Moving from Bala Cynwyd to Exton is becoming a real option for many Pennsylvania families who want more room without losing access to the city. Families often choose Chester County for its larger homes, strong schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Many rely on Philadelphia movers to handle the transition because professionals familiar with both areas make the process easier. For anyone considering this relocation, it helps to understand the differences in housing, schools, commutes, and daily living before making the switch.
How Do Housing Market Differences Affect Families?
Housing is often the biggest factor when families decide on moving from Bala Cynwyd to Exton. Bala Cynwyd movers say that many families notice right away how much more square footage they can get for the same budget in Chester County. In Bala Cynwyd, the median home price in 2024 sits around $720,000, while rentals average $2,100 for a two-bedroom apartment. In Exton, the median home price is closer to $520,000, and a similar rental averages $1,650 per month. That’s nearly a $200,000 gap in ownership costs and several hundred dollars in monthly savings for renters. Families also find that lot sizes are bigger in Exton, averaging 0.3 to 0.5 acres compared to Bala Cynwyd’s 0.15 acres. This means backyards large enough for playsets, pets, or even small gardens. For those used to tighter spaces near Philadelphia, the shift feels significant.
What Should Families Know About School Options?
Schools weigh heavily in the decision to move, especially for families with young children. Moving companies in Exton PA, are seeing families prioritize the West Chester Area School District, which serves Exton and consistently ranks among the top in Pennsylvania. Lower Merion School District in Bala Cynwyd also has a strong reputation, but it comes with larger class sizes and more competition for programs. In Exton, average class sizes hover around 18–22 students, while Lower Merion averages closer to 25. Test scores in both areas remain above state averages, but Exton schools are known for robust extracurriculars like STEM clubs, sports, and music programs. Private school tuition in the area averages $20,000 annually, similar to Bala Cynwyd, but families often find more available spots in Chester County schools compared to oversubscribed options near Philadelphia.
How Does Commute and Transportation Compare?
Commute times change dramatically when moving from Bala Cynwyd to Exton. Many families opt for using moving services in Philadelphia, which is also an option when planning the transition, especially if one or both parents continue working downtown and need flexibility between city jobs and suburban life. From Bala Cynwyd, driving into Center City Philadelphia typically takes 25–30 minutes outside rush hour but can stretch to 45–60 minutes during peak traffic. From Exton, the drive averages 50 minutes to an hour depending on I-76 or US-202 traffic. However, Exton offers an Amtrak and SEPTA station with direct service to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station in 45 minutes. Many commuters choose the train to avoid the stress of traffic and tolls, with a monthly SEPTA pass costing about $200 compared to gas and parking expenses that can easily exceed $350 monthly when driving from Bala Cynwyd.
How Does the Cost of Living Stack Up?
Daily expenses tell another part of the story. Last minute movers in Philadelphia participated in many relocations where families cited grocery and childcare savings as motivators. In Bala Cynwyd, groceries for a family of four often run about $1,100 per month, while in Exton, the average drops closer to $950 thanks to larger regional stores and lower overall prices. Utilities also differ: the average electricity, heating, and water bill in Bala Cynwyd is about $320 per month, while Exton averages $260. Childcare follows a similar pattern. Bala Cynwyd daycare centers often charge $1,500 to $1,800 per month per child, while Exton rates average $1,200 to $1,400. That’s a potential savings of $300–$400 per child monthly. These numbers add up quickly, making Exton attractive for families who want to stretch their income further.
What Is the Neighborhood Feel and Community Life Like?
The vibe of a neighborhood matters when deciding on moving from Bala Cynwyd to Exton. Local movers in Philadelphia PA often hear families mention how Bala Cynwyd feels like a suburban-urban mix, with walkable streets, close-knit communities, and easy access to Philadelphia. Exton, on the other hand, offers a more traditional suburban experience. Streets are wider, homes are spaced farther apart, and neighborhoods often center around family activities. Walkability scores differ: Bala Cynwyd averages a 72, meaning many errands can be done on foot, while Exton scores closer to 40, meaning a car is almost always needed. However, Exton makes up for this with family-oriented communities, organized neighborhood events, and overall lower crime rates. Property crime in Exton is 30% lower than Bala Cynwyd, while violent crime remains minimal in both.
Neighborhoods to Consider in Exton
Exton has several neighborhoods that appeal to different family needs. Here are a few with their defining traits:
- Whiteland Woods – A planned community with townhomes and single-family houses, known for its clubhouse, pool, and walking trails. Families like its community events and proximity to schools.
- Marchwood – One of the older neighborhoods with large lots and mature trees. Homes tend to be more affordable, and families appreciate the quiet streets and neighborhood pride.
- Eagleview – A mixed-use development offering homes, apartments, and plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. It’s one of the more walkable areas in Exton, popular with young families.
- Whitford Hills – A residential area close to Whitford Country Club, offering spacious homes and access to golf, tennis, and swim programs. Families looking for recreational amenities find this neighborhood appealing.
- Exton Station – A townhouse community close to the SEPTA station, ideal for commuters heading into Philadelphia. It includes tennis courts, a pool, and family-friendly shared spaces.
How Do Job Opportunities and Economy Compare?
Work opportunities remain a big consideration. Shipping companies in Philadelphia report that while many families keep jobs in the city, others switch to local options in Chester County after relocating. Bala Cynwyd benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia’s job market, including finance, healthcare, and education. Exton, though smaller, has its own job hubs in tech, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Unemployment rates in both areas remain low at about 3.2%, but the types of jobs differ. Exton offers positions in companies like Siemens, Bentley Systems, and several pharmaceutical firms, while Bala Cynwyd leans toward legal, media, and corporate offices tied to Philadelphia. Salaries may be slightly lower in Chester County, with averages around $68,000 compared to $75,000 near Philadelphia. However, the lower cost of living offsets this gap. Families should consider whether they plan to keep city-based careers or transition to suburban opportunities.
Where to Find Jobs in Exton
Here’s a quick view of key employers and job types in Exton. You’ll spot retail chains, big pharma, tech names, and government entities—all offering different routes for careers in Chester County.
- Large Corporations & Pharma Employers
West Pharmaceutical Services anchors Exton’s pharmaceutical scene, providing manufacturing and corporate roles. Bentley Systems, based locally, leads in software engineering and technical careers. Others like Ricoh offer business services jobs. - Hospitality, Healthcare & Government
Chester County Hospital and Main Line Health serve as major healthcare employers, with roles from clinical care to administrative support. The County of Chester also provides government jobs across different departments. - Retail and Service Chains
For front-line opportunities, big-name stores like Walmart, ALDI, FedEx, UPS, CVS Health, and McDonald’s are active in Exton. These employers often offer part-time to full-time roles, including entry-level positions. - Business Support & Administrative Roles
Companies such as EDSI Solutions hire business services reps to support employer outreach and job fairs. Regulatory and compliance analyst positions also appear across firms like AXA and others in business operations. - Manufacturing & Tech Firms
Exton hosts various manufacturing employers, including Newell Brands, SABIC Innovative Plastics, FARO Technologies, and La-Z-Boy. These firms offer roles in manufacturing, engineering, and operations.
What Recreation and Green Spaces Are Available?
Outdoor access is one of Exton’s strongest appeals. Downsizing services are sometimes used by families leaving smaller Bala Cynwyd homes to prepare for larger suburban properties with outdoor space. Bala Cynwyd offers the Cynwyd Heritage Trail and access to the Schuylkill River Trail, both popular with walkers and cyclists. Exton, however, sits close to Valley Forge National Historical Park, Marsh Creek State Park, and several local preserves. Valley Forge offers 3,500 acres of trails, picnic areas, and historical sites, while Marsh Creek features a 535-acre lake for boating and fishing. Membership at local gyms costs about the same in both areas—roughly $50 per month—but outdoor recreation is more abundant and varied in Chester County. Families with children often find that Exton’s green spaces create more opportunities for sports, hiking, and weekend activities without driving far.
How Do Shopping and Dining Experiences Compare?
Shopping shifts noticeably when moving from Bala Cynwyd to Exton. While Bala Cynwyd residents enjoy upscale stores and restaurants, they often face higher prices and fewer family-friendly options. Exton features the Exton Square Mall and Main Street at Exton, which provide a wide range of retail from department stores to specialty shops. Dining in Bala Cynwyd leans toward boutique, higher-end restaurants where a family meal can easily top $100. In Exton, family dinners average $60–$70 at popular casual dining spots, making it more manageable for frequent nights out. Grocery shopping also differs: Exton families often shop at larger stores like Wegmans, which offers more variety and lower prices, while Bala Cynwyd leans on smaller specialty markets with higher costs. For families watching budgets, the savings in Chester County stand out quickly.
What Cultural and Entertainment Options Do Families Have?
Culture is one area where Bala Cynwyd holds an edge, but Exton offers a different type of entertainment. Families who prioritize museums, theaters, and galleries may miss the short drive into Philadelphia. Bala Cynwyd sits just minutes from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Academy of Music, and dozens of cultural institutions. Exton, on the other hand, focuses more on family-centered entertainment. Local movie theaters, bowling alleys, and community events like farmers markets and festivals fill the calendar. Tickets for cultural events also vary. A family of four visiting the Philadelphia Orchestra could spend $200–$300, while an evening at Exton’s Movie Tavern costs about $60, including food. Families who want constant access to city culture may feel the distance, but others enjoy the trade-off for more affordable, family-friendly activities closer to home.
What Family Resources and Services Are Available?
Services for families play a large role in daily life. Many families who relocated from Bala Cynwyd to Exton cited healthcare and youth programs as priorities. In Bala Cynwyd, access to Philadelphia hospitals like Penn Medicine provides top-tier care, but appointments can be harder to book. Exton families often use Chester County Hospital, which has earned strong ratings and offers shorter wait times. Pediatric visits in Bala Cynwyd average $160, while Exton providers average closer to $130. Libraries and community centers also differ. Bala Cynwyd’s library is well-stocked but smaller, while Exton’s Chester County Library serves as a hub with extensive children’s programming. Sports leagues in Exton average $150–$250 per season compared to $300 or more in Bala Cynwyd. Families making the move often find that Chester County offers broader access to affordable programs and healthcare services without sacrificing quality.
Is Moving From Bala Cynwyd to Exton Right for Your Family?
Families considering relocation from Bala Cynwyd to Exton will discover a mix of trade-offs and benefits. Housing is more affordable, schools offer smaller class sizes, and the community feel leans strongly toward family life. Commutes into Philadelphia take longer, but the cost savings in housing, childcare, and daily expenses often outweigh the inconvenience. Cultural access shifts from city museums to suburban events, yet families gain more outdoor space and lower crime rates. For many, the move represents a balance between suburban comfort and city access. Ultimately, moving from Bala Cynwyd to Exton can give families more room to grow, better financial stability, and a lifestyle that prioritizes both comfort and opportunity.
