Natural suburbia in Middletown Township, where all trails lead
Signs in Middletown Township welcome people to a Delaware County community, “Where all trails lead.” More than 30 miles of trails meander through public parks and the private Tyler Arboretum, abutting Ridley Creek State Park on Middletown's northern edge. Its position on Baltimore Pike has also brought suburban conveniences to the township’s wooded hillsides, including corporate and health care hubs, modern shopping centers and highly rated Rose Tree Media schools. Between its open space and manicured suburbia, Middletown Township makes it easy for neighbors to run into one another on the trails or on the road toward Wawa’s headquarters or Center City. “I think it’s a hidden gem. There are train stations to bring you to Philadelphia if you don’t want to drive to work, so it’s in a great corridor to get a lot of different places easily,” says Karen Bittner-Kight , a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who’s specialized in Delaware and Chester counties for over 40 years. “I raised my family here, my kids are raising their families here. Everybody knows and likes each other. You go to vote at the polls, and you know each other. And they know your kids and grandkids. It’s nice.”
Suburbs shaded by mature trees
Many types of neighborhoods filled Middletown during different eras of development: blocks of Cape Cods and ranch-style homes in the midcentury, followed by cul-de-sacs of colonials and split-levels and pockets of luxury contemporary construction. Historic homes built in Victorian and humbler prewar styles pepper former crossroads villages. Houses built before the 1980s can go for about $330,000 to $890,000. New Traditional homes built since the 1990s and higher-end custom houses can sell for around $760,000 to $1.6 million. Townhouses built before the 2010s sell for around $210,000 to $470,000, while newer construction goes for around $600,000 to $1 million. Some residents rent rather than own homes in mixed-use apartment complexes and retirement communities like Granite Farms Estates. Despite Middletown’s suburbanization, neighborhoods retain a leafy, natural look. “There’s still a lot of mature trees and foliage because they didn’t cut every single tree when they were putting down all these developments. So, it’s pretty here. Especially in the fall,” Bittner-Kight says.
Ridley Creek State Park, miles of trails and other recreation hubs
Ridley Creek State Park is a 2,600-plus-acre Delco destination for hiking, horseback riding and fly fishing in the woods. A ticket to the Tyler Arboretum offers access to 650 acres of bucolic beauty, where visitors follow paths to a butterfly house, whimsical treehouses and a giant sequoia tree. In the 1980s, Middletown officials began programs to preserve open space. Today, residents can explore dozens of miles of forested paths like Rocky Run Trail. The Natural Lands’ Wawa Preserve is a popular place to enjoy a tranquil walk along Rocky Run. Cyclists pedal along the water on the Chester Creek Trail. Sleighton Park has more paths, a playground and fields for Rose Tree Soccer Club youth games and practices. The Rocky Run YMCA draws lap swimmers and seniors looking to get active at SilverSneakers classes.
High ratings in the Rose Tree Media School District
Middletown Township is served by the Rose Tree Media School District, which earns an A from Niche. Kids can start at a few A-rated schools, including Glenwood Elementary School. Springton Lake Middle School also scores an A. A-minus-rated Penncrest High School offers dual enrollment courses through Delaware County Community College.
The Promenade at Granite Run and rural local businesses
A shopping mall off Baltimore Pike was redeveloped into the Promenade at Granite Run. The mixed-use development is home to retailers like Acme Markets, Boscov’s, Kohl’s and T.J. Maxx. More chain and locally owned businesses pop up farther down the pike. Early birds grab breakfast at The Rooster Diner, and Casa Mia is a casual spot for homestyle Italian cooking. On back roads, locals find fresh produce at small farm stands like Wolff’s Apple House and baked goods at the market at Linvilla Orchards. Media 's walkable downtown shopping district is about 3 miles away.
Family-friendly fun at township events and Linvilla Orchards
Seasonal festivities bring neighbors together throughout the year, whether they’re trunk-or-treating at the Middletown Fire Company or waiting for the municipal building’s Christmas tree to light up in December. “At Linvilla Orchards, you can feed the animals, go fishing, go to the pumpkin patches to pick your own pumpkins, go to the orchards to pick your own apples – they have all kinds of events there. And their homemade breads and pies are so good,” Bittner-Kight says. Houses of worship hold services throughout Middletown, including Lima Church and Congregation Beth Yeshua.
Major Delco employers, getting to Center City on SEPTA
Wawa’s corporate headquarters and Riddle Hospital are in and just outside Middletown Township. Many commuters take a roughly 30-mile drive to Philadelphia. Wilmington is closer to 20 miles away. The SEPTA Media/Wawa regional rail line train travels between Wawa’s campus and Center City in about 50 minutes, accessible from the Wawa and Elwyn stations. A handful of SEPTA buses also stop throughout Middletown. Philadelphia International Airport is about 15 miles from home.
![Julia Szymanski]()
Written By
Julia Szymanski
