Swarthmore is a small borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States.
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.
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).
SEPTA Route 109 bus connecting Upper Darby and Chester stops along Chester Road.
SEPTA Regional Rail trains (Media/Elwyn Line) stop at Swarthmore Station, located in the heart of the village
Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL) is minutes from Swathhmore and is served by taxis and the SEPTA Airport Regional Rail Line.
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.
There is a small variety of shops located in the "Village" neighborhood of Swarthmore
There is a limited number of restaurants located in Swarthmore
Swarthmore was a dry town until 2017. There are a few bars in Media. Travellers looking for more variety should consider traveling to Philadelphia.
Accommodations in Swarthmore are limited to several bed and breakfasts. There are some more options, located nearby in Media.
Swarthmore is located twelve miles away from Philadelphia and is also a half hour drive from Wilmington
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division