Upper Merion, Pennsylvania

Just 16 miles outside Philadelphia, Upper Merion is a township that’s part of the city’s growing urban fringe. It has an urban-suburban feel, 65,000 jobs, and a lot to offer families.

It’s home to Valley Forge National Historical Park, which boasts 3,500 acres of trails, woodlands, and monuments dedicated to the Revolutionary War. The township’s Parks and Recreation program is activity-oriented, with plenty of smaller parks, camps and sports leagues for kids, and events like the Earth Day Festival. There are also many museums and attractions in the surrounding area. The nearby Elmwood Park Zoo houses more than 100 species primarily indigenous to the Americas, while the Academy of Natural Sciences in nearby Philadelphia offers a look at biodiversity and environmental science with a fossil dig and children’s discovery center.

One of the most popular areas experiencing growth within Upper Merion is King of Prussia, home to the King of Prussia Mall—the country’s largest in terms of retail square footage, with more than 450 stores. The mall plans to open Netflix House next year, a two-story interactive entertainment space that will include immersive games and merchandise.

The housing market in Upper Merion is neutral, according to Rocket Homes, meaning that prices are reasonable and homes stay on the market for a typical amount of time.