Lower Darby

Lower Darby, a community primarily developed in the 1960s as a suburban development of Philadelphia, offers brick homes and easy access to public transportation.

The neighborhood primarily offers brick rowhouses with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Many homes here have been remodeled to contemporary standards. There are also some duplexes and single-family brick Colonial Revival homes available. The neighborhood also has a portion of its inventory dedicated to affordable housing communities. These homes are densely built but provide unfenced backyard space. Prices in the area range from $150,000 to $250,000, depending on the level of updates done.

Families with school-aged children may send their students to the Southeast Delco School District. Darby Township School serves kindergarten through eighth grade and has an overall C-minus score on Niche. The school offers after-school tutoring and has extracurriculars like band, orchestra and an array of athletics. Academy Park High School serves grades nine through twelve and has an overall C-minus on Niche. Students here can get early credits for college via the school's dual enrollment program with Delaware County Community College. Though the overall rate of the two schools serving the area is somewhat low, they both have a higher rated score of B-minus for teachers.

Families enjoy proximity to Hermesprota Creek Park, a large playground popular with neighborhood children for over 30 years. The community is less than 2 miles from the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. This extensive nature preserve has over ten miles of leafy trails and a scenic boardwalk across Darby Creek. The park is popular for birdwatching and fishing for bass and trout. Residents can also kayak or canoe down the creek while enjoying the peaceful surrounding forest and wetlands. For indoor recreation like swimming, gym exercise and spa facilities, visit the Landsdowne YMCA, located only 4 miles from the neighborhood. In the summer, the outdoor pool at the Folcroft Swim Club is another option, located less than 2 miles away.

This suburb of Philadelphia may feel somewhat secluded, but it is well-connected to local highways and public transportation. There are several SEPTA bus stops within walking distance along Hook Road. Residents can access SEPTA's blue line via the light rail station on Sharon Avenue and Folcroft Avenue. Residents are also only 3 miles from Interstates 95 and 76. Whether using public or private transportation, the community is only 12 miles from Center City, making major employers and amenities convenient. Airport access is also easy, as the Philadelphia International Airport is just 5 miles away. Residents can access medical necessities 4 miles away at Taylor Hospital. North MacDade Boulevard has all the essentials for amenities like grocery stores and retail. Less than 2 miles from the neighborhood, there are shopping centers where residents can pick up groceries from shops like ShopRite, Aldi and ACME. There are also pharmacies, big box stores like Walmart and retailers like Ross Dress for Less and Marshall's.

Closer to home, residents will find more basic amenities along Hook Road, which turns into Delmar Drive. There is a Save-A-Lot, a Family Dollar, locally owned Delmar Pharmacy and some beloved restaurants like Miller's Cafe. Try classic cheesesteak hoagies at Leo's Steak Shop on Chester Pike or breakfast platters at Sparky's Cafe on Calcon Hook Road for more dining. The community is also home to several organizations that have been uplifting residents and contributing to the betterment of the neighborhood, like Neighbor-to-Neighbor Community Corporation. The organization has provided wrap-around services like mental health services, a food pantry and employment assistance for nearly 30 years. Families can also enroll children in Camp Joy, a free five-week program with educational activities, field trips and arts and crafts.

Written By

Micaela Green

Photography Contributed By

Jesse Roehrer

Video By

Tyler Hall