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Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, was originally named Westdale after the notorious painter Benjamin West. When Swarthmore college was developed, the town changed its name.
Swarthmore is tethered to Philadelphia, meaning you can get a famous cheesesteak almost any time you like
View Swarthmore City GuideSwarthmore, Pennsylvania, was originally named Westdale after the notorious painter Benjamin West. When Swarthmore college was developed, the town changed its name.
Swarthmore is tethered to Philadelphia, meaning you can get a famous cheesesteak almost any time you like
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, was originally named Westdale after the notorious painter Benjamin West. When Swarthmore college was developed, the town changed its name.
Swarthmore is tethered to Philadelphia, meaning you can get a famous cheesesteak almost any time you like. While its proximity to the home of the Liberty Bell is a definite plus, Swarthmore has a number of other things to offer its approximately 6,000 residents. The eponymous college was established in 1864, and serves more than 1,500 liberal arts students today, as well as the community. Swarthmore residents enjoy a number of cultural activities put on by the private liberal arts college, such as green roof walking tours and art exhibitions. But don't you dare write this borough off as just another college town; Swarthmore boasts myriad restaurants, businesses, and community events -- including everything from road cycling classes and home tours. If you're looking for a sweet small town near a big city chock-full of history, Swarthmore is the place for you.
The first thing to know about searching for a new home in Swarthmore: make sure to look carefully for what you want. Your perfect rental home may or may not be advertised, and many a landlord in this town goes with the old-fashioned way of advertising -- meaning, a sign in the yard. However, using an apartment locator online is sure to make the process of landing a new pad much easier.
Renters take up about a quarter of the city's 2,000-homes. The vacancy rate is likely to be a moving target, as the population ebbs and flows throughout the year.
Dreaming of a two-bedroom apartment, so you don't have to put all of your visitors on your oddly uncomfortable couch? You're in luck. Swarthmore's housing is either single-family detached housing (60 percent of the total) or apartment complexes, including high-rises (25 percent).
The Rental Market
A substantial portion of the homes in Swarthmore were built between 1940 and 1970. So while they aren't ancient, they aren't shiny and new. If you like homes with character, this will be great for you! And if not ... well, this town has so much to offer, you'll learn to love it. Dartmouth House is fairly representative of most of the apartments for rent in Swarthmore, with a number of two-bedroom apartments for rent that boast hardwood floors and tiled baths, all wrapped up in traditional charm.
The town may only cover 1.4 square miles, but Swarthmore still has two basic neighborhoods. Explore them both before you settle on a new apartment to rent.
Borough Center and Widener University: This area holds the main campus of Swarthmore, as well as Widener University. You'll find small- and medium-sized homes along with apartment complexes, including high-rises. This area includes a mixture of both owners and renters, and only about half of them commute to work by car. Swarthmore likes its bikes and this fad called "walking," so get ready to get moving if you fall for an apartment in this area. This area also boasts a number of outdoor and park-like activities (you know -- tossing a Frisbee, reading a book, laying on the nice, cool grass) with Umoja Park, Crum Woods and Little Crum Creek nearby.
Milmont Avenue: If you're not totally ready to let go of a city vibe, this area will provide a little of the hustle-and-bustle you're looking for. Small and medium-sized homes and townhomes line the streets in this area, and most are owner occupied. Don't despair -- if you really want a rental in this part of town, you'll find one; you just have to be willing to hunt for it, and you should allot a little more time for your search. You'll find a wealth of restaurants in this area, as well as Delaware County Park.
Life in Swarthmore is pretty sweet. Check out the Scott Arboretum, which you can access free of charge every day, dawn to dusk. You'll find plenty of pretty foliage, along with horticultural activities. Looking for a unique way to deck out your new apartment in Swarthmore? Don't miss the arboretum's Unusual Tropicals and Annuals Sale.
On a quest for some culture? Visit the Players Club of Swarthmore Theater, which puts on about seven or eight different shows every year.
If you're after an out-of-town adventure, there are plenty of opportunities in neighboring Upper Darby, and of course, Philly is either a train ride or 20-minute drive away.
