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Swarthmore

Swarthmore

Suburban Neighborhood in Pennsylvania

Delaware County 19081, 19086

$549,921 Average Value
$266 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

Residents find a forever home in the close-knit community of Swarthmore

Welcome to Swarthmore, a borough home to the private university Swarthmore College. With the extension of passenger rail in the 1880s, Swarthmore became very desirable as a commuter suburb for those working in Philadelphia. Though only eleven miles from downtown Philadelphia, Swarthmore, with its great schools, tree-lined streets, historic buildings and English-inspired village center makes it a very desirable home-buying location. With most property privately owned by residents or the college, Swarthmore hasn’t seen much large-scale change or development since the 1950s. People who live in Swarthmore tend to stay in Swarthmore—because of this, home-buying in Swarthmore can be somewhat competitive, but it also means close-knit communities and safe neighborhoods where people take pride in their homes.

Swarthmore is its own, self-contained community just a few miles drive from Philadelphia.
Swarthmore is its own, self-contained community just a few miles drive from Philadelphia.
Swarthmore College's makes up a large part of Swarthmore's land area.
Swarthmore College's makes up a large part of Swarthmore's land area.
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Colonial Revivals, Victorians and modern townhouses

Approximately half of the homes in Swarthmore were built between the 1900s and 1940s. There’s a mix of historic stone structures, Victorians, Colonial Revival and Cape Cod-style houses. There are a few small townhouse communities and condo complexes, but on average, most of the homes in Swarthmore are three- to four-bedroom standalone residences. These homes are on the larger side, set on wooded lawns and streets lined with trees. Due to the quality of the homes here, most sell for between $500,000 and $1 million. However, single Cape Cod cottages, townhouses and condos tend to sell for around $200,000.

Many Victorian homes can be found throughout Swarthmore.
Many Victorian homes can be found throughout Swarthmore.
The peaked roof gives this Swarthmore a distinctive French Provincial look.
The peaked roof gives this Swarthmore a distinctive French Provincial look.
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Students attend the Wallingford-Swarthmore Public School District

The schools in the area are among some of the top-rated schools in the state. Wallingford Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and has an A-plus grade on Niche. Grades six through eight then go on to Strath Haven Middle School, which has an overall A grade. High schoolers attend Strath Haven High School, which also has an overall A-plus on Niche. In addition to its excellent academics, the school has a thriving arts program including options like ceramics, printmaking and graphic design. There are also some application-based schools available, like the Notre Dame de Lourdes school.

Strath Haven High School just outside of Rose Valley welcomes all students of the area.
Strath Haven High School just outside of Rose Valley welcomes all students of the area.
Strath Haven Middle School is a highly rated, public school located in Wallongford, PA.
Strath Haven Middle School is a highly rated, public school located in Wallongford, PA.
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Local arboretums and parks dot Swarthmore’s enclaves

Residents have access to so much of Swarthmore’s local nature. The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, a sprawling, 425-acre botanical garden with over 100 plant collections, is open year-round. The college is also home to Crum Woods, a forest with over three miles of trails. The town also has several small parks, including Little Crum Creek Park, a restored wetland with wooded trails and a gazebo. Little Crum Creek Park is actively maintained by the Friends of Little Crum Creek Park, a non-profit community organization that has been working to restore the park’s wetlands, clear invasives, and build improved signage and amenities. Other favorites include Thatcher Park, which has a spacious play area, and nearby Ridley Creek State Park, which has fishing and hiking. In the fall, residents flock to Linvilla Orchard, where residents can pick apples and pumpkins and enjoy the farm.

Thatcher Park is dedicated to the littlest residents of Swarthmore.
Thatcher Park is dedicated to the littlest residents of Swarthmore.
Swarthmore College's arboretum is a fun destination known to few other than locals.
Swarthmore College's arboretum is a fun destination known to few other than locals.
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Home to a thriving town center with, co-ops, markets and fairs

Swarthmore is a town that’s walkable from end to end, so nearly everything is nearby. Swarthmore’s Tudor-style town center is home to many annual favorites, such as the Swarthmore Maker’s Market, featuring artisans from the surrounding area. The nearby Community Arts Center in Wallingford also hosts a yearly Fine Arts & Crafts Fair in downtown Swarthmore. Events at Swarthmore College’s Lang Performing Arts Center, which has five separate venues and a 420-seat performance hall, are always open to the public. For a meal, residents can dine at favorites like Village Vine Wine Bar and Bistro or Occasionally Yours, a popular spot for breakfast. There are also a variety of locally owned boutiques, like Lunch Break Vintage clothing store. Organic produce and local goods are a favorite here, with options like Swarthmore CO-OP, Martindale Natural Market and Swarthmore Farmers Market right within reach. There are several other options for groceries as well, including Lidl, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods nearby. On Baltimore Pike, residents can access retail and big box stores like Springfield Mall, Target and Kohl’s.

The Swarthmore Co-op is a popular grocery destination for those who prefer to shop locally.
The Swarthmore Co-op is a popular grocery destination for those who prefer to shop locally.
Downtown Swarthmore has many retail stores for visitors.
Downtown Swarthmore has many retail stores for visitors.
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Commuters can get to Center City Philadelphia with ease

Easy access to Philadelphia is a must for many commuters here. With proximity to Interstate 95, Center City is less than 20 miles away. Those seeking public transportation can head to the SEPTA light rail station in Swarthmore for easy access to Philly. There are also bus stops located throughout the area. Others commute to Wilmington, Delaware, which is about eighteen miles south of Swarthmore. For frequent travelers, Swarthmore is only 10 miles from Philadelphia International Airport. Convenience to Philly and beyond makes Swarthmore an excellent place for those seeking peaceful small-town living without sacrificing city access.

Swarthmore's train station is located right on campus and brings students to and from the city.
Swarthmore's train station is located right on campus and brings students to and from the city.
I-476 is the central route linking Swarthmore with Philadelphia and King of Prussia.
I-476 is the central route linking Swarthmore with Philadelphia and King of Prussia.
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Micaela Green
Written By
Micaela Green
Britt Lyle
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Britt Lyle

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Rachel Crowl-McGrath, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

16 min drive

Train

Swarthmore

Bus

Chester Rd & Westdale Av

Bus

Chester Rd & Harvard Av

Bus

Baltimore Pk & Sproul Rd - Mbfs

Bus

Chester Rd & College Av

Bus

Chester Rd & Yale Av

Bus

Chester Rd & Fairview Rd

Bus

Chester Rd & Parklane Rd

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Swarthmore US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$360,000
Median Single Family Price
$430,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$247,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$147,250
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$266
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
85
Months of Supply
2.10
Median List Price
$360,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,193
Median Year Built
1953
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,011
On par with the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
788
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,145
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
754
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • Thursday, May 1
    5 - 7pm

    320 Riverview Rd, Swarthmore, PA 19081

    $825,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,624 Sq Ft
    • 320 Riverview Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    The original footprint of this charming home dates back to the 1890s when this house served as the farmers dwelling for the estate up the hill. Enhanced now by many additions and improvements a lucky buyer will be able to make this bright and airy home their own for the first time in 40 years! The new walkway invites you to explore and enjoy this unique 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath expanded colonial

    Becky Hansen BHHS Fox & Roach-Media

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Rachel Crowl-McGrath, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,111
Median Age
36
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$110,997
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,433

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
62.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

70 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Swarthmore