Ardmore Is Getting a $9M Makeover. Here's What It Means for Main Line Home Buyers

By Josh McKnight | The McKnight Team

Lower Merion Township commissioners recently voted to review conceptual plans for renovating Schauffele Plaza in Ardmore and the adjacent parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly civic green space. Two options are on the table, both priced around $9.3 million, with one preserving 18 parking spaces and another removing them entirely in favor of a more complete public square. The township already has $2.5 million committed for the Cricket Terrace portion. For anyone watching the Montgomery County real estate market, this is worth paying close attention to.

What the Project Actually Involves

Schauffele Plaza sits in the heart of Ardmore's downtown, just steps from Suburban Square, the Ardmore train station on the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line, and a concentrated stretch of restaurants, shops, and services along Lancaster Avenue. The renovation would add streetscape improvements to Cricket Terrace and enhancements along Trolley Way. The goal is to turn a dated civic space into something that actually draws people — the kind of walkable town center investment that directly affects how buyers perceive and value a neighborhood.

Parking has been a sticking point. Some business owners are concerned about losing spaces, but the township has pointed out that more than 1,000 parking spaces are expected to come online in the broader Ardmore Business District within two years through other planned developments. The Lower Merion Conservancy has come out in support of the more complete Option A.

This is not a hypothetical. The township has committed funding and is actively reviewing plans. That signals real momentum.

Why This Matters for the Ardmore Real Estate Market

Public investment in walkable commercial cores has a measurable effect on nearby home values. Buyers on the Main Line have long paid a premium to be within walking distance of train service and a functioning downtown. Ardmore already has both. A renovated Schauffele Plaza would strengthen that draw even further, particularly for the wave of buyers coming from Philadelphia who are looking for suburban walkability without giving up the feel of a neighborhood.

The median sale price in Ardmore hit $502,500 in February 2026, up 10.1% year over year, according to Redfin. That is a significant jump for a market that was already competitive. Homes near the train station and Suburban Square tend to move quickly and attract multiple offers. A more attractive town center gives buyers one more reason to choose Ardmore over other Main Line options — and gives sellers more to point to when justifying their price.

Our Ardmore community page has more detail on what makes this market tick if you want the full picture.

What This Means for You

Buyers who have been on the fence about Ardmore should treat this as a signal. The township is investing real money in the kind of infrastructure that holds and grows property values. You are not buying into a static neighborhood — you are buying into one that has capital committed to making it better. Sellers in central Ardmore and the blocks surrounding Suburban Square are in a strong position. If you have been thinking about timing a sale, the combination of rising prices and active public investment makes this a reasonable moment to find out exactly what you are sitting on.

The McKnight Team has deep experience in the Ardmore and Lower Merion market. We can help you understand what your home is worth in this environment and what buyers are actually paying right now. Visit TheMcKnightTeam.com to get started.

Thinking about buying or selling in Ardmore? Let's talk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ardmore Real Estate

What is the housing market like in Ardmore right now? Ardmore is one of the more competitive spots on the Main Line. Homes are moving quickly — typically within a few weeks for well-priced properties — and the median sale price was over $500,000 as of early 2026 according to Redfin, up more than 10% from the year before. Demand is driven by the combination of Regional Rail access, walkable retail on Lancaster Avenue and at Suburban Square, and proximity to Philadelphia.

What types of homes are available in Ardmore? Ardmore has a genuinely mixed housing stock. You will find classic stone colonials, brick twins, rowhomes, newer townhouse developments, and some condo buildings near the train station. It is one of the few Main Line communities where buyers at a range of price points can find something. Entry-level condos and twins exist alongside larger single-family homes priced well above $700,000.

How does the Ardmore train station affect home values? Proximity to the Ardmore station on the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail line is one of the most consistent value drivers in that market. Buyers coming from Philadelphia, or those who commute into Center City, place a significant premium on walkable train access. Homes within a few blocks of the station consistently command higher prices and shorter days on market than comparable homes further out.

Is Ardmore a good place to buy a home in 2026? Based on current market data and the level of public and private investment happening in the area, Ardmore looks strong for buyers with a multi-year horizon. The Schauffele Plaza renovation, continued development around Suburban Square, and steady price appreciation all point in the same direction. Buyers should expect competition and be prepared to move quickly on well-priced listings.

How long does it typically take to sell a home in Ardmore? Well-priced homes in Ardmore are selling in under 30 days, and some go faster than that. The most in-demand properties near Suburban Square and the train station can draw offers within the first weekend. Proper preparation and accurate pricing are the difference between a smooth sale and a listing that stalls.

Source: Main Line Media News, 3/30/2026