How Swarthmore ranks among the area’s wealthiest spots | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, Sterling Pig has teamed up with St. Joe’s for its latest beer.
Hi, Greater Media! 👋
Swarthmore is one of the wealthiest areas in the region based on new median household income data. Here’s where it and surrounding communities rank. Also this week, Sterling Pig Brewery has teamed up with an area college on a new beer, the county has finished building a new emergency radio system, plus Swarthmore College has withdrawn its proposed zoning code amendments.
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Swarthmore is one of the wealthiest spots in the Philadelphia area based on median household income between 2020 and 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census American Community Survey, which compiles self-reported income data.
Borough residents reported a median annual household income of about $152,400, which puts it at No. 46 in the region among communities with populations over 2,500, or within the top 20%.
It’s followed by neighboring municipalities: Nether Providence ($151,000), Upper Providence ($150,600), Springfield ($138,200), Concord ($132,300), Middletown ($129,300), Chester Heights ($104,000), Aston ($98,800), and Media ($89,100).
While The Inquirer did not include Rose Valley in its rankings due to its small community size and relatively high margin of error, its residents reported an annual median household income of $246,900 from 2020 to 2024.
See what residents of other municipalities earned on average.
💡 Community News
Swarthmore College withdrew its proposed amendments to the borough’s zoning code earlier this month. While the college is no longer seeking zoning changes, it is still looking to redevelop its sports facilities known as Cunningham Fields for athletic fields and recreational purposes. (The Swarthmorean)
Delaware County was the only county in the Philadelphia region at the end of last year where a household making the median income could afford to buy a median-priced home, according to data from Bright MLS. In the county, the median household income was about $89,500, making the median asking price of $289,450 attainable.
On Friday, Delaware County unveiled its new, modernized emergency telecommunications infrastructure, built to upgrade its aging existing system. The new system allows first responders to have secured lines of communication, faster and more stable radio connections, the ability to connect with other agencies, and 99% coverage for its portable radios on the streets. The project was originally projected to cost $38 million and came in under budget.
Local investors recently completed their purchase of the former Springfield Hospital for $1 million. The same group also purchased Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park and are looking to restore medical services to both facilities.
Area residents in the market for a house might soon have a former Eagles tight end helping them out. Brent Celek has moved his eponymous Brent Celek Real Estate group under the Keller Williams Media umbrella, bringing a team of about a dozen brokers with him. While Keller Williams’ offices are located near Route 1 in Upper Providence Township, Celek operates out of the heart of Media borough at 1 W. 3rd St. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
The Media Food Bank, based out of First Church, recently marked its 30th anniversary helping feed those experiencing food insecurity. 6abc’s Nick Iadonisi caught up with its director about the organization’s mission and how the Media community works to feed its neighbors.
Swarthmore residents can now place orders for the borough’s leaf compost sale. Learn more here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
In Rose Tree Media School District, Media Elementary is hosting its variety show tomorrow night. Sunday is Penncrest High’s Prom Fashion Show. See the district’s full calendar here.
Registration is now open for Rose Tree Media’s summer programs, which run from late June to late July. Programs include enrichment camps, a summer theater session, and high school remediation. Learn more here.
In Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, tomorrow is a makeup school day with an early dismissal. High school students will be let out at 11 a.m., middle school students at 11:30 a.m., and elementary students at noon. There is no afternoon kindergarten. Also, tomorrow night is the “frosh” dance, which starts at 7 p.m. On Monday, there’s a school board meeting. See the district’s full calendar here.
🍽️ On our Plate
Media Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday and runs through next Saturday, with over a dozen restaurants offering a mix of prix fixe or specialty menus. Check out all the participants and their menus here.
This week, Media’s Sterling Pig Brewery released a new co-branded beer it has developed with St. Joseph’s University. Nearly a year in the making, the Hawk Hill Hazy Session IPA is available on tap at Sterling Pig, as well as in 12-ounce cans. It will also be available inside St. Joe’s Hagan Arena next season. The 5% ABV light-bodied India pale ale is described as “juice forward and feather-light.”
One of the best things an Inquirer staffer drank this week? The Baklava Sour at the recently opened Mediterranean eatery, Maris. Columnist Stephanie Farr noted the drink at the Media establishment was made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey simple syrup, cinnamon, and egg white, but the best part was the halo of crushed pistachios on the rim.
🎳 Things to Do
🐰 Hayrides to Bunnyland: Take a hayride to the Easter Bunny’s house and hear a story. ⏰ Select days from Saturday, March 21 to Saturday, April 4 💵 $10-$15 📍Linvilla Orchards, Media
😱 Delco Horror Haven Book Fair: Now in its third year, this book fair will feature over 25 independent horror writers, author readings, and food trucks. ⏰ Saturday, March 21, noon-6 p.m. 💵 $5.72 📍Media Community Center
🌿 Dyeing with Plants: Adults and kids ages 8 and older can learn to make dyes from common plants. ⏰ Sunday, March 22, 1-2:30 p.m. 💵 $29.75 for members, $35 for non-members 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media
🎭 Fun Home: See Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel come to life on stage. Note: This show contains mature content. ⏰ Select days from Wednesday, March 25 to Sunday, April 5 💵 $27-$47 📍The Media Theatre
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1956, this three-bedroom Swarthmore ranch has undergone a number of updates, including a new roof, fresh paint, and a remodeled kitchen. The home has an open-concept living area, complete with a fireplace. The kitchen has an island with seating, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. There’s a fireplace and a full bathroom in the finished basement. Other features include a covered front porch and a fenced backyard. There’s an open house on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $375,000 | Size: 1,040 SF | Acreage: 0.1
🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:
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