Is the Main Line Still Worth the Premium?
A Town-by-Town Breakdown
The Pennsylvania Main Line has long commanded some of the highest home prices in the Philadelphia suburbs. But in a market shaped by higher interest rates, changing work patterns, and increased buyer scrutiny, many buyers are asking an increasingly practical question in 2026:
Is the Main Line still worth the premium?
The short answer is yes — but not uniformly, and not for every buyer. The real value of the Main Line depends on which town, which school district, and what you prioritize long-term.
This guide breaks down the Main Line town by town to explain where the premium is strongest, where value still exists, and how buyers should think about the tradeoffs.
Table of Contents
Why the Main Line Commands a Premium
Summary: Where the Premium Is (and Isn’t) Worth It
Lower Merion Township
Radnor Township
Tredyffrin / Easttown
Ardmore & Wayne
Where Buyers Still Find Value on the Main Line
Final Thoughts for Buyers
Summary: Where the Premium Is (and Isn’t) Worth It
In 2026, the Main Line premium is best understood as a payment for stability, schools, and long-term resale strength, not just square footage.
At a high level:
Some towns fully justify their pricing through school reputation and demand depth
Others offer relative value depending on neighborhood, housing stock, and proximity to amenities
Buyers who evaluate town-level differences — rather than treating the Main Line as one market — tend to make better long-term decisions
Why the Main Line Commands a Premium
Several structural factors continue to support pricing across the Main Line:
Nationally ranked public school districts
Proximity to Philadelphia with strong rail access
Established neighborhoods with limited new construction
Deep buyer demand across market cycles
Unlike fringe suburbs, the Main Line is largely built out. That supply constraint remains one of the most powerful drivers of long-term value.
Lower Merion Township
Lower Merion often sits at the top of the Main Line pricing spectrum.
Why buyers pay the premium:
Exceptionally strong school district
Proximity to Center City
High resale liquidity
Tradeoffs:
Smaller lots and older homes at mid-range price points
Renovation costs are common
For buyers prioritizing schools and long-term stability, Lower Merion continues to justify its premium.
Radnor Township
Radnor offers a slightly different value proposition.
Why buyers pay the premium:
Strong schools with broader housing variety
Proximity to employment centers and rail
Mix of neighborhoods and price points
Radnor often appeals to buyers who want Main Line credentials with marginally more flexibility than Lower Merion.
Tredyffrin / Easttown (TE School District)
TE is frequently viewed as one of the best value segments of the Main Line.
Why buyers pay the premium:
Nationally respected school district
Larger homes and lots relative to closer-in towns
Strong long-term appreciation
For many families, TE strikes the best balance between price, space, and resale strength.
Ardmore & Wayne
These towns attract buyers focused on walkability and lifestyle.
Why buyers pay the premium:
Vibrant town centers
Dining, shopping, and rail access
Strong demand from professionals and downsizers
Homes may be smaller, but lifestyle appeal often outweighs square footage considerations.
Where Buyers Still Find Value on the Main Line
Value on the Main Line doesn’t always mean “cheap” — it often means strategic.
Buyers sometimes find better opportunities by:
Looking just outside the most competitive neighborhoods
Considering homes needing cosmetic (not structural) updates
Prioritizing school district over exact town center location
A targeted approach matters far more than broad searching.
Final Thoughts for Buyers
In 2026, the Main Line remains worth the premium for buyers who understand what they’re paying for. Schools, location, and supply constraints continue to support pricing — but smart buyers evaluate value at the town and neighborhood level, not by reputation alone.
The right Main Line purchase isn’t about stretching — it’s about aligning priorities with long-term outcomes.
By Eric Kelley, Philadelphia Suburbs Realtor & Attorney