The Almost-Main Line: A Survival Guide to Havertown, Pennsylvania's Identity Crisis

Welcome to Havertown, Pennsylvania's roughly 37,000-person experiment in suburban limbo, nestled approximately 10 miles west of Philadelphia — close enough to smell the cheesesteaks, far enough away to be forgotten at dinner parties. This isn't your typical travel destination, and frankly, Havertown isn't even technically a real place, just a census-designated place within Haverford Township. But that's part of its charm, if you squint hard enough and have a sense of humor about geographic technicalities.

The Town That Wasn't (Until It Had To Be)

Before it was called "Havertown," what we now call "Havertown" was actually a collection of different communities: Bon Air, Brookline, Penfield, Beechwood, Llanerch, Manoa, Oakmont, and Coopertown. Think of it as a suburban collective that couldn't agree on a band name until someone got tired of dealing with their identity crisis. These communities were originally part of the Welsh Tract under William Penn's land divisions, settled by Welsh Quakers, who named the township after Haverfordwest in Wales.

The area has quite the résumé for a place that technically doesn't exist: it was the birthplace of Swell Bubble Gum, and later became an environmental cleanup site. From children's confection manufacturer to Superfund site — talk about career pivots.

The 33rd County of Ireland (With a Side of Superfund)

Haverford Township has a large Irish-American population, earning the area the colloquial nickname "33rd county of Ireland". This Irish heritage is still evident today in the many Irish bars and stores throughout town, including establishments like J.D. McGillicuddy's, a family-owned Irish sports bar in the heart of Havertown.

But Havertown's claim to fame isn't just shamrocks and Guinness. The town hosts a Superfund site courtesy of the National Wood Preservers facility, which closed in 1991, discharging wood-preserving chemicals that contaminated groundwater and Naylors Run, a creek flowing toward the Delaware River. Nothing says "quaint suburban charm" quite like being home to an environmental disaster.

Main Line Adjacent (But Not Quite Invited to the Party)

Geographically speaking, Havertown occupies that awkward social position of being likely one of the nicer parts of town with a more affluent demographic, while still not quite making it onto the prestigious Main Line proper. It's very close to Philadelphia, about a half hour drive, and easily accessible to public transportation considering how close it is to 69th Street Terminal.

The demographic breakdown reads like a suburban dream, with a highly educated, largely professional workforce, though commuting can be a challenge, with a much lower than average number of people making it to work in under half an hour, and traveling over 45 minutes isn't uncommon.

Your Authentic Irish Experience (SEPTA Bus Not Included)

For visitors looking to experience the famous Irish culture, the area offers establishments like J.D. McGillicuddy's, serving Irish pub fare. J.D. McGillicuddy's features two full bars, outdoor dining, and live music every week, because what's more Irish than outdoor dining in Pennsylvania weather?

Transportation-wise, you can take SEPTA Route 104 or 112 bus from 69th Street — though walking around is easy but driving is the best option, as public transportation isn't the greatest. At least there's usually plenty of street parking and several parking lots, which is more than you can say for most Philadelphia-adjacent areas.

So there you have it: Havertown, Pennsylvania — a place that technically isn't a place, floating somewhere between Irish pride and environmental remediation, with excellent demographics and a commute that'll test your patience. It may not have the cache of the real Main Line, but it's got character, affordable parking, and enough Irish pubs to make you forget you're in suburban Delaware County.

Think we were too nice to Havertown? See the full roast and discover what other towns are getting the treatment at RoastMyTown.com.