Bala Cynwyd

Tucked away on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Bala Cynwyd whispers tales of Welsh heritage and American ingenuity. Bala Cynwyd wasn’t always a single entity. It began as two distinct villages, Bala and Cynwyd, named after their Welsh counterparts. These villages, settled in the 1680s by Welsh Quakers, eventually merged, unified by a shared zip code, 19004, under the Bala Cynwyd post office. Today, Bala Cynwyd boasts a population of 9,285, a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. This blend is evident in its architecture, from the grand stone mansions built between 1880 and 1920, nestled among sycamore-lined streets, to the post-World War II split-level homes. Imagine strolling down Montgomery Avenue, crossing the bridge over the old Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, now part of SEPTA’s Cynwyd Line. This area is the heart of Bala Cynwyd’s oldest commercial district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some buildings here date back to the early 19th century. Bala Avenue, an extension of this historic center, offers a unique shopping experience, known for its children’s clothing stores, women’s boutiques, and the historic Bala Theater. Bala Cynwyd is more than just charming streets and historic buildings. It’s a community rich in history and culture. Did you know that Bala Cynwyd was once the headquarters of the National Football League from 1946 to 1960? Or that it’s home to several broadcasting giants, including NBC’s WCAU-TV and ABC’s WPVI-TV? This unassuming community has also been home to notable figures, from NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who attended Bala Cynwyd Middle School, to magazine editor Jane Amsterdam and composer James A. Bland, whose final resting place is in Merion Memorial Park within Bala Cynwyd. The spirit of community thrives in Bala Cynwyd. The Neighborhood Club, established in 1906, continues to foster civic engagement and sponsors the annual Independence Day celebration. This parade, a vibrant display of local pride, begins in front of the Union Fire Association on Montgomery Avenue and culminates at the Bala Cynwyd Playground. Bala Cynwyd is a place where history comes alive. It’s a place where the echoes of Welsh settlers mingle with the hum of modern broadcasting. It’s a place of quiet streets and grand mansions, of bustling shops and community celebrations. Bala Cynwyd is more than just a name on a map. It’s a story waiting to be discovered.