You’ve probably driven past it on the West Chester Pike without giving it a second thought. Or maybe you’ve stopped at the Lawrence Park Shopping Center to hit the TJ Maxx and grab a coffee. But honestly, Broomall is one of those places that people tend to label as "just another suburb" of Philadelphia. That’s a mistake.
Broomall, Pennsylvania, isn't even technically a city or a borough. It’s a census-designated place (CDP) tucked inside Marple Township in Delaware County. Around 11,700 people call this 3-square-mile patch of land home, and as of 2026, it remains one of the most stable, high-demand pockets in the Philly suburbs. It’s got this weirdly perfect mix of "1950s Americana" and "modern professional hub" that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The Identity Crisis: Broomall vs. Marple
Most outsiders get confused about where Broomall ends and Marple begins. Basically, Broomall is the name of the post office. The government is Marple Township. If you live here, you’re paying taxes to Marple, but your mail says Broomall 19008.
The name itself comes from John Martin Broomall. He was a 19th-century U.S. Congressman and a pretty big deal in the Quaker community. Interestingly, he was also the first president of the Chester Gas Company. When a new post office was set up at the corner of West Chester Pike and Sproul Road in 1868, they named it after him.
He was a man of his word, but he didn't have the easiest life. Despite being a "giant in his time," he actually faced bankruptcy toward the end of his life during a national economic depression. It’s a bit of a grim detail, but it adds a layer of real-world grit to the town’s namesake.
Real Life in the 19008
Living here isn't exactly cheap, but it’s manageable if you've got a decent career. The median property value has climbed to roughly $452,300, and as of early 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is hovering around $1,495. You’re looking at about $1,664 for a two-bedroom. It’s an 8% discount compared to the national average, which is a rare win for the Northeast.
The houses here are solid. You'll see a lot of brick split-levels and colonials with actual yards. It’s a 79.5% homeownership rate, so people tend to stick around. You see the same faces at the Giant or the Acme for decades.
The Commute is the Real Boss
Most people here work in management, sales, or office support. The average commute? About 27.3 minutes. That’s because you’re basically 10 miles west of Center City Philadelphia. You’ve got easy access to Route 3 (West Chester Pike) and Route 320 (Sproul Road). If you’re heading to the city, you’re usually jumping on I-476 (the Blue Route).
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Why Families Actually Move Here
It’s the schools. Honestly, the Marple Newtown School District is the primary driver for the real estate market. The district handles about 4,000 students across schools like Loomis, Russell, and Worrall Elementary.
The student-to-teacher ratio is roughly 15:1. That’s pretty good for a public system. Parents here are intense about education—about 44% of adults in Broomall hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. It’s a community of high achievers who want their kids to be higher achievers.
Safety is the other big pull. The crime rate in Broomall is nearly 70% lower than the national average. You can actually walk your dog at 10:00 PM without looking over your shoulder. That kind of peace of mind is what keeps the property values so resilient.
The Thomas Massey House: A Colonial Time Capsule
If you want to see what this place looked like before the suburban sprawl, you go to the Thomas Massey House on Lawrence Road. Built in 1696, it’s one of the oldest English Quaker homes in the country.
Thomas Massey was an indentured servant who worked his way up to becoming a landowner. He arrived in 1682, right around the time William Penn was getting things started. The house is a legit architectural marvel, showing the transition from 17th-century brickwork to 18th-century stone additions. It’s not a "fake" history spot; it’s the real deal.
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Surprising Facts and Local Legends
Broomall has some weirdly famous connections that nobody talks about.
- Marta Kauffman: The co-creator of the show Friends grew up here.
- David Miscavige: The leader of the Church of Scientology spent his early years in Broomall.
- Danny DeVito: No, he didn't live here, but his wife Rhea Perlman has family ties to the area.
- The "Mud Fort": John Broomall’s original house in Chester was nicknamed the "Mud Fort" because it was built half-inside a marsh river bank.
The town also has a significant veteran population, particularly Vietnam-era vets. You'll see this reflected in the community’s respect for Veterans Memorial Park, which is the go-to spot for kids to burn off energy.
Eating Your Way Through Broomall
The dining scene here is surprisingly diverse. It’s not just chain restaurants.
- Roz & Rocco’s: This is a BYOB spot that feels like sitting in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Their pastas are legit.
- Marple Public House: This place basically reintroduced bar culture to a town that was "dry" or "damp" for a long time. They do a city-style burger (The Big Daddy) that actually lives up to the hype.
- New Leaf: If you want scallion pancakes or solid sushi, this is the local consensus choice.
The Economic Reality of 2026
Broomall isn't immune to the broader economy. While the median household income is a healthy $114,844, the cost of living in Delaware County is no joke. Property taxes can be a gut punch—an average home can easily see $9,600 or more in annual taxes.
Employment here is stable, though. Major regional employers like Comcast, Deloitte, and JP Morgan have a huge presence in the surrounding area. The local unemployment rate sits at about 4.3%, which is slightly better than many other Delco pockets.
Actionable Insights for Moving or Visiting
If you're looking at Broomall as a potential home, here is the ground-level advice:
- Check the School Catchment: Even though the whole district is good, some people prefer specific elementary schools like Loomis over Worrall. Do your homework on the boundaries before buying.
- Prepare for the 20% Down: Most home sales in the 19008 require a 20% down payment to be competitive. It's a seller's market and always has been.
- Visit the Massey House in Autumn: They often do hearth cooking demonstrations and historical tours when the weather turns. It’s the best way to experience the site.
- Use the SEPTA 104 Bus: If you don't want to deal with the 69th Street Transportation Center traffic, the 104 bus is a solid alternative for getting toward the city or West Chester.
Broomall might not have a flashy "Main Street" like Media or Wayne, but it offers a level of stability and safety that’s becoming increasingly rare. It’s a town built on Quaker values and suburban pragmatism. It’s quiet, it’s safe, and the schools are great. For most people, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.