Haverford is an unincorporated community located in both the townships of Delaware and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. It lies just 3 miles west of Philadelphia and was established in 1880 when the Pennsylvania Railroad opened Haverford Station along its Main Line. The town’s name derives from the British town of Haverfordwest in Wales.
Today, Haverford is best known for being home to Haverford College and one of America’s oldest country clubs, the Merion Cricket Club. This club has long served as a hub for cricket fans throughout the region, providing recreation and leisure activities that have become synonymous with the area. For tourists, it also offers easy access to downtown Philadelphia by rail or road.
Population
Haverford Township has an estimated population of 48,977 as of July 1st, 2021 according to the United States Census Bureau QuickFacts. The township incorporates the communities of Haverford and Havertown. It is a vibrant member of the Philadelphia metropolitan area with an active community of local businesses, recreational centers and parks, schools, historical sites, and other attractions.
Racial Demographics
The racial demographics of the township revealed a population that was largely White (83.4%), with smaller percentages of African American (6.7%), Native American (0.2%), Asian (6.7%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.7%). The median household income was $96,551, while the per capita income was recorded at $51,908.
History
Haverford Township is an area in Pennsylvania that was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was part of New Sweden, New Amsterdam, and then fell under English control when William Penn inherited it in 1681 to create a new colony called Pennsylvania. The Welsh Tract within Haverford, Radnor, and Lower Merion township cover 40,000 contiguous acres and was bought by Welsh Quakers.
Transportation began to play an important role in Haverford’s early settlement. Darby Road replaced the “Haverford Road” running north covering south through the township and was laid out in 1687. By 1792, the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike (U.S. Route 30) had been built near the township while rail transportation via the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad began operations in 1833 linking Philadelphia and Lancaster.
Education has always had significance to Haverford Township with its first educational building, Federal School dating back to 1797. Public education came into effect in 1834 leading to the construction of larger school buildings as the population grew exponentially after 1900. In addition, three private schools were established with Friends School Haverford being created first in 1885.
Civic organizations from the 1920s promoted park layouts which saw initial fruition with a park opened by the township in 1933, along with other spaces acquired later on for park purposes such as former Haverford State Hospital grounds at the turn of this century which increased recreation space significantly.
The population tripled from 1900-1920 thanks to improved transport resulting in zoning code adoption (1925). Moreover, the ruling body Board of Commissioners is ward based elected municipal corporation classified as a “Township of First Class”.
Amenities
Haverford, PA has a walk score of 38 and a bike score of 28, making it difficult to do daily errands without the use of a car. However, public transit is available through two SEPTA BUS tram stops. For those looking to take some time outdoors, Haverford offers multiple parks and playgrounds.
Residents also have plenty of dining options plus several grocery stores to choose from in the area. On Skippack Pike and Lancaster Ave., visitors can find popular restaurants and coffee shops like Sunnyside Cafe, Noord Eetcafe, and Yori Sushi Bar.
Dunkin’ Donuts, Giant Food Markets, and Acme Markets are only a few of the grocery stores that provide groceries for families.
Economy
Haverford, Pennsylvania boasts a comparatively low unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is lower than the US average of 6.0%. Over the last year, the job market in Haverford has increased by 0.3%, and projections forecast even more growth over the next decade—29.2% versus the national prediction of 33.5%.
Health Care
Haverford is home to a high number of physicians per capita. With 340 physicians per 100,000 population, this is some 25% higher than the US average of 210 per 100,000 people. This abundance of health professionals gives Haverford residents more options when seeking medical attention and treatment.
Delaware County recently launched the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD), too. This is aimed to handle health complaints and assure optimal conditions for all residents. The DCHD provides essential services such as prevention, response, and community engagement at a local level.
Education
| Education | Percentages |
| High school graduate or higher, persons age 25 years+ | 97.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher, persons age 25 years+ | 62.5% |
The table displays two educational attainment rates for persons aged 25 years and older. In the period of 2017-2021, 97.3% of individuals in this age group in the area attained at least a high school diploma.
62.5% of individuals in this age group have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or higher. These high percentages suggest that education is an important aspect of this area’s culture and may reflect a strong emphasis on educational opportunities and achievement.
Transportation
For residents and students of Haverford, PA, a variety of transportation options are available. Haverford College offers multiple forms of support for transportation. Reimbursements can be given for public transportation or mileage costs incurred while partaking in service projects.
Disposable SEPTA passes are supplied to those engaging in civic or cultural events. Certified drivers have access to a van which can be reserved if needed.
Getting to Center City Philadelphia is easy thanks to the public transportation services available. The journey is less than 30 minutes away.
Students who attend schools within the township – such as The Haverford School – are provided with school bus transportation that uses computer-generated maps to determine eligibility.
Places to Visit
Here are some of the best places that visitors can enjoy when visiting Haverford:
- Historic Grange Estate: This 18th-century historic house offers guided tours and beautiful gardens to explore.
- Ithan Valley Park: This park features hiking trails, a playground, and a stream for visitors to enjoy a walk or picnic.
- Merion Golf Club: A world-renowned golf club that offers visitors the chance to play a round of golf or take a tour of the club.
- Arboretum at Haverford College: A beautiful arboretum with over 50 acres of gardens and woods that’s perfect for a peaceful walk.
- Ardmore Farmers Market: A great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.
- West Mill Creek Park: This park features hiking trails, a playground, and a picnic area for visitors to enjoy.
- Haverford Reserve: Haverford Reserve offers footpaths, biking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, a dog park, and other amenities.
- Spencer Walsh: A professional traveler who loves to help people discover new places and learn about different cultures. He may offer tips and recommendations for places to visit in Haverford, PA.
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