverside town known for its artistic community, historic charm, and vibrant downtown. It offers art galleries, theaters, and plenty of dining options, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways.

Doylestown

  • Walk Score: 84  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown Line.  

  • School District: Central Bucks School District.  

  • Features: Doylestown is rich in history and culture, with museums, theaters, and a walkable downtown. It’s a family-friendly community with excellent schools and frequent festivals and events.

Yardley

  • Walk Score: 76  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA West Trenton Line.  

  • School District: Pennsbury School District.  

  • Features: Yardley is a quaint riverside town with a walkable downtown, offering boutique shops, cafes, and historic sites. It’s an excellent community for families, with strong schools and a small-town atmosphere.

Levittown

  • Walk Score: 73  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Regional Rail and bus routes.  

  • School District: Bristol Township School District.  

  • Features: Levittown is a planned community known for its walkable neighborhoods, parks, and family-friendly environment. It offers affordable housing and access to public transportation.

Bristol

  • Walk Score: 80  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Trenton Line.  

  • School District: Bristol Borough School District.  

  • Features: Bristol is a historic town along the Delaware River, offering a walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and waterfront parks. It’s a tight-knit community with a rich history.

Morrisville

  • Walk Score: 75  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes and nearby train stations.  

  • School District: Morrisville School District.  

  • Features: Morrisville offers a small-town feel with easy access to the larger city of Trenton, NJ. Its walkable downtown includes cafes, shops, and parks along the Delaware River.

Perkasie

The Perk

  • Walk Score: 74  

  • Public Transportation: Bucks County Transport bus service.  

  • School District: Pennridge School District.  

  • Features: Perkasie is a historic town with a walkable downtown featuring antique shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s known for its small-town charm and strong community spirit.

Quakertown

  • Walk Score: 72  

  • Public Transportation: Bucks County Transport bus service.  

  • School District: Quakertown Community School District.  

  • Features: Quakertown offers a walkable downtown with historic architecture, shops, and restaurants. The town hosts community events like farmers' markets and festivals throughout the year.

Sellersville

  • Walk Score: 70  

  • Public Transportation: Bucks County Transport bus service.  

  • School District: Pennridge School District.  

  • Features: Sellersville is known for its historic buildings and small-town atmosphere. The town features parks, shops, and the Sellersville Theater, a popular local venue for live performances.

Langhorne

  • Walk Score: 69  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA West Trenton Line.  

  • School District: Neshaminy School District.  

  • Features: Langhorne is a historic town with a walkable downtown, offering shops, restaurants, and historic sites. The town is home to the popular Sesame Place amusement park and offers easy access to major highways.

4. Delaware County

Delaware County offers a mix of suburban and urban living, with several walkable communities that provide easy access to Philadelphia.

Media

  • Walk Score: 85  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Media/Wawa Line.  

  • School District: Rose Tree Media School District.  

  • Features: Media is known as “Everybody’s Hometown,” offering a vibrant downtown with restaurants, shops, and theaters. The town hosts frequent community events and is easily accessible via public transportation.

Swarthmore

  • Walk Score: 80  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Media/Wawa Line.  

  • School District: Wallingford-Swarthmore School District.  

  • Features: Swarthmore is home to Swarthmore College, giving the town a lively, intellectual atmosphere. It offers a walkable downtown with cafes, bookstores, and parks, as well as a strong sense of community.

Lansdowne

  • Walk Score: 79  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Media/Wawa Line and bus routes.  

  • School District: William Penn School District.  

  • Features: Lansdowne is a historic town with a walkable downtown, offering antique shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s a diverse community with a strong arts scene.

Havertown

  • Walk Score: 76  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes.  

  • School District: Haverford Township School District.  

  • Features: Havertown is a family-friendly community with excellent schools, parks, and a walkable downtown. It’s known for its Irish heritage, with frequent festivals and events celebrating the culture.

Upper Darby

  • Walk Score: 85  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line, trolleys, and bus routes.  

  • School District: Upper Darby School District.  

  • Features: Upper Darby is a diverse, urban-suburban community with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It offers excellent public transportation options and a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks.

Wayne

  • Walk Score: 80  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Radnor Township School District.  

  • Features: Wayne is an affluent community known for its historic charm and upscale amenities. It offers a walkable downtown with boutique shops, fine dining, and cultural institutions like the Wayne Art Center.

Springfield

  • Walk Score: 72  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA trolley routes and bus service.  

  • School District: Springfield School District.  

  • Features: Springfield is a suburban community with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It offers a strong school district, parks, and a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants.

Ridley Park

  • Walk Score: 75  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line.  

  • School District: Ridley School District.  

  • Features: Ridley Park is a picturesque town with Victorian homes, parks, and a walkable downtown. The town is family-friendly, with excellent schools and easy access to Philadelphia.

Clifton Heights

  • Walk Score: 78  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA trolley routes.  

  • School District: Upper Darby School District.  

  • Features: Clifton Heights is a small town with a walkable downtown, offering shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s a close-knit community with easy access to Center City.

Brookhaven

  • Walk Score: 70  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes.  

  • School District: Penn-Delco School District.  

  • Features: Brookhaven offers a mix of suburban and urban living, with a walkable downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s a family-friendly area with a strong school district and a growing community.

 5. Chester County

Chester County is known for its rolling hills, historic towns, and vibrant downtown areas. Many communities offer walkability with a suburban feel.

West Chester

  • Walk Score: 88  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: West Chester Area School District

  • Features: West Chester is a historic town with a bustling downtown, offering shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Chester County Historical Society. It’s a walkable, family-friendly community with excellent schools.

Malvern

  • Walk Score: 80  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Great Valley School District.  

  • Features: Malvern is a picturesque town with a walkable downtown, featuring boutique shops, cafes, and parks. It’s known for its historic charm and strong sense of community.

Phoenixville

  • Walk Score: 83  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA bus service and shuttle to nearby train stations.  

  • School District: Phoenixville Area School District.  

  • Features: Phoenixville is a vibrant town with a walkable downtown, offering a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities. The town is known for its arts scene, breweries, and frequent community events.

Downingtown

  • Walk Score: 75  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Downingtown Area School District.  

  • Features: Downingtown is a family-friendly town with a walkable downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and parks. It offers excellent schools and a strong sense of community.

Kennett Square

  • Walk Score: 79  

  • Public Transportation: Chester County Transport bus service.  

  • School District: Kennett Consolidated School District.  

  • Features: Kennett Square is known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World” and offers a charming downtown with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It’s a close-knit community with frequent festivals and events.

Exton

  • Walk Score: 72  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: West Chester Area School District.  

  • Features: Exton offers a mix of suburban and urban living, with a walkable downtown featuring shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. It’s a family-friendly community with easy access to major highways.

Coatesville

  • Walk Score: 71  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Coatesville Area School District.  

  • Features: Coatesville is a historic town undergoing revitalization, offering a walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s a diverse community with a rich industrial history.

Oxford

  • Walk Score: 70  

  • Public Transportation: Chester County Transport bus service.  

  • School District: Oxford Area School District.  

  • Features: Oxford is a small town with a walkable downtown featuring shops, cafes, and historic sites. It’s a close-knit community with a strong sense of local pride.

Paoli

  • Walk Score: 78  

  • Public Transportation: SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line.  

  • School District: Tredyffrin/Easttown School District.  

  • Features: Paoli is a family-friendly town with a walkable downtown, offering shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s known for its excellent schools and proximity to major highways.

West Grove

  • Walk Score: 71  

  • Public Transportation: Chester County Transport bus service.  

  • School District: Avon Grove School District.  

  • Features: West Grove is a small town with a walkable downtown, featuring shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s a family-friendly community with excellent schools and a strong sense of local pride.








Walkable communities in the Greater Philadelphia region offer the perfect balance of convenience, lifestyle, and community. Whether you're drawn to the historic streets of Philadelphia County, the suburban charm of Montgomery County, the scenic beauty of Bucks County, the close-knit towns of Delaware County, or the rolling hills of Chester County, there's a walkable neighborhood for everyone.

Each of these communities boasts high walkability scores, excellent public transportation options, and strong school districts, making them ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. By choosing a walkable community, you're investing in a lifestyle that promotes health, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.

If you're ready to explore walkable communities in Greater Philadelphia, the Shaina McAndrews Real Estate Team is here to help. With our expertise in the local market and personalized service, we'll guide you to the perfect neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and needs. Contact us today to start your journey toward finding your dream home in one of Philadelphia's walkable communities.