Bryn Mawr

Bryn Mawr is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, located just west of Philadelphia along Lancaster Avenue. The settlement blends residential neighborhoods with commercial districts across roughly 2.5 square kilometers (0.96 square miles) at an elevation near 128 meters (420 feet).

The Pennsylvania Railroad laid its main line through this area in 1869, prompting the settlement to adopt its current name instead of the earlier Humphreysville. The rail connection drew new residents and transformed the community into a commuter suburb with easy access to the city.

The Welsh heritage appears in this community's name, which translates to "big hill" and reflects the gentle topography of the area. Along Lancaster Avenue, shops and cafés line up in a way that draws both students and local residents throughout the day.

The community is reachable via SEPTA Regional Rail, which runs along the Paoli/Thorndale Line with trains departing for Philadelphia multiple times each day. Most shops and services sit within walking distance around the station and along the main thoroughfare.

A building from 1889, designed by Frank Furness, originally served as a hotel and now houses The Baldwin School. This structure appears on the National Register of Historic Places and shows the distinctive architecture of that era.

Location: Montgomery County

Inception: 1681

Elevation above the sea: 128 m

GPS coordinates: 40.02110,-75.31690

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:21