About 7 miles west of Philadelphia, East Lansdowne is a three-by-six-block borough in Delaware County. While other communities in the county were built around several farm parcels, East Lansdowne was established by one family farm. A development company bought the 130-acre farm in 1902 and began building homes to turn East Lansdowne into the quaint residential borough that it is today. “The towns here are not that big, especially East Lansdowne,” says Lisa Ivery, area local and President of The Nile Swim Club. “Historically, you had a lot of families that grew up in these small areas, but it’s changed since then because a lot of homes now are rented out. But it’s still a tight community. People still know each other, and if they don’t, they’re getting to know each other.” According to the 2024 American Community Survey, 69% of East Lansdowne residents identify as Black or African American. Several programs nurture the borough’s culture, like The Nile Swim Club, a historic and community-building African American club.
Baltimore Ave borders East Lansdowne with family owned mom and pop shops.
Home owners and neighbors of East Lansdowne tend to gardens and keep properties clean.
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The Nile Swim Club at Yeadon Community Park
Just south of East Lansdowne, Yeadon Community Park has a playground, as well as open green space, a basketball court and The Nile Swim Club. “The short story is that in 1957, a group of African American families attempted to join the local swim club and were denied access,” says Ivery. “So they purchased a piece of property and built their own swim club, which opened in 1959. It’s a safe and fun space for families.” In addition to a transformative 10-day aquatics program called No Child Will Drown in Our Town, The Nile has Jessie’s Garden, which offers nutritional workshops once a month, and free basketball clinics. Ivery mentions that The Nile also provides seniors with wellness programs, including floral design and line dancing. “If you’re headed out on vacation and want to learn how to scuba, you can learn that here,” Ivery says. “We do aqua Zumba and aqua yoga. We’re working to revitalize the tennis courts, which we hope will be ready by 2026.” Ivery adds that one of The Nile’s goals is to help the community find leadership opportunities, whether that’s joining the club, volunteering, or working there. On the west side of the borough, Chapman Park features a playground and access to a paved walking and biking trail.
According to the CAP Index, East Lansdowne has a crime score of 6 out of 10, which is slightly higher than the national average of 4. Programs like the ones offered through The Nile Swim Club help to decrease this crime score by giving children and adults alike a place to spend their free time.
The fitness court at Yeadon Community Park is a popular and free way to get in shape.
Cobbs Creek Park borders Yeadon, providing miles of trails and multiple swimming holes.
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East Lansdowne's Community Day and Summerfest
The Borough of East Lansdowne is a community association that throws a series of events throughout the year, most of which are held at the centrally located Borough Hall. In the summer, they host Summerfest and the Fourth of July Parade, both providing children’s activities, food and music. In the fall, Community Day offers gift raffles, food trucks, face painting and massages. And during the holidays, the Tree Lighting Ceremony is complete with music, food and visits from Santa. The Nile Swim Club also hosts several community events, including a glow party. “We have a 13-year-old DJ named Chase the DJ, and sometimes robots show up,” Ivery says. “We just let the kids turn up, and they have a great time. They just go for it.”
American Foursquare single-family homes and twin-home rentals
Wide residential roads in a gridded pattern, lined with sidewalks and shaded by poplar and dogwood trees, make up the entirety of East Lansdowne. Common housing styles include American Foursquares, some that have been renovated into two separate twin home properties, Cape Cods, bungalows and other Colonial-inspired dwellings. Most homes feature driveways that lead to detached garages at the back of the property, while others offer street parking. Investment properties targeted toward landlords can cost from $150,000 to $325,000, and units in twin homes might range from $200,000 to $300,000. Standalone, single-family houses are typically priced between $225,000 and $425,000. Blended in with the neighborhood’s residences are East Lansdowne Church and Faith Immanuel Lutheran Church, which sit a block apart. Faith Immanuel provides African praise services, led by Liberian-born Pastor Moses Suah-Dennis.
Most homes in East Lansdowne have a modest front and backyard so kids and pets can play.
Find colonial inspired homes in East Lansdowne, standing 3 stories tall with extra living space.
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Getting around on the SEPTA train and bus system
Residents have access to the SEPTA train from the Fernwood Yeadon and Lansdowne Stations, both just south of East Lansdowne. The 69th Street Transit Center is about a mile north of the neighborhood, which provides train service east through Philadelphia and out to Frankford, west to Media and north to Norristown. The SEPTA bus services the community, and a bike lane runs north to south through the area. More commuting options include U.S. Route 13 and State Route 3, which are accessible just outside of East Lansdowne. Philadelphia International Airport is about a 7-mile drive south of the borough.
Local African cuisine and seafood restaurants
Residents don’t need to venture far for local dining. On the north side of East Lansdowne, The Motherland serves authentic African cuisine in colorful digs. On the south side of the neighborhood, there is a retail corner with a series of eateries and storefronts. Empire Diner offers American fare 24 hours a day, and next door, Giant is a local grocer. Also in this area, there are a few bars and lounges, including Carlette’s Hideaway, and multiple seafood establishments, including Uncle Joe’s Crab House. Less than a mile north of the borough, 69th Street Plaza offers The Fresh Grocer and fast-food eateries.
Dine inside or order a platter to go at The Motherland in East Lansdowne.
For dinner at home in East Lansdowne, pick up your groceries on the Baltimore Ave Giant.
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Congressional Youth Cabinet at Penn Wood High School
The William Penn School District, which receives a C-minus grade from Niche, serves students living in East Lansdowne. Students can begin at East Lansdowne Elementary School before advancing to Penn Wood Middle School, both of which receive a C-minus. They can then progress to Penn Wood High School, which has a C. The high school offers students the opportunity to join the Congressional Youth Cabinet, which educates students on Congress and policymaking and allows student members to meet with elected officials and other community leaders.
Students start their education career at East Lansdowne Elementary School.
Penn Wood Middle School's mid-century architecture makes it an icon of its Darby neighborhood.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
Video By
Jarrod Bock
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