Philadelphia is an iconic American city with a legacy stretching back hundreds of years. Although Philadelphia’s high skyscrapers are appealing to many, others prefer to live outside of the business and congestion.
For those who prefer to be surrounded by nature, there are plenty of suburbs with easy access to Philadelphia that offer top-notch natural scenery, with picturesque parks and areas to discover.
Gladwyne
Gladwyne is a quiet and affluent community home to less than 5,000 people. It is roughly a 45-minute drive from the big city, and its reputation as a peaceful and safe area with stunning natural scenery makes it one of the most desirable places to live in Pennsylvania.
Gladwyne has plenty of natural scenery; it is convenient to Rolling Hill Park, Kenealy Nature Park, and the Philadelphia Country Club. It is also located along the Schuylkill River, so residents can regularly take strolls by the water.
Phoenixville
Roughly a 45-minute drive northwest of Philadelphia, you’ll find Phoenixville. Phoenixville is a small community, home to around 17,000 residents. With quiet streets and tranquil parks and forest, there’s a lot to love about Phoenixville. Some top-notch hiking areas and parks in and surrounding Phoenixville are well worth a visit.
The primary destinations for those looking to explore Phoenixville’s nature should be Black Rock Sanctuary and Upper Schuykill Valley Park. These are two parks set along the Schuykill River that are ideal for hikers and those looking to spend a day on the water.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a quaint suburb 55 minutes north of Philadelphia. It has a classic, All-American look and affluent residences. This scenic town is home to less than 10,000 residents but is the perfect place to make a home if you love peace, quiet, and natural scenery to explore.
Kids Castle Central Park is the perfect spot for a family outing. Only a short drive from Doylestown is Peace Valley Park, a beautiful reserve with a reservoir in the middle that is perfect for recreation.
Malvern
Just a short 35-minute drive from central Philadelphia, you’ll find a quiet community home to less than 4,000 residents. Malvern is a small town that feels far removed from the bustling streets of Philadelphia. However, those that come to Malvern will find it to be a place with much to do, particularly when it comes to outdoor recreation.
Malvern has an array of parks, such as East Goshen Township Park. The biggest attraction might be the nearby Valley Forge National Historic Park.
Newtown
Near the New Jersey border, 35 minutes northeast of Philadelphia, you’ll find Newtown. Newtown is a tiny town surrounded by Newtown Township, with a small population and a quaint feel. With small waterways winding around and through the city, it is a scenic place perfect for outdoor lovers.
Only a short drive from the Newtown center is Core Creek Park, a beautiful park that surrounds Lake Luxembourg. It is often filled with kayakers and has many trails to explore. Roberts Ridge Park is a pleasant little park in the middle of Newtown, and a short distance from the town sits the Delaware River.
Blue Bell
Blue Bell is a quaint suburb that lies around 35 minutes by car from Philadelphia. It is a relatively small community with only around 6,000 residents, but those lucky enough to live here get to enjoy one of the most scenic towns in the state. Blue Bell is famed for its affluent homes and natural beauty.
Blue Bell is filled with great parks and places to explore. From Prophecy Creek Park to Armentrout Preserve, for a relatively small town, there is a huge supply of parks and outdoor spaces in Blue Bell.
Other Suburbs with Idyllic Scenery:
- Levittown
- Warminster
- King Of Prussia
- Kennett Square
- Bryn Mawr
- Chadds Ford
- West Chester
- New Hope
- Newtown Square
- Conshohocken
- Berwyn
