Moving to Media might be the smartest move if you’re looking for a town that blends small-town charm with real-world convenience. Nestled in Delaware County, this place has something most suburbs can’t offer: a strong identity, walkable streets, and a community that genuinely shows up for each other. Philadelphia movers regularly help clients relocate here because they’ve heard it’s one of the few suburbs where life slows down without feeling boring. The buzz around Media keeps growing because this town manages to feel tight-knit while still offering access to everything from art and nightlife to good schools and green space. And if you’re moving from Philly, it’s close enough that your old life won’t feel far away.
How Easy Is It to Get Around Without a Car?
Most towns this size require a car. Media doesn’t. This is a town where you can actually ditch your car keys some days. Movers in Media PA say that many of their clients choose Media for this reason alone. SEPTA’s Route 101 trolley runs right down State Street, giving residents a simple way to connect with the larger transit network. You’re looking at a 15-minute ride to the 69th Street Terminal, which gets you into Center City without transferring to a bus or driving in traffic.
The Media/Elwyn regional rail station is also nearby and gets you into downtown Philadelphia in around 30 minutes. And if you need to fly, the Philadelphia International Airport is just 20 minutes by car. Day-to-day, people in Media walk to pick up dry cleaning, grab a coffee, or take their kids to school. Parking is easy in most areas, and public lots are rarely full. So whether you’re commuting or running errands, everything’s within reach—and that’s rare in the suburbs.
The Suburban Town Where You Can Actually Ditch the Car
Living in Media means walkable errands, direct public transit to Philly, and a trolley running right down Main Street.
- SEPTA Route 101 trolley connects Media to 69th Street in ~15 mins
- Media/Elwyn Regional Rail takes ~30 mins to 30th Street Station
- I-476 and Route 1 nearby for fast driving access
- Walk to shops, banks, schools, restaurants
- Street parking and public lots are widely available
- Airport is only 20–25 mins away by car
What’s Behind Media’s “Everybody’s Hometown” Reputation?
That slogan might sound like clever marketing, but in Media’s case, it actually fits. Moving services in Philadelphia regularly help families who are drawn here by the vibe alone. There’s a constant hum of community activity. Every Wednesday night from May to September, State Street shuts down for Dining Under the Stars, where locals and visitors eat outdoors under string lights. The town hosts a huge Veterans Day parade, a beloved Halloween event, and multiple arts festivals throughout the year.
Even the weekly Media Farmers Market brings people out for local produce, baked goods, and a few familiar faces. This is the kind of place where people wave from their porches and remember your dog’s name. Newcomers don’t stay strangers for long because the whole town makes it easy to join in. There’s nothing artificial about it—it’s just what happens when people care about where they live.
This Town Lives Up to Its Name in Every Way
Media’s welcoming culture shows up in its weekly events, community pride, and sidewalk-level friendliness.
- Dining Under the Stars every Wednesday from May to September
- Veterans Day Parade, Halloween festivities, and Christmas events draw crowds
- Media Farmers Market runs weekly with local food and live music
- Annual jazz festival, film festival, and Media 5 Mile Race
- Sidewalks are social—neighbors actually greet each other
- Historic courthouse and main street add character
Are the Schools Really That Good?
Yes, and the data backs it up. Rose Tree Media School District consistently ranks as one of the best in the county. Last minute movers in Philadelphia often say clients moving to Media ask about the schools before anything else, especially families with young children. And for good reason. Media Elementary School alone gets high marks for teacher quality, student engagement, and a low student-to-teacher ratio—averaging about 15 to 1. At the middle and high school levels, students have access to AP classes, arts programs, and strong sports offerings.
SAT scores trend above state averages, and college placement rates are solid. The district invests in mental health resources, tech upgrades, and inclusive learning programs. Parents also get involved through strong PTO groups and regular communication. In 2025, the average property tax for homes in the school district falls between $5,800 and $7,200 annually, depending on location and size. That’s a solid trade-off for access to schools this good.
Why Parents Are Eyeing Rose Tree Media School District
Families moving to Media get access to one of Delaware County’s most respected school systems.
- Rose Tree Media ranks among top 10 in the county
- Media Elementary rated A on multiple school review platforms
- Average student–teacher ratio: ~15:1
- Penncrest High School offers AP classes, clubs, and sports
- High graduation and college placement rates
- Property taxes range from $5,800–$7,200 for most family homes
What’s It Like to Spend a Weekend in Downtown Media?
Downtown Media has a steady pulse that doesn’t wear you out. State Street stays active from early morning through late evening, especially on weekends when locals and visitors show up for breakfast, shopping, dinner, or a show. Local movers in Philadelphia PA often hear from clients who want a neighborhood with a real town center—and Media delivers that without chain stores or generic plazas. You can grab eggs and coffee at Bittersweet Café, browse shops with local jewelry and vinyl records, then catch a live matinee at the Media Theatre.
After sunset, the sidewalks stay full. Brick & Brew brings in a crowd for live jazz and cocktails, while Sterling Pig packs in trivia teams and local beer. Dessert is never far—bakeries and gelato shops keep their doors open late. What makes this area stand out is how everything fits together. The downtown grid makes it easy to spend a full day without needing to drive around. Businesses are walkable, independently owned, and supported by locals who keep coming back. You’ll find quality, variety, and a local economy that reinvests in itself—something that’s becoming harder to find in towns this size.
State Street Weekends Are Anything but Boring
The walkable downtown scene includes local shops, cafés, nightlife, and nonstop community events.
- Over 25 restaurants, wine bars, and breweries on State Street
- Local boutiques, indie bookstores, and vintage shops line the blocks
- Media Theatre offers professional plays and musicals
- Brick & Brew, Sterling Pig, and other bars have live music and trivia
- Street fairs and art shows pop up year-round
- Outdoor seating is common—even in shoulder seasons
Can You Actually Afford a Home Here in 2025?
For what you get, Media is still a good deal. Long distance movers in Philadelphia say a lot of clients are surprised when they see how far their money goes compared to other Philly suburbs. As of mid-2025, the median sale price for a single-family home is around $475,000. You can still find townhomes and condos in the $320,000 to $400,000 range. That’s significantly less than comparable homes in Ardmore or Wayne, where prices can top $600,000. Property taxes vary but tend to stay under $7,500 per year for most homes.
Renters moving to Media will find one-bedrooms for around $1,700, while two-bedrooms or townhouses may hit $2,100 to $2,500, depending on the location and updates. Newer apartments with amenities like in-unit laundry and parking are popping up near the train station, which attracts commuters. What’s nice is that Media doesn’t feel like it’s being gentrified in a rush. Growth feels planned, and there are still affordable options for first-time buyers and downsizers alike.
A Surprisingly Affordable Alternative to the Main Line
Media homes offer real value when compared to other Philadelphia suburbs.
- Median home price in 2025: ~$475,000
- Condos and townhomes: $320,000–$400,000
- Rents for 1-bedroom apartments: ~$1,700/month
- Rents for 2-bedroom or townhomes: $2,100–$2,500
- Property taxes often under $7,500/year
- First-time buyers still finding inventory below $450K
How Close Is It to the City—Really?
Media doesn’t just feel close to Philly—it is close. Philadelphia interstate movers know this corridor well, and it’s why many clients are choosing Media over farther-flung towns. By car, you’re looking at a 35 to 45-minute drive into Center City depending on traffic. On the train, it’s about 30 minutes from the Media/Elwyn line to 30th Street Station. That makes it a smart pick for commuters who want to work in the city but come home to something quieter. Unlike more distant suburbs, you’re not sacrificing access for peace of mind.
You still get same-day Amazon delivery, plenty of food delivery options, and a short drive to places like King of Prussia Mall or the airport. The balance here is what stands out. You can enjoy the benefits of living near one of the biggest cities in the country without dealing with parking meters, endless construction, or sirens outside your window every night.
Close Enough for Commutes, Far Enough for Peace
Media gives you access to Philadelphia without daily stress or urban noise.
- 35–45 mins to Center City by car
- 30 mins to downtown via Regional Rail
- Reliable SEPTA access for non-drivers
- Less traffic than nearby suburbs like Havertown or Springfield
- Same-day delivery and rideshare services widely available
- Short drive to King of Prussia Mall, PHL Airport, and stadiums
Where Do People Go to Enjoy Nature?
Even though it’s walkable and active, Media also gives you space to breathe. Move management experts who help people moving to Media from more urban environments often say clients are surprised by the greenery. Ridley Creek State Park is just a few miles away, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and picnic areas across 2,600 acres. Rose Tree Park is closer, with paved paths, open fields, and a summer concert series that brings out lawn chairs and food trucks.
The Chester Creek Trail offers a shady, paved path for walkers, runners, and cyclists—and it connects to other regional trails over time. Kids can ride bikes safely, and dog owners have plenty of off-leash options. Even within town limits, you’ll find pocket parks and shaded streets with mature trees. In spring and summer, the whole town bursts into color. If you’ve spent years in rowhouses or high-rises, it’s refreshing to live somewhere that has both sidewalks and songbirds.
You Don’t Have to Leave Town to Find Trees and Trails
Media offers outdoor space that makes it easy to stay active and relax.
- Ridley Creek State Park: 2,600 acres just minutes away
- Rose Tree Park: popular for concerts, sledding, and picnics
- Chester Creek Trail: paved trail for walking, biking, and running
- Multiple community playgrounds and neighborhood parks
- Pet-friendly areas and open green space throughout town
- Mature trees and gardens give many streets a park-like feel
Why Everyone’s Talking About Moving to Media, PA Right Now: Final Thoughts
Media isn’t a secret anymore, but it’s not overrun either. This is one of the rare suburbs where you can live close to the city, walk to dinner, send your kids to great schools, and still find a home that won’t break your budget. People are paying attention because this town gets the balance right—between charm and convenience, history and progress, quiet and activity. If you want a place that feels like home from day one, moving to Media is worth considering. With walkable streets, quality schools, green spaces, and strong values, it’s no wonder people keep saying this town has it all.
