Are you buying or selling a home in Delaware County but feeling a bit overwhelmed?
Here are the key points every homeowner and realtor should know about the Delco real estate market.
The Delaware County real estate market spans from charming Main Line communities to affordable family neighborhoods, and each has its benefits!
So, in this competitive market, understanding the nuances of each community is essential for making smart real estate decisions.
You are about to learn about the key neighborhoods and what makes each area unique for home buyers and sellers.
This post is all about helping buyers and sellers navigate the Delaware County real estate market with expert insights.
Delaware County is the new Hotspot?
Yep, for real. Delaware County is emerging as a real estate hotspot due to its compelling combination of affordability, excellent transportation infrastructure, top-rated school districts.
Plus, there is a strong market momentum driven by spillover demand from buyers priced out of Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
Many of the little “downtown” areas have this appealing suburban lifestyle that balances small-town charm with the convenience of an easy commute to Philadelphia.
Understanding the Delaware County Real Estate Market
Let me share a story about James and Sarah, recent clients who relocated from California to Delaware County for James’s job in Center City Philadelphia.
“We were amazed by how different each town felt, even though they were just minutes apart,” Sarah explained. “The housing styles, prices, and community vibes varied dramatically. We wish we had consulted an appraiser earlier to understand the true value differences between similar homes in different townships.”
Types of Delaware County Homes You Should Know
Delaware County homes display so many different architectural styles reflecting its rich history and suburban development:
- Stone Colonials: The quintessential Main Line home with fieldstone exteriors
- Tudor Revival: Distinctive half-timbered designs popular in established neighborhoods
- Cape Cod: Charming 1.5-story homes with dormer windows
- Split-Level Homes: Popular 1960s-70s design with multiple levels
- Ranch Homes: Single-story living, common in newer developments
- Victorian Houses: Ornate 19th-century homes in historic areas
- Modern Townhouses: Contemporary attached homes with updated amenities
Understanding the different Delaware County communities
Delaware County’s townships and boroughs each offer unique characteristics, housing styles, and price points.
Scroll down or tap the area below to explore your market:
1. Media Borough
Price Range: Mid to high range, premium for walkable downtown living
Pros:
- Vibrant, walkable downtown with unique shops and restaurants
- “Everybody’s Hometown” charm with strong community events
- Excellent public transportation (SEPTA Media/Elwyn Line)
- Top-rated Penncrest School District
- Historic courthouse and civic center
- Annual festivals and farmers markets
- Tree-lined residential streets
- Close proximity to Ridley Creek State Park
- Active arts scene and community theater
- Family-friendly environment
Cons:
- Higher property taxes compared to surrounding townships
- Limited parking in downtown core
- Competitive housing market
- Older homes may require significant updates
- Higher cost of living than outer townships
- Limited inventory of available homes
- Traffic congestion during events
Media Borough Housing Characteristics:
Media offers a charming mix of architectural styles:
- Historic Victorians near downtown
- Stone colonials on tree-lined streets
- Tudor revival homes in established neighborhoods
- Cape Cod cottages throughout residential areas
- Some newer construction and renovated properties
Most properties feature mature landscaping, full basements, original hardwood floors, updated kitchens and baths, front porches, and walking distance to downtown amenities.
Building eras include late 1800s Victorian homes, early 1900s colonials and tudors, mid-century additions, and selective new construction.
Typical amenities include 3-4 bedrooms, 1.5-2.5 bathrooms, formal dining rooms, finished basements, detached garages, and established gardens.
2. Swarthmore Borough
Price Range: High range, influenced by college presence, impressive architecture, and convenient location.
Pros:
- Prestigious Swarthmore College creates intellectual atmosphere
- Exceptional Wallingford-Swarthmore School District
- Beautiful Scott Arboretum and campus grounds
- Strong property values and investment potential
- Walkable village center with local businesses
- SEPTA Regional Rail access to Philadelphia
- Active community organizations and events
- Historic architecture and tree-lined streets
Cons:
- Limited inventory and high competition
- College influence on local dynamics
- Higher property taxes
- Parking challenges near campus
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Strict zoning and historic preservation rules
Swarthmore Borough Housing Characteristics:
Swarthmore features some of Delaware County’s most prestigious homes:
- Grand stone colonials and estates
- Historic Victorian mansions
- Arts and Crafts bungalows
- Tudor revival homes
- Faculty housing near college
Most properties feature large lots with mature trees, original architectural details, high-end finishes, multiple fireplaces, formal living spaces, and proximity to college amenities.
The homes are primarily pre-war construction (1890s-1940s), some mid-century professor housing, carefully maintained historic properties, and limited new construction.
Luxury amenities typically include 4+ bedrooms, 2.5+ bathrooms, formal dining rooms, libraries/studies, finished basements, detached garages, and extensive landscaping.
3. Upper Darby Township
Price Range: More affordable with diverse housing options across different neighborhoods
Pros:
- Affordable housing options for first-time buyers
- Excellent public transportation (SEPTA trolleys, buses, Regional Rail)
- Close proximity to Philadelphia (15-20 minutes)
- Growing arts and cultural scene
- Variety of shopping and dining options
- Strong community organizations
- Historic Sellers Park and recreation facilities
- Active youth sports programs
Cons:
- Variable neighborhood conditions block by block
- School district quality concerns in some areas
- Higher density living than suburban townships
- Limited parking in some sections
- Older infrastructure
- Traffic congestion on major arteries
Upper Darby Township Housing Characteristics:
Upper Darby offers diverse housing across different neighborhoods:
- Bywood: Stone colonials and tudor homes
- Drexel Hill: Mix of twins and single homes
- Highland Park: Traditional rowhomes and twins
- Stonehurst: Larger single-family homes
Most properties feature full basements, small to medium yards, street parking or driveways, original details in older homes, and various renovation states.
Housing includes early 1900s rowhomes and twins, 1920s-1940s colonials and tudors, post-war ranch and split-level homes, and some new construction.
Typical layouts include 2-4 bedrooms, 1-2.5 bathrooms, eat-in kitchens, living and dining rooms, finished basements, and outdoor space.
4. Havertown/Haverford Township
Price Range: Mid to high range, popular family community
Pros:
- Excellent Haverford Township School District
- Strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere
- Abundant parks and recreational facilities
- Active youth sports leagues and programs
- Convenient shopping at Havertown Square
- Easy access to major highways (I-476, Route 1)
- SEPTA Regional Rail service
- Strong property values and resale potential
- Active community events and festivals
Cons:
- Higher property taxes for quality schools
- Competitive housing market
- Traffic congestion during rush hours
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Older homes may need updates
- Higher cost of living than outer areas
- Parking challenges at shopping areas
Havertown/Haverford Township Housing Characteristics:
Haverford Township features classic suburban architecture:
- Stone colonials (signature Main Line style)
- Tudor revival homes
- Cape Cod cottages
- Split-level homes from 1960s-70s
- Ranch homes in newer sections
Most properties have larger lots than urban areas, mature landscaping, updated kitchens and baths, finished basements, attached or detached garages, and family-friendly layouts.
Construction periods include pre-war stone homes (1920s-1940s), post-war suburban development (1950s-1970s), and some newer construction and major renovations.
Amenities typically include 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, family rooms, formal dining rooms, finished basements, two-car garages, and private yards.
5. Springfield Township
Price Range: Mid-range, excellent value
Pros:
- Outstanding Springfield School District
- Family-oriented community with excellent amenities
- Beautiful parks including Leamy Park and Scenic Hills Park
- Active recreation programs and sports leagues
- Convenient shopping at Springfield Mall area
- Easy highway access (I-476, I-95)
- Strong community involvement and events
Cons:
- Limited public transportation options
- Primarily car-dependent lifestyle
- Limited walkable areas
- Some areas affected by highway noise
- Limited diversity in housing styles
- Competition for best school catchment areas
Springfield Township Housing Characteristics:
Springfield offers predominantly suburban family housing:
- Colonial homes (brick and stone)
- Split-level homes from 1960s-70s development
- Ranch homes in established neighborhoods
- Cape Cod style homes
- Some newer construction and major renovations
Most properties feature larger suburban lots, attached garages, updated systems, family-friendly layouts, finished basements, and well-maintained exteriors.
Development periods include post-war suburban growth (1950s-1970s), continued development through 1980s-1990s, and ongoing new construction and renovations.
Suburban amenities include 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, eat-in kitchens, family rooms, formal living/dining rooms, finished basements, and private yards with mature landscaping.
6. Ridley Township
Price Range: Affordable to mid-range, diverse options
Pros:
- Affordable housing options for various budgets
- Close proximity to Philadelphia International Airport
- Easy access to I-95 and major highways
- Ridley Creek State Park nearby
- Growing community improvements and investments
- Active community organizations
- Good public transportation access
Cons:
- Airport noise in some sections
- Variable neighborhood conditions
- Limited walkable commercial areas
- School district quality varies by area
- Traffic from airport and highways
Ridley Township Housing Characteristics:
Ridley offers diverse housing across different neighborhoods:
- Ridley Park: Historic homes and rowhomes
- Prospect Park: Small borough with affordable options
- Folsom: Mix of older and newer homes
- Morton: Traditional suburban development
Most properties feature full basements, various lot sizes, street parking or driveways, mix of original and updated features, and affordable entry points.
Housing stock includes early 1900s development, post-war suburban homes, 1960s-1980s construction, and some new development.
Practical amenities include 2-4 bedrooms, 1-2.5 bathrooms, eat-in kitchens, living rooms, basements for storage/recreation, and outdoor space.
7. Aston Township
Price Range: Affordable to mid-range, growing community
Pros:
- Close to major employment centers
- Easy highway access (I-95, I-476)
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Active parks and recreation programs
- Good school options
- Diverse housing stock
- Strong community involvement
- Proximity to shopping and services
Cons:
- Limited public transportation
- Car-dependent lifestyle
- Highway noise in certain sections
- Limited walkable areas
Aston Township Housing Characteristics:
Aston features a mix of established and developing neighborhoods:
- Village Green: Planned community with amenities
- Brookhaven: Mix of older and newer homes
- Chester Heights: Established suburban area
- New developments: Modern construction
Most properties feature suburban lot sizes, modern amenities in newer areas, variety of architectural styles, family-oriented layouts, and good value for money.
Development includes post-war suburban growth, 1970s-1990s development, active new construction, and planned communities.
Modern amenities typically include 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, open floor plans, attached garages, finished basements, and community amenities in newer developments.
Home Values in Delaware County
Check out the Delaware County housing prices and current market trends. I update these statistics monthly to reflect the latest market conditions.
For current, specific home values in any Delaware County community, it’s essential to consult with a certified appraiser who can analyze recent comparable sales and local market factors.
Why Consult an Appraiser First?
Many buyers and sellers make costly mistakes by relying solely on online estimates or outdated comparable sales data.
Here’s why consulting a real estate appraiser early in your process makes financial sense:
For Buyers:
- Understand true market value before making competitive offers
- Identify potential issues that could affect long-term value
- Negotiate with confidence in multiple offer situations
- Avoid overpaying in Delaware County’s competitive markets
- Understand township-specific value factors
For Sellers:
- Price your home correctly from day one
- Understand which improvements add the most value
- Avoid leaving money on the table in strong markets
- Reduce time on market with accurate pricing
- Prepare for appraisal challenges during sale process
Steps to Success in Delaware County Real Estate
Consult Professionals Early: Get an appraisal consultation, connect with a local real estate agent familiar with your target township, and meet with a mortgage lender.
Understand Your Complete Budget: Factor in property taxes (which vary significantly by township), homeowners insurance, utilities, maintenance costs, and potential HOA fees.
Research Communities Thoroughly: Visit different townships at various times, consider commute patterns, research school district ratings and local crime statistics.
Consider Long-term Factors: Think about resale potential, community development plans, and how your needs might change over time.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Not Understanding Township Differences: Each municipality has different tax rates, services, and regulations
- Ignoring School District Boundaries: Even within the same township, school catchment areas can significantly affect values
- Overlooking Transportation Needs: Consider both current and future commuting requirements
- Misunderstanding Property Taxes: Delaware County townships have varying tax rates and assessment practices
- Rushing Due to Competition: Take time for proper inspections and appraisals even in competitive markets
Property Appraisal: What You Must Know Before Buying or Selling a House
By now, you should understand:
- The neighborhood differences and housing styles across Delaware County
- Key advantages and considerations for each major township
- Why professional appraisal guidance is crucial in this market
- Steps to make informed real estate decisions in Delco
Remember James and Sarah? After consulting with an appraiser, they made an informed decision on a beautiful stone colonial in Haverford Township that perfectly matched their family’s needs and budget. “Understanding the true value differences between townships helped us find the best home for our investment,” James reflects.
Next Steps
Whether you’re buying or selling, start your Delaware County real estate journey with accurate information and professional guidance. Contact us to understand true market values and make informed decisions in Delco’s unique real estate market.
This post is all about helping buyers and sellers navigate the Delaware County real estate market with expert insights.
