Moving to Drexel Hill, PA: Living in Drexel Hill Guide

Drexel Hill is one of those Delaware County places where people tend to stay put. It is a neighborhood and census-designated place inside Upper Darby Township, about 8 miles from Center City Philadelphia, with a string of trolley stops, local business strips and a long list of neighborhood pubs, diners and parishes. Families come for the housing value close to the city, and commuters come for the trolley to 69th Street.

It is also a real neighborhood, not a gated suburb. You get walkable blocks, older homes, and the traffic and parking challenges that come with a dense inner-ring suburb. That trade-off works well for first-time buyers, city transplants who want a yard, and anyone who wants Philadelphia close without paying Main Line prices.

Planning a move to Drexel Hill? Call our Tri-State team at 410-499-8777 or get your price online.

Where Is Drexel Hill?

Drexel Hill sits in the western part of Upper Darby Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Haverford Township borders it to the north, the borough of Lansdowne to the southeast, Clifton Heights to the south, and Springfield Township to the southwest. Darby Creek forms its southwestern and southern edge, and U.S. Route 1 (Township Line Road) runs along most of its northern border with Haverford Township. The whole CDP covers about 3.2 square miles.

Approximate driving distances from the center of Drexel Hill (free-flowing traffic; rush hour will be slower):

Center City Philadelphia: about 9.8 miles, roughly 23 minutes
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): about 10.2 miles, roughly 25 minutes
Media: about 6 miles, roughly 12 minutes
King of Prussia: about 15.8 miles, roughly 27 minutes
Wilmington, DE: about 23.9 miles, roughly 38 minutes
Downingtown (home of our Tri-State team): about 25.5 miles, roughly 46 minutes

The main roads through Drexel Hill are Township Line Road (US 1), State Road, Burmont Road, Garrett Road, Lansdowne Avenue, Marshall Road and Shadeland Avenue. For transit, SEPTA runs two trolley lines through the neighborhood, one to Media and one to Sharon Hill, both starting at the 69th Street Transportation Center. Stops inside Drexel Hill include Drexel Hill Junction, Aronimink, Drexelbrook, Drexel Park, Garrettford and Drexeline, and several SEPTA bus routes run through as well.

Drexel Hill Population & Demographics

Drexel Hill had 29,181 residents at the 2020 Census, up from 28,043 in 2010, and it accounts for more than a third of Upper Darby Township’s population. The newest Census Bureau survey estimate (2020–2024) puts it at 30,451. Incomes and education levels here run above both Upper Darby Township as a whole and the state.

Measure (ACS 2020–2024)	Drexel Hill	Upper Darby Twp.	Pennsylvania	United States
Population	30,451	85,486	13,018,639	334,922,500
Median age	36.2	35.7	40.9	38.9
Median household income	$88,168	$71,481	$77,971	$80,734
Per capita income	$46,230	$36,993	$44,355	$44,673
Bachelor’s degree or higher (25+)	46.0%	33.0%	35.2%	35.7%
Owner-occupied homes	63.4%	57.5%	69.3%	65.2%
Poverty rate	7.8%	14.4%	11.7%	12.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates via Census Reporter. 2010 and 2020 counts from the 2020 Census as summarized on Wikipedia.

At the 2020 Census, Drexel Hill had 11,761 households, and 29.5% of them had children under 18. There were 12,384 housing units, with a homeowner vacancy rate of just 1.4%, which is one reason good houses here do not sit long.

Is Drexel Hill Safe?

Drexel Hill does not have its own police department. As part of Upper Darby Township, it is served by the Upper Darby Police Department, so any crime numbers you see labeled “Drexel Hill” online are estimates carved out of township data. Rather than quote a figure we cannot tie to the neighborhood’s actual boundaries, we suggest checking with the Upper Darby Police Department about the specific blocks you are considering. Like anywhere in a dense inner suburb, conditions vary street to street, so walk the area at different times of day before you sign.

Cost of Living in Drexel Hill

Home Prices

Drexel Hill is one of the more affordable ways to buy close to Philadelphia. The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in Drexel Hill at $266,400 (2020–2024), below the Delaware County median of $332,200 and close to the Pennsylvania median of $254,500.

Recent sales run higher than that survey figure. According to Redfin, the median sale price in ZIP code 19026 (which is mostly Drexel Hill) was $358,345 over the three months ending August 2026, up 11.1% from a year earlier. Homes sold in a median of 35 days, typically at about 100.8% of list price, and Redfin rates the ZIP “very competitive.” For comparison, Redfin’s national median sale price in August 2026 was $398,596.

Rent

Rent.com’s September 2026 data shows average apartment rents in Drexel Hill of $1,014 for a studio, $1,417 for a one-bedroom and $1,662 for a two-bedroom. The Census Bureau’s median gross rent (rent plus utilities, 2020–2024) is $1,357, about the same as Delaware County’s $1,372 and above the Pennsylvania median of $1,209. Apartment options range from large complexes like the Drexelbrook to units over storefronts and rented twins.

Best Neighborhoods in Drexel Hill

Aronimink and Drexel Hill Junction

The streets around the Aronimink and Drexel Hill Junction trolley stops are a good fit for commuters who want to leave the car at home. The Media trolley line runs through here toward 69th Street, and Aronimink Elementary is one of the Upper Darby schools located inside the Drexel Hill CDP. It is a short trip to the Garrett Road and State Road business strips, and the neighborhood’s housing is largely older, so buyers who like established homes over new construction should look here.

Garrettford and Drexel Park

This part of Drexel Hill is built around Garrett Road, named for the family of abolitionist Thomas Garrett, whose boyhood home, Thornfield, still stands at Garrett Road and Maple Avenue. Garrettford Elementary serves part of the CDP, and the Garrettford and Drexel Park trolley stops make the commute simple. It suits young families who want a walkable neighborhood feel, a school close by and quick access to neighborhood spots like Hibernian Coffee Shop on Garrett Road.

Drexelbrook and the Burmont Road Area

If you are renting, start here. The Drexelbrook apartment community, once home to Dick Clark and Ed McMahon early in their careers, is one of the area’s best-known rental complexes and has its own trolley stop. Burmont Road nearby has pubs and casual restaurants. This area works for renters who want to try Drexel Hill before buying, downsizers who are done with yard work, and anyone who needs to be near the trolley but wants more space than a city apartment.

Weather & Climate in Drexel Hill

Drexel Hill has four real seasons. The nearest long-term official weather station is Philadelphia International Airport, about 10 miles away. Using NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for that station (as summarized on Wikipedia), January averages a high of 41.3°F and a low of 26.0°F, and July averages a high of 87.8°F and a low of 69.6°F. The airport records 44.11 inches of precipitation and 23.1 inches of snow in an average year.

The easiest months to move are usually May, June, September and October. July and August moves are fine with an early start. Winter moves happen too, but snow and ice on steep front steps and narrow sidewalks slow everything down, so keep salt on hand and clear a path before the truck arrives.

Things to Do in Drexel Hill

Lower Swedish Cabin

On Creek Road along Darby Creek, the Lower Swedish Cabin is a log cabin likely built between 1640 and 1650 by settlers of the New Sweden colony. It may be one of the oldest log cabins in the United States. Upper Darby Township has owned it since 1941, and the Friends of the Swedish Cabin open it on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., April through October. Admission is free.

Collen Brook Farm

Off Mansion Road at Marvine Avenue, Collen Brook Farm is an 18th-century farmhouse whose oldest section dates to about 1700, with a granite spring house from about 1782. It is owned by Upper Darby Township, run by the Upper Darby Historical Society and open to the public on Sunday afternoons from May through October.

Upper Darby Township Parks

Upper Darby maintains more than two dozen parks and playgrounds, including Drexel Gardens Park in Drexel Hill. Penn Pines Park and Naylors Run Park are the township’s favorite spots for family picnics and group gatherings, and the recreation department takes picnic permit applications for both. Seasonal programs and events are listed on the township’s recreation calendar.

Easy Trips Into Philadelphia

Part of the appeal of Drexel Hill is how easy it is to leave for an afternoon. The trolley to 69th Street connects to SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line into Center City, so museums, games and concerts are reachable without hunting for parking downtown.

Where to Eat in Drexel Hill

Tank & Libby’s

A family-friendly brunch spot on Pontiac Road known for big portions and a long menu, from bananas foster pancakes to biscuits and gravy, with an outdoor patio for nice mornings. Visit Delco featured it in its July 2026 Drexel Hill dining roundup.

Hibernian Coffee Shop

Part bakery, part cafe and part Irish market on Garrett Road. This is the place for a full Irish breakfast with black and white pudding, plus American breakfast standards and a few Mexican dishes. Browse the imported Irish groceries on your way out.

Luigi’s Bar & Grille

A neighborhood hangout on Burmont Road with shareable appetizers, hot sandwiches, plenty of TVs and frequent live music. It is a good first stop to meet the neighbors after moving day.

Jobs & Economy

Drexel Hill is mostly residential, and many residents commute to jobs in Center City, University City, the Main Line and the rest of Delaware County. The trolley to 69th Street and the direct roads into Philadelphia make that commute manageable. Locally, the business districts along Garrett Road, State Road, Burmont Road and Township Line Road support restaurants, shops and service businesses, and Drexel Hill’s median household income of $88,168 sits above the state median of $77,971 (ACS 2020–2024).

Schools in Drexel Hill

Public schools are run by the Upper Darby School District, which covers all of Upper Darby Township plus Clifton Heights and Millbourne and serves roughly 12,000 students. Schools located in the Drexel Hill CDP include the Upper Darby Kindergarten Center, Aronimink Elementary, Garrettford Elementary, Charles Kelly Elementary and Drexel Hill Middle School. Hillcrest Elementary and Upper Darby High School sit just outside the CDP but use Drexel Hill mailing addresses. Always confirm your specific school assignment with the district before you buy, because catchments do not follow the CDP lines exactly.

Private and parochial options include Saint Andrew the Apostle, Saint Bernadette and Saint Dorothy schools, Holy Child Academy, and Bonner & Prendergast Catholic High School, which has a Drexel Hill address.

Drexel Hill Quick Facts

Type	Census-designated place in Upper Darby Township
County	Delaware County
ZIP code	19026
Area codes	610 and 484
Population	29,181 (2020 Census); 30,451 (ACS 2020–2024 estimate)
Land area	About 3.2 square miles
Nearest major airport	Philadelphia International (PHL), about 10 miles
Public schools	Upper Darby School District
Transit	SEPTA trolley lines to Media and Sharon Hill from 69th Street; SEPTA buses
Police	Upper Darby Police Department

Moving to Drexel Hill: Tips From Our Crew

Plan for street parking. Many Drexel Hill blocks have homes close together with parking on the street. Ask neighbors to leave space for a day, and tell us about driveway, alley or corner-lot access when you book so we can send the right size truck.
Watch the trolley tracks and narrow streets. Some streets near the trolley stops are tight for a large truck. We plan the route and parking spot in advance so the truck is not blocking traffic or a crossing.
Measure the stairs. Older homes here often have steep front steps, tight turns to the second floor and small basement doors. Measure sofas, box springs and dressers before moving day, and ask us about disassembly for big pieces.
Check your trash and recycling area. Upper Darby collects by area, with Garrett Road as one of the dividing lines on the schedule. Look up your day on the township calendar so moving boxes go out on the right morning.
Get your COI early for apartment complexes. Larger apartment communities often want a certificate of insurance and a set move window. We provide COIs free, so send us the building’s requirements a few days ahead.
Avoid rush hour on Township Line and State Road. Morning and evening traffic backs up on the main roads into Philadelphia. Mid-morning starts usually go smoother for local moves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Drexel Hill

How much does it cost to hire movers in Drexel Hill?

It depends on the size of your home, how far you are going, stairs and parking, and whether you want packing. A one-bedroom apartment across town is a very different job than a four-bedroom twin going out of state. The fastest way to get a real number is to call our Tri-State team at 410-499-8777 or request a free quote, and an owner will call you back within 15 minutes between 8am and 8pm.

Is Drexel Hill a good place to live?

For many people, yes. It offers a median household income of $88,168, a 46% bachelor’s-degree rate, trolley access to Philadelphia and homes that cost less than much of Delaware County. The trade-offs are older housing stock, street parking on many blocks and traffic on the main roads.

Is Drexel Hill its own town?

No. Drexel Hill is a neighborhood and census-designated place within Upper Darby Township. Township government, police, trash collection and the school district are all Upper Darby services.

How far is Drexel Hill from Philadelphia?

About 8 miles from Center City in a straight line, or about 9.8 miles and roughly 23 minutes by car without traffic. You can also take a SEPTA trolley to the 69th Street Transportation Center and transfer to the Market-Frankford Line.

Do you move people out of Drexel Hill to other states?

Yes. For long-distance moves we give a binding estimate, so the price does not change after booking. You get your own dedicated truck, the same W-2 crew from door to door and a guaranteed delivery date. Ask our Drexel Hill moving team about timing, since settlement dates and school calendars both affect the schedule.

Move to Drexel Hill With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family-owned since 2015. Our crews are background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employees, never subcontractors. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60 to 90 days. We handle local moves, packing and unpacking, storage and more. Military families get 5% off, and there is never a rescheduling fee.

See how our Drexel Hill movers can help, or call our Tri-State team at 410-499-8777.

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