ARDMORE, PA — Ardmore is the “best” place to live in Pennsylvania and one of the top 10 communities in the United States, according to new rankings from Niche.

Now in its 12th year, Niche’s 2026 Best Places to Live list graded more than 20,000 communities based on schools, cost of living, economic opportunity and a range of other factors.

Main Line communities dominated the Pennsylvania rankings, while several were among the nation’s highest-ranked.

Ardmore ranked first in the state and seventh in the nation. Several nearby communities weren’t far behind:

Devon: second in PA, eighth in the U.S.Penn Wynne: third in PA, eighth in the U.S.Chesterbrook: fourth in PA, 12th in the U.S.Swarthmore: fifth in PA, 28th in the U.S.Paoli: seventh in PA, 50th in the U.S.

Niche gave Ardmore an A-plus, along with the following grades across 12 categories in consideration:

Public schools: A+Housing: B+Good for families: A+Jobs: A-Cost of living: B-Outdoor activities: ACrime and safety: not ratedNightlife: ADiversity: A-Weather: B-Health and fitness: A+Commute: A

Niche generates its ratings by blending public data and reviews from residents.

“This year’s top-ranked places are smaller, walkable communities within major metro areas, giving residents access to jobs, amenities, and transit while maintaining connected neighborhoods,” Niche said in a news release. “Many have populations under 15,000, as demand grows for places that balance urban convenience with neighborhood livability.”

Niche touted Ardmore’s mix of urban-suburban feel, highly-rated schools and the community’s bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks.

The cost of living is on the higher end. Ardmore’s median income is $77,018 — nearly twice the national average of $44,673 — according to U.S. Census data.

Niche says the 2026 rankings showed shifting priorities for buyers and renters, including “affordability pressures.” Many of the highest-rated communities were also near major economic hubs, where robust job markets and high-quality public schools continue to attract residents, according to the web platform.

“People are increasingly looking for neighborhoods that offer both access to diverse career opportunities and a strong sense of community,” said Niche Economist Allison Shrivastava. “These smaller, walkable communities provide the mix of amenities and livability that families and young professionals both value.”

Click here for Niche’s 2026 Best Places to Live rankings.