This Small Town in Pennsylvania Is One of the Best Suburbs to Live in the U.S.

American suburbs, which developed post-World War II and provided inexpensive housing to the country’s growing population, are now home to over 120 million Americans of all demographic and economic backgrounds. While city living has its perks, those seeking a more tranquil environment, lower cost of living, larger homes, and more green spaces often settle in the suburbs that boast some of the best family-friendly amenities and schools in the country. So it should come as no surprise that Niche.com recently named a small Census-designated place near Philadelphia one of the best places to live in the country, beating over 18,000 communities.

Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, a town of some 5,000 residents located 25 miles northwest of the City of Brotherly Love, ranked third on the website’s list of places and second in the best suburbs category. Chesterbrook is also in the top 10 for best places to raise a family and the best public schools in the U.S. and Pennsylvania, earning high grades for diversity, jobs, housing, health and fitness, and outdoor activities. 

The community, named after a local farm, was established in the late 1960s to early 1970s (not without some controversy) as a classic residential American suburb with single-family homes and townhouses that provided housing for Philadelphians. While it has managed to maintain its idyllic, laid-back ambiance, residents also have a lot of modern conveniences at their fingertips, like many family-run stores and a shopping center, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and attractions. 

To the north, the town borders Valley Forge National Historical Park, which, with its 3,500 acres of meadows and woodlands, provides an idyllic setting for relaxation and educational activities. (It was an encampment site of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.) Wilson Farm Park is another sprawling 90-acre recreational site located at the heart of the town, boasting a playground, baseball fields, and sand volleyball courts. There’s also Picket Post Club, a popular private members club, that provides aquatic facilities and swim classes to children, as well as many social activities and events throughout the year.

And while home values in Chesterbrook are on the rise, the median value hovers around the $500,000 mark, which is more affordable than other suburbs offering similar amenities and top-notch public education.

Carmel, Indiana, topped Niche.com’s list of best suburbs, and Cinco Ranch, a community outside Houston, Texas, was third. You can check out all of Niche.com’s rankings at niche.com.