Be sure to visit the Drexel Hill/ Aronimink Open House at 407 Morgan Ave on Sunday October 4!
Welcome to Drexel Hill PA - Zip Code 19026 for a quick real estate update.
Generally Upper Darby Township PA can be split into two areas by zip codes: 19082/ Upper Darby to the east and 19026/ Drexel Hill toward the west. The boundary between the two areas runs close to Lansdowne Avenue as it angles through the township. The western portion of the township, Drexel Hill, is bordered by Havertown to the north, Springfield to the west, and Clifton Heights / Lansdowne to the south. The zip code is primarily residential but has two mostly commercial areas concentrated along Township Line Rd/State Rd to the north and Burmont/ Garrett Rd to the south. The area is well served by SEPTA with multiple bus lines running through the township and two trolley lines (Route 101 and Route 102) providing direct through service to Sharon Hill, Media, and the 69th Street Terminal.
Drexel Hill is one of the earliest settled regions around Philadelphia. One of the oldest log cabins in the states, the Swedish Cabin built in 1654, can still be found along Darby Creek and the area has been inhabited ever since. During the 1800s, the township grew quickly as mills were developed throughout the area to take advantage of the available water power. During the Civil War, this was also an active area in the underground railroad and several homes of prominent abolitionists still exist including Hoodland, Thornfield, and Collenbrook Farm. In the 20th Century growth accelerated until Upper Darby became one of the most populous municipalities in the state.
Today, Drexel Hill continues to be one of the most popular residential options. The area contains a wide variety of housing choices from the row homes and twins found in the southern areas to the large gracious character single family homes found from Drexel Park in the east to Aronimink and Pilgrim Gardens to the west. There are also a selection of rental communities including Drexelbrook in the area.
As we have seen throughout most of Delaware county, the real estate market has seen reduced prices and activity as the area adjusts to the recession but the market is currently rising on a monthly basis. For single family homes, average pricing hit a high in 2006 at $274,000 with 198 sales. These prices have since drifted down to $270,000 in 2007, to $258,000 in 2008, and to $238,000 so far in 2009 with 103 sales. The balance of the housing has also taken a hit. After peaking in 2007 with an average price of $166,00, prices fell to $162,000 in 2008, and to $148,000 in 2009.
There are also an additional 103 single family homes currently on the market with an average listing price of $265,000 and 18 under contract with an average asking price of $250,000. As far as townhomes, twins, and row homes, 70 homes are on the market with an average $172,000 list price and 28 homes are pending with an average $152,000 list price. On closer inspection, it should be noted that prices have strengthened on a monthly basis and it appears that we could see continuing strength through the year as buyers take advantage of the $8000 First Time Home Buyers Credit and the historically low interest rates.
If you are looking for solid classic character homes in a central Delaware County location with easy commuter options by both rail and highway, you must check out Drexel Hill. With its prime location, history, and amenities, it should remain a great choice for years to come.
As always, if you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.
