Thinking about moving to Delaware County, PA? You’re making a great choice! Often called “Delco” by locals, this vibrant county just west of Philadelphia offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort, urban convenience, and small-town charm. Whether you’re relocating to Media, Chester, Upper Darby, or any other Delco community, this comprehensive guide will help you prepare for your move.
Why People Are Moving to Delaware County
Delaware County has become increasingly popular with families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Here’s why:
Proximity to Philadelphia
One of Delaware County’s biggest advantages is its location. Most communities are just 15-30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia, making it ideal for commuters who want suburban living with easy city access. The SEPTA regional rail lines connect numerous Delco towns directly to downtown Philadelphia.
Affordable Housing Options
Compared to nearby Montgomery County and parts of Chester County, Delaware County offers more affordable housing options. You’ll find everything from historic homes in Media and Swarthmore to modern townhouses in Springfield and Havertown. The median home price in Delaware County is significantly lower than the Philadelphia metro average, making homeownership more accessible.
Excellent Schools
Delaware County is home to several top-rated school districts including:
- Wallingford-Swarthmore School District
- Radnor Township School District
- Haverford Township School District
- Springfield School District
- Marple Newtown School District
Many districts consistently rank among the best in Pennsylvania, making Delco an attractive choice for families with children.
Diverse Communities
Delaware County is one of the most diverse counties in Pennsylvania, with vibrant communities representing cultures from around the world. From the tree-lined streets of Swarthmore to the bustling neighborhoods of Upper Darby, each community has its own unique character.
Best Places to Live in Delaware County
Media – The County Seat
Media is the county seat and one of Delaware County’s most charming towns. Known for its walkable downtown, independent shops, and thriving arts scene, Media offers small-town charm with big-town amenities. The town hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the popular Media Arts Festival.
Best for: Families, young professionals, those who love walkable communities
Swarthmore
Home to prestigious Swarthmore College, this borough is known for its excellent schools, beautiful Victorian homes, and strong sense of community. The downtown area features unique boutiques and excellent restaurants.
Best for: Academics, families prioritizing education, those seeking a quiet, intellectual community
Havertown
This unincorporated community in Haverford Township offers a perfect suburban lifestyle with excellent schools, parks, and shopping. Havertown maintains a strong community feel with active civic organizations and local events.
Best for: Families with children, those wanting easy access to Philly
Springfield
Springfield Township offers affordable housing options and good schools. It’s more residential and quieter than some other Delco communities, with easy access to major highways including I-476.
Best for: First-time homebuyers, young families, commuters
Upper Darby
As one of the most populous communities in Delaware County, Upper Darby offers diversity, culture, and convenience. The 69th Street Terminal provides direct public transportation to Philadelphia.
Best for: Those who rely on public transit, diverse communities, urban amenities
Newtown Square
This affluent community offers larger homes, excellent schools, and a more rural feel while still being close to Philadelphia. It’s popular with executives and families seeking more space.
Best for: Those seeking larger properties, families, corporate professionals
Cost of Living in Delaware County
Housing Costs
The median home price in Delaware County ranges from $200,000 to $500,000+ depending on the community and property type. Communities like Swarthmore, Newtown Square, and parts of Radnor command higher prices, while areas like Chester and parts of Upper Darby offer more affordable options.
Property Taxes
Delaware County property taxes vary by municipality but are generally competitive with surrounding counties. The county tax rate is relatively low, though individual township and school district taxes will make up the bulk of your property tax bill.
Utilities and Other Expenses
Overall cost of living in Delaware County is about 8% higher than the national average but lower than living in Philadelphia proper or Montgomery County. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are in line with the regional average.
Transportation and Commuting
Public Transportation
SEPTA provides excellent public transportation throughout Delaware County:
- Regional Rail: Multiple lines including Media/Wawa, Paoli/Thorndale, and Wilmington/Newark connect Delco to Philadelphia
- Trolleys: The 101 and 102 trolley lines serve Media and surrounding areas
- Bus Service: Extensive bus network throughout the county
- 69th Street Terminal: Major transit hub in Upper Darby connecting multiple SEPTA lines
Major Highways
Delaware County has easy access to several major highways:
- I-476 (Blue Route) – Runs north-south through the county
- I-95 – Connects to Delaware and points south
- US Route 1 (Baltimore Pike) – Major commercial corridor
- US Route 30 (Lancaster Avenue) – East-west route through northern Delco
Things to Do in Delaware County
Parks and Recreation
Delaware County offers numerous parks and recreational opportunities:
- Ridley Creek State Park: Over 2,600 acres of hiking, biking, and picnicking
- Tyler Arboretum: 650 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodlands
- Smedley Park: Popular spot for sports and family activities
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: Over 1,000 acres of wetlands and trails
Shopping and Dining
From the boutique shops in Media’s downtown to the Granite Run Mall in Media, Delaware County offers diverse shopping options. The food scene has exploded in recent years, with excellent restaurants in Media, Newtown Square, and throughout the county representing cuisines from around the world.
Arts and Culture
- Media Theatre for the Performing Arts
- Delaware County Community College Arts programs
- Numerous local galleries and art studios
- Historic sites including the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Planning Your Move to Delaware County
When to Move
The best time to move to Delaware County depends on your priorities:
- Summer (June-August): Peak moving season, but schools are out and weather is ideal
- Fall (September-November): Great weather, beautiful foliage, but school year has started
- Winter (December-February): Lowest moving rates but unpredictable weather
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather and competitive rates
Hiring Professional Movers
Moving to or within Delaware County requires local expertise. Professional movers who know the area understand:
- Parking permit requirements in different municipalities
- Building access procedures for apartments and condos
- Best routes to avoid traffic congestion
- Local regulations and restrictions
When choosing a moving company, look for:
- Licensed and insured movers
- Local experience in Delaware County
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Positive customer reviews from Delco residents
- Full-service options including packing and unpacking
At LiteMovers, we specialize in Delaware County moves and understand the unique challenges of relocating to communities throughout Delco. Our experienced team handles moves in Media, Chester, Upper Darby, Springfield, and all Delaware County communities.
Moving Checklist for Delaware County
8-12 Weeks Before:
- Research Delaware County neighborhoods and visit potential communities
- Start decluttering and organizing belongings
- Get quotes from Delaware County movers
- If you have children, research schools and begin enrollment process
4-6 Weeks Before:
- Book your moving company
- Start packing non-essential items
- Notify utility companies and schedule transfers
- Update your address with USPS, banks, and important accounts
- Check if parking permits are needed for moving day
2-3 Weeks Before:
- Confirm moving day details with your mover
- Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day
- Pack most belongings, label all boxes
- Make arrangements for cable/internet installation
1 Week Before:
- Pack remaining items except essentials
- Confirm all utility transfers
- Clean your old residence if required
- Prepare an essentials box for moving day
Moving Day:
- Do final walkthrough of old home
- Meet movers and review inventory
- Keep important documents and valuables with you
- Take meter readings at both properties
Settling Into Delaware County
Getting Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
Pennsylvania law requires new residents to obtain a PA driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency. Visit your local PennDOT Driver License Center with required documentation. You’ll also need to register your vehicle and obtain PA license plates within 60 days.
Registering to Vote
Register to vote in Delaware County through the Pennsylvania Voter Registration website or at your local county voter registration office in Media.
Finding Local Services
Essential services to locate in your new Delaware County community:
- Primary care physician and dentist
- Veterinarian (if you have pets)
- Banking services
- Grocery stores and pharmacies
- Post office
- Library (Delaware County has excellent library system)
Getting Involved in the Community
Delaware County residents are welcoming and communities are active. Ways to get involved:
- Join local civic associations
- Attend township meetings
- Volunteer with local organizations
- Join community sports leagues
- Participate in local festivals and events
- Visit farmers markets (Media has a great one!)
Delaware County Moving Tips from Local Experts
Navigate Parking Challenges
Many Delaware County communities, especially Media and Swarthmore, have narrow streets and limited parking. Professional movers familiar with the area know how to obtain necessary parking permits and position trucks for efficient loading and unloading.
Prepare for Row Homes and Townhouses
Many Delaware County communities feature row homes and townhouses with narrow stairs and doorways. Experienced local movers have the equipment and expertise to navigate these challenges safely.
Consider the Weather
Pennsylvania weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter and early spring. Professional movers are prepared with equipment to protect your belongings from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Take Advantage of Local Knowledge
Movers who specialize in Delaware County understand:
- Which roads to avoid during rush hour
- Building regulations in different townships
- Historical district restrictions in communities like Media
- HOA requirements in planned communities
Why Choose Professional Delaware County Movers
While you might be tempted to handle your move yourself, hiring professional movers who specialize in Delaware County offers numerous advantages:
Local Expertise
Professional Delaware County movers understand the unique challenges of moving in Delco. From navigating historic Media’s narrow streets to handling high-rise moves in Upper Darby, local knowledge makes a significant difference.
Time and Energy Savings
Moving is exhausting and time-consuming. Professional movers handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your relocation like setting up utilities, enrolling children in school, and exploring your new community.
Safety and Protection
Professional movers have the training, equipment, and insurance to protect both your belongings and property. They know how to safely navigate stairs, doorways, and tight spaces without causing damage.
Stress Reduction
Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. Professional movers eliminate much of that stress by handling logistics, transportation, and the physical demands of moving.
Ready to Move to Delaware County?
Delaware County, Pennsylvania offers an exceptional quality of life with diverse communities, excellent schools, convenient location, and relatively affordable housing. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Media, the academic atmosphere of Swarthmore, or the convenience of Upper Darby, you’ll find a welcoming community in Delco.
Planning your move carefully and choosing experienced Delaware County movers will ensure your relocation goes smoothly. At LiteMovers, we’ve helped countless families and businesses move to and within Delaware County. Our team knows every community in Delco and provides professional, affordable moving services tailored to your specific needs.
Ready to make your move to Delaware County? Contact LiteMovers today for a free quote and experience the difference that local expertise makes. We’re here to make your Delaware County move stress-free and successful.
Learn more about our Delaware County moving services or call us today to schedule your move!
