The small Delaware County borough of Darby is just on the other side of Southwest Philadelphia. “Darby is a good entry point for someone who wants to move out of the city for a slightly more suburban feel,” says Amber Noble, a Realtor/Broker with Keller Williams Main Line & Jersey, who grew up in the area. “It is a very walkable town with local businesses and grocers along Main Street and McDade Boulevard. Public transportation is accessible, and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital is there, making access to health care very convenient.” The historic community, settled in 1682, is home to the Darby Free Library, one of the nation's first libraries. After more than 280 years serving the community with reading materials and information, the library is currently the nation's oldest.
Frank's Steaks in Darby is the go-to lunch spot for many Darby residents.
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital has been serving Darby and its surrounding areas since 1932.
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Blocks of twins and row homes
Darby is a small borough, primarily made up of blocks and blocks of row homes built in the 1920s. Homebuyers can expect to pay anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000 for a move-in ready row home. There are also some twin homes around Darby, along with a handful of single-family bungalows and colonial-style homes, in the $200,000 to $310,000 price range. Most homes have small front yards and sidewalks are found throughout the community. While some homes have narrow backyards, others feature back alleyways with attached garages and driveways in the back. First-time homebuyers may qualify for Delaware County’s Homeownership First Program which provides counseling and up to $10,000 in down payments.
Many unique, twin homes are everywhere to be found throughout Darby.
Darby is a working-classs neighborhood with rowhomes making up much of its housing.
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Schools for local scholars
Students may begin their public education at Colwyn Elementary School, which has a C-minus rating from Niche. Penn Wood Middle School has a D-plus rating. Penn Wood High School has a C-minus rating. The high school has two campuses, including the Penn Wood 9th Grade Academy, which helps prepare first-year students for high school academics.
Penn Wood High School has 1,510 students in grades 9-12.
Penn Wood Middle School's mid-century architecture makes it an icon of its Darby neighborhood.
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Parks and Pop Warner
The Jack Frazier Memorial Tot Lot has a playground and a large open field where kids can burn off energy. Yeadon Community Park is a popular spot for kids to hit the playground and play basketball. Next door is the Nile Swim Club, great for cooling off on summer days. Collingdale Park offers more sports facilities, two playgrounds and a walking path with surrounding trees. The Darby Monarchs are a community-supported Pop Warner Football club. On summer and fall afternoons the team can be found practicing at Delco Monarchs Field next to Penn Wood Middle School. In November 2023, the team won their league championship and participated in the national championships in Orlando, Florida.
A woman meditates with in Yeadon Community Park to the soothing sound of singing bowls.
The Jack Frazier Memorial Tot Lot has a playground and a large open field in Darby.
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Mini-marts and late nights
For everyday shopping needs, locals head to the Darby Town Center on McDade Boulevard, which has a Save A Lot and Family Dollar. There are more grocery options across the street at Produce Junction, a regional chain serving the Philadelphia area. Big box retailers like Walmart and Target are no more than 4 miles away in neighboring towns. Darby is home to several local restaurants, many along McDade Boulevard, while others stand alongside row homes in more residential areas. Head to S & S Island Cuisine, a local favorite for Jamaican dishes. Frank’s Steak Shop is known for its Philadelphia cheesesteaks. For those who enjoy staying out late, several local bars are open past midnight, including Crab Tavern, a popular spot to dance to live music while enjoying drinks and soul food.
A cook from S&S Island Cuisine in Darby takes a break outside in the shade.
Produce Junction serves Darby residents with fresh fruits and vegetables.
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An involved community
“The community holds an annual Easter egg hunt that is usually held on the Main Street corridor,” notes Noble. “At Christmas, Fire Company No. 1 sends Santa on a firetruck with sirens blazing to hand out cookies. And the police department runs a Toys for Tots program for the community.”
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital has been in Darby since 1933. The facility was one of the nation’s first to offer paramedic services and inpatient psychiatric care. Holy Cross Cemetery is an active 225-acre burial ground where more than 150,000 are buried, including congressional members and WWII veterans.
Getting into and around town
Philadelphia International Airport and access to Interstate 95 are four miles from Darby. Center City, Philadelphia, is 12 miles via I-95. Locals enjoy public transportation options, including SEPTA buses, trolley lines and rail service. The borough offers subsidized transit programs for seniors.
Darby features a transporation center making commuting a breeze.
Darby locals can shop easily with help from trolleys that run throughout the borough.
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.
