4 Cities Near Philadelphia to Buy or Rent in this Year

Home to the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, and Philly cheesesteaks – there’s much to love about the City of Brotherly Love. That said, big city living isn’t for everyone. And if that’s you, we can help you find the right city near Philadelphia to move to instead.

Check out these four cities near Philadelphia, each with its own features and charm and within easy commuting distance of Philly.

#1: Upper Darby, PA

Miles from Philadelphia: 7
Population: 83,000
Median home sale price: $220,000

Upper Darby, a friendly suburb with an urban feel, is right outside of Philadelphia. It was established in 1736 and is the sixth largest municipality in Pennsylvania. The city’s motto, “the world in one place,” celebrates Upper Darby’s diversity and also its history, location, and natural resources. You can find every type of business, culture, housing, transportation, and/or anything else you can imagine in Upper Darby.

There are plenty of things to do for residents living in Upper Darby, including visiting the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, taking a walk through the Tyler Arboretum, and or visiting the Woodmere Art Museum.

Homes for sale in Upper Darby, PA
Apartments for rent in Upper Darby, PA

#2: Bensalem, PA

Miles from Philadelphia: 19
Population: 61,000
Median home sale price: $390,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,533

Bensalem, located just 19 miles northeast of Philadelphia along the Delaware River, is a charming community with a rich culture and modern amenities. Residents can easily commute into the big city for work or leisure via Interstate 95.

there are plenty of things to do in the area. In the summer, there are outdoor concerts, and Pennsylvania’s largest gaming complex is located here. With plenty of parks, great schools, and a variety of exciting activities, there’s something for everyone in Bensalem.

Homes for sale in Bensalem, PA
Apartments for rent in Bensalem, PA

#3: Trenton, NJ

Miles from Philadelphia: 33
Population: 83,500
Median home sale price: $158,000
Walk Score: 68
Bike Score: 44
Transit Score: 56

Trenton, New Jersey’s capital city, is situated on the banks of the Delaware River. The Trenton metro area is a great mix of old and new. With a history that predates the founding of the United States, Trenton was the site of Revolutionary War battles and is now home to several museums. However, the city still has plenty of modern attractions and entertainment. Trenton is also conveniently located near New York, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and the Jersey Shore.

There are many things for locals to do in Trenton. Here are some examples: Visit the New Jersey State House, take a tour of the Trenton War Memorial, visit the Old Barracks Museum, see the art at the Trenton City Museum, stroll through Mill Hill Park, visit the Grounds for Sculpture, and check out the New Jersey State Aquarium.

Homes for sale in Trenton, NJ
Apartments for rent in Trenton, NJ

#4: Vineland, NJ

Miles from Philadelphia: 33
Population: 59,500
Median home sale price: $255,000
Average 1-bed rent: $937
Walk Score: 26
Transit Score: 35

Situated along the Maurice River in southern New Jersey is the quiet city of Vineland. The city is mostly residential, with neighborhoods that are spread out, giving residents plenty of space. The downtown area along Landis Avenue is a great place to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat. The street is lined with beautiful old buildings and storefronts.

There are various things to do in Vineland, NJ, including visiting the Landis Theater, the Cumberland County Historical Society Museum, the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, and the Cumberland Mall.

Homes for sale in Vineland, NJ
Apartments for rent in Vineland, NJ

Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Philadelphia. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.