Swarthmore 87 Exceptional
Swarthmore Livability #25 ranked city in Pennsylvania#195 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Swarthmore

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Swarthmore?

Swarthmore is a small city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 6,339 residents. With a population density of 4,528 people per square mile, Swarthmore is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 82% of Swarthmore residents are White, 7% Black and 6% Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Swarthmore is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 24 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Swarthmore is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Pennsylvania, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, commute, health & safety and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Swarthmore and in the areas around Swarthmore is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Swarthmore has received a livability score of 87/100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Swarthmore could be a great choice! Swarthmore also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we know that Swarthmore ranks very well for amenities (B-), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Swarthmore. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (F).

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Swarthmore, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Swarthmore an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Swarthmore can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Swarthmore is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Swarthmore come in at $437,700, which is 161% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Swarthmore, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 19.4% higher than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Swarthmore

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Compare Swarthmore, PA Livability

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      Swarthmore transportation information

      Statistic Swarthmore Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute24min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work49.3%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.6%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.0%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk17.3%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home17.4%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Swarthmore, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).