A connected community in The Boro
Hatboro is a know-know-neighbor town about 25 miles north of Philadelphia that tips its cap to tradition. Known today as The Boro by locals, the area was originally named in honor of one of the community's earliest residents' professions as a hatmaker. This 1.5-square-mile neighborhood maintains both a Revolutionary War heritage and a muscle-car culture through celebrations that honor the old past and the recent past. "We’re equal parts old history and new history,” says Hatboro mayor, Tim Schultz. “We are a Main Street town, but a lot of people remember Hatboro as the muscle-car town.” The annual Crooked Billet Day recognizes the town’s Union efforts as the town comes together, some residents dressed in Revolutionary War garb, at the site of the battle. And Moonlight Memories allows cruisers to reminisce on The Boro’s simpler times as they ride along York Road, the main two-lane artery through town. The older generation is attracted to Hatboro for its small-town atmosphere that nods to the past, while young families appreciate how the community is making room for the future to flourish with new development. "We're growing with a new generation, so we have to keep up with the times," Schultz says.
Established Colonials and new Traditional townhomes
Most Hatboro residents live in single-family homes on quarter-acre lots that are well-manicured and cozied up close to neighbors. Mature trees shade the way for Colonials, Cape Cods and Split levels with attached garages and driveways, ranging from about $400,000 to around $650,000. There is a limited inventory of two-bedroom, one-bathroom condos available for around $250,000. “Hatboro has been known as a Mayberry kind of area,” Schultz says. “But in the last year, we’ve been developing the community more. Hatboro Station townhomes are a part of this.” These Traditional townhomes built in 2020 offer $430,000 to $460,000 units with updated appliances, a dog park, trail access and a $260 HOA fee. “There’s also going to be a boom of hundreds of apartments, bringing in more dwellers. We’re expecting the population to go from 8,000 to 10,000.”
Dinner, drinks and desserts on York Road
One perk about living in a small town is the ability to drive – or walk – a couple of blocks to the local shops and restaurants. York Road is lined with options, including Daddypops Diner, which keeps a wall of coffee mugs brought in by regulars. This 1950s retro diner is a neighborhood staple for American breakfast and was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. When in the mood for a cheese-on-bottom pizza, locals head to Joe’s Pizza. And for Mexican cuisine, there’s the colorful Amor Ala Mexicana. After a meal, residents can try a craft beer flight at Artifact Brewing or catch some live music at Crooked Eye Brewery. Nostalgia hits as soon as shoppers enter Joys & Toys to rummage through old collectibles, and sweet cravings are satisfied nearby at Nutz About Popcorn. The main spot for residents to grab groceries is at the family-run Produce Junction, centrally located in town.
Top-rated Hatboro-Horsham school district
Students living in Hatboro can begin with a 10-1 student-teacher ratio at Crooked Billet Elementary School, which Niche grades a B-plus. A new campus was built in 2020, but the school still takes pride in being on the land where the 1778 Battle of Crooked Billet took place. “A monument was put up in 1865, and the new campus was built around it,” Schultz says. “Every year on May 1st, students dress up in Revolutionary War garb to honor Crooked Billet Day. It’s a nice connection for the kids to feel the reverence and honor of the fallen soldiers.” Students can advance to Keith Valley Middle School, also graded a B-plus. Hatboro-Horsham High School, graded an A-minus by Niche, offers a 10-1 student-teacher ratio. Niche ranks this school in the top 13% as one of the best high schools in Pennsylvania for both college prep and athletics.
Time for play at Masons Mill Park
Residents head just south of Hatboro to get fresh air and exercise at Masons Mill Park. This 76-acre park features lighted athletic courts and fields, a walking trail and a fishing pond. Kids appreciate the playground and Safety Town Street play area, a unique replica of nearby Willow Grove. Nearby, hikers can access the Pennypack Creek Trail, which runs 82 miles along the northeast side of Philadelphia. During the warmer months, the Hatboro Memorial Swimming Pool on the north side opens to the public. And the community gathers at Miller Meadow for the annual Hatboro Summer Fun Festival each May.
Moonlight Memories and Holiday Parades
Many remember Hatboro as a car-friendly cruising town from the 1950s and 1960s. “We’re fondly remembered as East Coast’s top cruising spot, and to honor this, the Chamber of Commerce put together the Moonlight Memories car show,” Schultz says. “Every July for the last 25 years, muscle cars and hot rods will ride down York Road, so drivers can relive their memories.” People continue to show off and admire these cars during Cruisin’ for a Cause, held from May through September. “It’s well-attended and well-appreciated. People come out and drop off food donations,” Schultz adds. Hatboro also hosts the Holiday Parade, which Schultz claims is the biggest little holiday parade in the Delaware Valley. This celebration, which has been going strong for 64 years, fills York Road with festive floats and spirited marching bands. In addition to restaurants and community events, this main thoroughfare through town is home to a variety of Christian-denomination churches.
Taking the Hatboro train into Center City
Interstate 276, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, runs east to west on the south side of Hatboro. SEPTA also provides convenient public transportation, with several bus stops to get around town. The Hatboro Station cruises the Warminster Line, which train passengers can ride into Center City about 25 miles south.
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
