Cynwyd Station, Other SEPTA Stops Increase Suburban Property Values, Study Says

A study from Econsult Solutions for SEPTA has concluded that suburban homes near SEPTA stations enjoy a bump in property values.

The firm, analyzing 2005-2012 home sales throughout Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks counties, found an average premium of $7,900 per property. Homeowners near high-traffic stations saw even bigger boosts, averaging more than $30,000, according to the study.

SEPTA announced in September it would have to shut down service on some lines without more funding, starting next year with the Cynwyd Regional Rail line that stops in Bala Cynwyd at Bala and Montgomery avenues and at Bala and City avenues. The state Senate has passed more funding, as reported by CBS Philly and others; the House has yet to vote on it.

The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd has emailed residents asking them to urge state representatives Pam DeLissio and Mary Jo Daley to endorse the Senate spending bill, as well as urge House Speaker Sam Smith to bring it to the floor.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Econsult study—which can be read in full here—cost SEPTA about $5,000 plus "data and in-kind services".

What do you consider are the pros and cons of living near a SEPTA station? Please tell us in the comments section below.