Media is a borough located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Nestled approximately 13 miles west of Philadelphia, it is surrounded by the Philadelphia metropolitan area and has a ZIP Code of 19063 covering 23.08 sq mi which includes the municipalities that share the same code.
Media only covers 0.8 square miles and less than 6,000 residents spread across its high-ground terrain that gradually slopes to the southwest where it drains into Ridley Creek and finally joins with the Delaware River.
It has a warm-summer humid subtropical climate as classified by Koppen Climate Classification System and falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. Temperatures remain mild to cool during winter or summer when compared to other places in Pennsylvania since its geographical location offers warmer climates throughout most of the year.
Population
The 2020 United States Census Bureau recorded 5,991 people residing in Media, PA. With a median age of 43.2 years, the borough saw a notable 3.12% growth from 5,487 to 5,658 between 2019 and 2020. Despite covering less than 1 square mile, the Media ZIP Code 19063 area boasts an impressive population of 35,704 living within a sprawling 23.08 square miles of range.
History
The area in which Media is located was predominantly rural until the twentieth century. In 1850, it was incorporated and consequently, Delaware County’s county seat was moved from Chester to Media.
Forming this borough involved four farms being purchased by the county. This amounted to around 480 acres in total. Its borders haven’t been modified since then. To accommodate this borough, streets were plotted out in a rectangular grid that encircled the new courthouse; lots were sold at auctions and houses began being erected shortly thereafter.
The term “Media” likely originates from its mean location situated right at the center of Delaware County.
Quality of Life
Media, PA, earned an A+ rating and was ranked 222nd in Pennsylvania’s best places to live in 2019. This score is based on public schools, crime statistics, housing price, diversity, and family amenities. It was also listed as one of America’s coolest suburbs by Suburban Solutions.
These rankings reflect that Media is a desirable place to live for families seeking good schools and safety within a diverse community. Homeowners can rest assured that Media offers reliable public services and plenty of attractions for children and young adults alike. With a well-rounded atmosphere of education, culture, leisure activities, shopping centers, and small businesses – there is something here for every type of resident.
Economy
Media, PA is an economic hub featuring a variety of industries. Publishing, motion picture & sound recording, accommodation & food services, and waste management are the major industries that power its economy.
Other sales and related occupations, management occupations, and preschool-kindergarten-elementary-middle school teaching are among some of the top jobs in the area.
Employment in Media, PA also saw growth from 2019 to 2020 with 3.69k people employed in a variety of sectors. Chief among these are educational services, professional scientific & technical service, and health care & social assistance.
Management operations rank highest amongst job groups with education instruction & library followed by office & administrative support coming in second. These three categories help to form a diverse economic base driving a resilient local economy toward future prosperity.
Healthcare
The percentage of citizens without insurance in Media, PA declined dramatically from 3.14% to only 2.28% in the year 2020, resulting in a 27.5% decrease. This shows that there is greater access to and availability of healthcare services for residents of Media than ever before.
Residents of the Media can find many health institutions to meet their needs, such as subacute rehabilitation centers, primary care providers, and specialized physicians. These healthcare professionals provide various treatments, from simple remedies to sophisticated care – available for adults and children alike.
Some of the most prominent health institutions in Media include:
- Sterling Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility in Media, PA that offers rehabilitation services, 24-hour nursing care, and long-term care.
- Primary Care Media provides primary care services for patients of all ages.
- Main Line Health offers a broad range of healthcare services and specialized care from board-certified physicians, including primary care, behavioral health, and urgent care.
- Media Medical Associates specializes in geriatric care and wellness, and medical issues related to aging for adults aged 21 and above.
Education
Education in Media is provided by the Rose Tree Media School District. Created in 1966 through a merger of the Rose Tree Union and Media Borough School Districts, it serves students living within borough boundaries for grades K-5 at Media Elementary School, located in Downtown media. Springton Lake Middle School then takes over for grades 6-8, followed by Penncrest High School for grades 9-12.
There is also one available private school in Media – the Media Upper Providence Friends School and the Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School in Wallingford serves the area Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Regardless of educational choice, families within the borough are surely able to find an appropriate academic setting for their children.
Transport
Media is served by a wide range of transportation options: the [1] SEPTA Media/Wawa Line, [2] Routes 101 and 102 (the Media-Sharon Hill Lightrail Trolleys), [3] U.S. 1, formerly running through the borough until the completion of the “Media bypass” in 1960, [4] Route 252 along Providence Road at its eastern border, and [5] Philadelphia International Airport which is only 11 miles away from downtown Media.
Residents here can enjoy an average car ownership of 2 cars per household and a short 26-minute commute time on average. The transportation options make it easy to access downtown Philadelphia or other nearby areas such as Upper Darby in no time.
The presence of PHL airport also offers a convenient option for traveling out of state or even abroad without much hassle.
Points of Interest
Media, Pennsylvania, is home to a variety of attractions and points of interest including:
- Delaware County Institute of Science: This non-profit organization promotes science education and research through a museum displaying natural history specimens, including rocks, minerals, fossils, and animal specimens.
- Media Theater for the Performing Arts: This community theater hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
- Linvilla Orchards: A family-owned farm offering activities and event such as apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes, along with a market selling fresh produce, baked goods, and local products.
- Tyler Arboretum: A 650-acre public garden featuring hiking trails, themed gardens, and historic buildings.
- Ridley Creek State Park: A 2,606-acre park offering hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking, as well as a mansion that can be rented for special events.
Media also offers dozens of restaurants, store, and galleries, as well as events and festivals throughout the year, including the Media Film Festival, the Food and Arts Festival, and the Media 5-Miler.
