Havertown’s old-fashioned small town charm is combining with new restaurants and bars, upgraded parks and a younger demographic to make it an attractive place to own a business, visit and live, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Thirty years ago, restaurants were noticeably absent.  Now you can find restaurants and bars nestled in Havertown neighborhoods.

There’s JD MCGillicuddy’s, Sampan Inn and the Ivy Inn in the vicinity of Brookline Blvd.   Down Darby Road closer to Eagle Road, you can find a vegan-friendly coffee shop, Oakmont Roots Café; Town Tap, the Crossbar and Brick & Brew.  All three have opened in the last seven years.

Manoa Tavern, Barnaby’s Havertown and Pepperoncini hug West Chester Pike.

For recreation, there’s a state-of-the-art Community Y and Haverford Reserve, with parks, fields, hiking trails and an indoor fitness center.

Yet Havertown’s old-fashioned charm remains.

Haverford Township Commissioner Gerard Hart called it “a real place. … It’s kind of a throwback to what you imagine small towns were like years ago, but you’re sitting right next to the city.”

The business community is noticing, said Bill Ruane, owner of the Mexican BYOB Vida.

“There’s a real buzz about Havertown.”

Read more about Havertown’s popularity here.

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