Saint Davids

Sharing the name with the patron saint of Wales, St. Davids is a quiet, well-established suburb in the eastern section of Wayne in Delaware County among some of the most prestigious, sought-after communities along Philadelphia’s Main Line.

“St Davids is a nice combination of a quiet, charming neighborhood with easy access to everywhere you need,” says Tracy Pulos, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach.

St. Davids boasts a suburban lifestyle with the convenience of urban amenities just a hop, skip and a jump away. Residents have close access to St. Davids Station, a part of SEPTA’s regional railway system, for expedient traveling to Center City in Philadelphia.

The neighborhood received its namesake from St. Davids Episcopal Church, a Historic church built in the 18th century. The church has been at the center of the annual Country Fair for nearly 200 years. Neighbors also come together and perform live music on their porches for the South Wayne PorchFest, where the harmonious melodies of guitars and singing infuse the air.

St. Davids is home to the South Wayne Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, filled with Colonial Revival and Shingle Style homes. These historic structures date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and represent the area’s suburban growth as a commuter railroad suburb.

“Many homes are very diverse and offer much character,” says Pulos.

The verdant, rolling, hilled landscapes of St. Davids provide a scenic backdrop to its stately turn-of-the-century homes and modern contemporary estates. White picket fences, multi-car garages, long driveways, carved hedges and towering trees are central features. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll be transported to a different time with Tudor, Second Empire and Queen Anne architectural styles compromising most housing stock. These abodes generally are priced within the $1- $2 Million range.

St. Davids youngest residents will receive education from several top-notch schools apart of the Radnor Township School District, ranked #1 in the state. Youngsters at Wayne Elementary School can participate in their numerous afterschool programs focusing on engineering, science and technology and will graduate to Radnor Middle. Those at Radnor High can be a part of the comprehensive Career and Technical Education series of programs honing skills in art and design media, automotive technology and medical careers.

Bo Conner Park is where you’ll find neighborhood kids utilizing the playscape on warm days, and basketball and tennis courts coming alive. Adjacent to the park, just across Little Darby Creek, you’ll discover Warren Filipone Memorial Park with several large baseball diamonds. Friends of Radnor Trail Park is a linear greenspace ideal for leisurely strolls and bike rides with your pets or loved ones, don’t forget to check out the historical plaques dotted among the paved footpaths. Chanticleer Garden’s 48 acres of lush botanic hillsides offer a serene experience where you can observe flowers and sign up for agricultural classes.

The true heart of St. Davids is its walkable access to Downtown Wayne, a thriving shopping district filled with local eateries, upscale boutiques and historic landmarks, including the Anthony Wayne Theater and The Wayne Hotel, built in 1906. There's a festive atmosphere, whether shopping for unique finds at Belladonna Gifts or getting a bike at Befitting Bicycles to explore downtown. Get a cooling treat at Mad Anthony Wayne Café for homemade creamy Italian gelato and sorbets. Pop into Paola’s for authentic Italian cuisine, or head to Vic & Deans Pizzeria Grill for dinner. Since 1971, The Minella Diner has been plating up classic comfort dishes like Philly beef steak sandwiches.

When you aren’t shopping, dining or traveling to Philly, don't forget to get acquainted with the community at one of its bustling festivals. “Downtown Wayne always has a lot of events, like the Wayne Music Festival, Fall Festival and Wheels of Wayne,” Pulos says.

Written By

Pao Cordero

Photography Contributed By

Joe Pulcinella

Video By

Victoria Sharpe