Living in Upper Darby, PA

This is the single most asked question about Upper Darby, and the honest answer is that safety varies by neighborhood. Upper Darby is the largest township in Pennsylvania with roughly 93,000 residents, and like any dense suburban community, some areas are quieter than others. Neighborhoods like Drexel Hill (the largest neighborhood, home to over a third of residents) and Aronimink tend to feel more suburban and family-friendly, while areas closer to the 69th Street Transportation Center and major commercial corridors are busier. The township has its own police department and active community watch programs. As with any community, the best approach is to visit different neighborhoods at various times of day and talk to current residents.

Upper Darby is served by the Upper Darby School District (UDSD), one of the largest in Pennsylvania. The district operates 13 schools serving roughly 12,500 students across Upper Darby Township, Clifton Heights Borough, and Millbourne Borough. Upper Darby Senior High School at 601 N Lansdowne Avenue in Drexel Hill was established in 1895 and is the oldest high school in Delaware County. The district includes two middle schools (Beverly Hills Middle School and Drexel Hill Middle School), nine elementary schools, and a Kindergarten Center. The district's student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1. Many families also consider nearby private, parochial, and charter options to supplement their children's education.

Upper Darby offers some of the best transit access in Delaware County. The 69th Street Transportation Center is a major SEPTA hub serving the Market-Frankford Line (the El), which reaches Center City in about 15-20 minutes. The Norristown High Speed Line and Media-Sharon Hill trolley lines also terminate here, along with multiple bus routes. By car via I-95 or I-76, Center City is roughly a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic. The average commute time for Upper Darby residents is about 40 minutes round trip. The proximity to Philadelphia makes Upper Darby a prime choice for city workers who want more space and lower costs.

Upper Darby's cost of living is approximately 5-7% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable options in Delaware County. The median single-family home price is around $314,500. Rental prices are also reasonable compared to Center City or the Main Line. However, one of the most commonly discussed topics among residents is property taxes — Upper Darby has relatively high school and township taxes, which is a frequent subject of discussion on local forums. The trade-off is access to a large school district with extensive programs, a well-funded parks and recreation system, and a full range of municipal services.

Upper Darby's housing stock is remarkably diverse, reflecting its growth over more than a century. You will find historic Victorian and Colonial Revival single-family homes in neighborhoods like Drexel Hill and Aronimink, brick and stone twin homes throughout the township, and mid-century ranches and Cape Cods in areas like Secane and Primos. Drexel Hill is known for its handsome single-family homes on tree-lined streets, while areas near the 69th Street corridor have more rowhomes and multi-family properties. There are also apartment buildings and condominiums for renters and buyers seeking lower-maintenance options. This variety means there is something for every budget and lifestyle.

Upper Darby is not a single monolith — it is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Drexel Hill is the largest and most sought-after neighborhood, home to more than a third of Upper Darby's residents, with lovely single-family homes, good schools access, and a suburban feel. Aronimink offers historic homes and a quiet, established atmosphere. Bywood is a centrally located neighborhood with convenient access to transit and shopping. Primos and Secane offer more modestly priced homes with a friendly, middle-class character. Stonehurst and Highland Park are family-oriented communities near parks and schools. Beverly Hills and Fernwood have strong community identities and are close to SEPTA stations. Kirklyn, Kellyville, Llanerch Hills, and Westbrook Park round out the township's 16 distinct neighborhoods.

Upper Darby punches well above its weight on culture and amenities. The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center at 601 N Lansdowne Avenue hosts over 70 performances and 60,000+ ticket holders annually, including the celebrated Upper Darby Summer Stage program, now in its 50th+ season. The historic Tower Theater is a legendary concert venue that has hosted everyone from David Bowie to Pink Floyd. Naylor's Run Park offers tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Darby Creek Trail provides biking and walking routes through the township. The annual International Festival celebrates global food, music, and dance right in the township. The 69th Street Recreation Area offers additional sports facilities. And Center City Philadelphia's museums, restaurants, and entertainment are just a short ride away on the El.

Upper Darby's motto is 'The World in One Place,' adopted in 2020, and the township lives up to it in its own lively way. It is a dense, energetic, neighborly community with 16 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. You will find restaurants, markets, and places of worship from a wide range of traditions throughout the township — from international grocery stores on Garrett Road to the constellation of eateries along 69th Street. Residents describe the township as welcoming and family-oriented, with deep community roots and a steady stream of newcomers drawn by the transit access, the affordability, and the sheer amount of things to do.

This is one of the most discussed topics about Upper Darby on Reddit and local forums. Upper Darby has relatively high property taxes, driven primarily by school district funding needs — a challenge shared with many older, denser Pennsylvania suburbs. The Upper Darby School District taxes are among the higher in Delaware County. However, for many residents, the trade-off is access to a full-service municipality with extensive parks, recreation programs, the Performing Arts Center, a professional police and fire department, and the convenience of living minutes from Center City. The value equation depends on your priorities — for families who will use the schools and community amenities, the taxes fund services they directly benefit from.

Drexel Hill is actually a neighborhood within Upper Darby Township, not a separate municipality — a common point of confusion. Living in Drexel Hill means living in Upper Darby, but the neighborhood has its own identity, post office, and stronger suburban feel with more single-family homes. Compared to other Delaware County suburbs, Upper Darby is larger, denser, and more urban than Media or Swarthmore, with significantly more transit access. Home prices are generally lower than the Main Line or Wallingford-Swarthmore, but taxes are higher. Compared to nearby Lansdowne or Yeadon, Upper Darby offers more shopping, dining, and transit options, but with a more urban feel in some areas. It really depends on what you are looking for — walkable urban convenience or quiet suburban streets.