In the covid and post-covid (are we finally post??) era of suburban boom, many people are finding they are having to settle for less. Less house, less yard, not their ideal school district or commute, less walkability, etc. But one area in the Western Suburbs that seems like a gem for continuing to be affordable (in comparison to the Main Line), walkable, charming and accessible is Media Borough and its surrounding neighborhoods (Rose Valley, Wallingford, and nearby Swarthmore). Image courtesy of Riddle Village Media is another Victorian, suburban hub, among many around greater Philly. A walkable downtown with mid-19th century architecture and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and stores makes it a charming locale. Its one of the few non-Main Line hubs, though, that has several direct rail lines in the city, though, making this a wonderful spot for urban commuters. Its main street (State St) is home to an accessible Trader Joes, several local brewery chains like Brick & Brew a
Philadelphia, We met about 14 years ago and it was love at first sight. I had never been to a city in the US with such European flair, walkable streets filled with people, restaurants, coffee shops, trendy stores and bars. I had never seen architecture that spanned centuries, with brick facades and charming window boxes. I grew up in the Midwest, where space is plentiful and streets are wide. I was initially caught off guard with your narrow alleys and cobblestones. And there was nothing that could prepare me for following said small streets to turn the corner onto Broad and look up to a wide, open thoroughfare with the stunning, French-style Second Empire City Hall at its head. I was smitten. Over the next decade I came to love much more than the architecture of you, though. Yes, you are beautiful but you are deep. You have a history and importance in the story of modern culture that can barely be rivaled. Written on your streets are the stories of our country and the people who