Swarthmore
Swarthmore is a small borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States.
History
When this town was first founded it was originally named Westdale. It was named in honor of painter Benjamin West, who was one resident of the early town. Westdale was cut off of Springfield Township which creates some bizarre modern day borders. When Swarthmore College was established the name was changed to Swarthmore.
Get in
By car
Swarthmore is located off Exit 3 of Interstate 476 (or locally known as the "Blue Route"). Southern Swarthmore can also easily be accessed from the MacDade Boulevard exit of I-476 in neighboring Ridley Township. Swarthmore can also be accessed by State Route 320 or State Route 12 (Baltimore Pike).
By bus
SEPTA Route 109 bus connecting Upper Darby and Chester stops along Chester Road.
By train
SEPTA Regional Rail trains (Media/Elwyn Line) stop at Swarthmore Station, located in the heart of the village
By plane
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA) is minutes from Swathhmore and is served by taxis and the SEPTA Airport Regional Rail Line.
Get around
Swarthmore is a small, compact borough where walking and/or biking is a viable option. There is a Philly CarShare spot located at the train station.
See
- Swarthmore College. A liberal arts college located in the heart of Swarthmore. Swarthmore College has been named a "Little Ivy" by various college guides, and is ranked third best Liberal Arts College in the United States by US News and Report. The school also maintains the 357-acre Scott Arboretum, a beautiful park open to the public without charge.
Do
Buy
There is a small variety of shops located in the "Village" neighborhood of Swarthmore
- Swarthmore Co-Op. A grocery store specializing in high-quality (but expensive) food. Owned by community members as a Co-Op.
- The Head Nut. This store provides a wide variety of dried fruits, nuts, candies, cookies, crackers and other snack foods. They also have freshly roasted coffee beans and other bulk items. [dead link]
Eat
There is a limited number of restaurants located in Swarthmore
- Cheng Hing, 333 Dartmouth Ave, ☏ +1 610 328-2078. Local take-out chinese place serving typical "Americanized" chinese food. Popular with Swarthmore College students.
- Renato's Pizza, 8 Park Ave, ☏ +1 610 544-2300. A pizzeria located in the "village" of Swarthmore.
- Swarthmore Pizza, 601 South Chester Road, (Chester Road & Fairview Road), ☏ +1 610 543-3474. Local pizza restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere
Drink
Swarthmore was a dry town until 2017. There are a few bars in Media. Travellers looking for more variety should consider traveling to Philadelphia.
Sleep
Accommodations in Swarthmore are limited to several bed and breakfasts. There are some more options, located nearby in Media
Go next
Swarthmore is located twelve miles away from Philadelphia and is also a half hour drive from Wilmington
| Routes through Swarthmore |
| King of Prussia ← Media ← | N  S |
→ Chester → Ends at  |
| Middletown ← Rose Valley ← | W  E |
→ Clifton Heights → Philadelphia |