Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Township
A dense, diverse township bordering West Philadelphia
Upper Darby Township sits immediately west of Philadelphia in Delaware County and is one of the most densely populated townships in Pennsylvania. Its 69th Street corridor is a transit and retail hub, and the township is home to a large and diverse immigrant population.
History & Local Character
Upper Darby grew rapidly with the trolley and Market-Frankford elevated line in the early 20th century, becoming a dense streetcar suburb. The Tower Theater, opened in 1927, became a well-known concert venue.
Housing & Real Estate
The township is dominated by rowhouses and twins within walking distance of the 69th Street Transportation Center, with singles in the Drexel Hill and Highland Park sections.
Restaurants & Shopping
69th Street and surrounding blocks offer an unusually wide range of international cuisines, reflecting the township's diversity, alongside longtime diners and bakeries.
Schools & Education
Upper Darby School District serves the township.
Parks & Recreation
Naylor's Run Park, the Cobbs Creek corridor and several township parks provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line terminates at 69th Street, with trolley, bus and regional rail connections, and Township Line Road links to I-476.
Local Businesses
The 69th Street business district, Terminal Square and Baltimore Avenue corridor host hundreds of small businesses serving the township's neighborhoods.
No businesses are listed in Upper Darby yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Tower Theater
- 69th Street Transportation Center
- Cobbs Creek Park
- Naylor's Run Park
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Excellent transit access to Philadelphia
- Diverse community and international food scene
- Affordable rowhouse housing
- Walkable commercial corridors
Considerations
- High property taxes and school district funding pressure
- Aging housing stock
- Congested corridors at peak hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 69th Street Transportation Center?
It is a major SEPTA hub in Upper Darby connecting the Market-Frankford Line with trolleys, buses and regional rail.
Is Upper Darby a city?
No. Upper Darby is a first-class township in Delaware County, governed by a township council.