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any Americans choose suburbs over cities. Niche.com’s 2025 Best Suburbs list evaluates schools, crime, housing, jobs, and amenities using Census data and resident feedback. A suburb is a Census‑defined area outside a principal city with at least 1,000 people. Chesterbrook, PA tops the list. Only four suburbs fall below the national median home price of $439,990: Penn Wynne PA ($288,750), Ardmore PA ($429,500), Okemos MI ($439,000), and Brentwood MO ($185,000). Higher prices often reflect larger homes and a slower pace. The pandemic accelerated suburban migration; a partial reversal has followed as offices reopen, yet 79% of Americans under 55 still view a suburban single‑family home as ideal.
The Philadelphia Main Line dominates the rankings with Chesterbrook, Ardmore, and Penn Wynne in the top 20. The area offers proximity to the city, new developments, parks, libraries, and a welcoming community. Chesterbrook’s median price is $569,000; it boasts King of Prussia mall, an international airport, state parks, Amtrak and SEPTA access, and Valley Forge National Park. The community is dense suburban, largely townhomes, 64% owner‑occupied, and highly walkable.
Other top suburbs include:
1. Chesterbrook, PA – Pop. 5,439 – Grade A+ – Median $569,000
2. Carmel, IN – Pop. 100,501 – Grade A+ – Median $599,900
3. Madison, AL – Pop. 58,335 – Grade A+ – Median $845,000
4. Johns Creek, GA – Pop. 82,115 – Grade A+ – Median $849,900
5. Ardmore, PA – Pop. 14,165 – Grade A+ – Median $429,500
6. Penn Wynne, PA – Pop. 6,220 – Grade A+ – Median $288,750
7. Brookline, MA – Pop. 62,822 – Grade A+ – Median $1,687,000
8. Cinco Ranch, TX – Pop. 19,139 – Grade A+ – Median $631,600
9. Okemos, MI – Pop. 25,503 – Grade A+ – Median $439,000
10. Naperville, IL – Pop. 149,242 – Grade A+ – Median $625,000
11. Innsbrook, VA – Pop. 8,559 – Grade A+ – Median $525,000
12. Clarendon Hills, IL – Pop. 8,642 – Grade A+ – Median $475,000
13. North Potomac, MD – Pop. 23,994 – Grade A+ – Median $799,000
14. Brentwood, MO – Pop. 8,151 – Grade A+ – Median $185,000
15. Cary, NC – Pop. 176,686 – Grade A+ – Median $595,000
16. Hinsdale, IL – Pop. 17,155 – Grade A+ – Median $1,262,450
17. Blue Ash, OH – Pop. 13,374 – Grade A+ – Median $799,900
18. Alpharetta, GA – Pop. 66,355 – Grade A+ – Median $850,000
19. Ho‑Ho‑Kus, NJ – Pop. 4,230 – Grade A+ – Median $1,597,000
20. Swarthmore, PA – Pop. 6,524 – Grade A+ – Median $675,000
These communities combine strong schools, low crime, robust employment, and abundant amenities, making them attractive for families and professionals alike.
