close
Menu
Located just 13 miles west of Philadelphia, Media, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant borough and the county seat of Delaware County, nestled in the heart of the Delaware Valley. With a population of 5,991 as of the 2020 census, Media is a charming community known for its rich history, bustling downtown, and commitment to fair trade principles. Incorporated in 1850, Media blends historic charm with modern vitality, offering residents a welcoming, walkable environment surrounded by Upper and Nether Providence Townships. At Elevate Medical Aesthetics, located in nearby Havertown, PA, we are proud to serve the residents of Media, providing premier medical spa services to enhance their natural beauty and well-being.
Media’s history begins with William Penn’s arrival in 1681, when the area was part of Chester County and settled by Quakers like Peter and William Taylor, who purchased land directly from Penn. The Providence Great Road, now Pennsylvania Route 252, was approved in 1683 and forms the borough’s eastern border, connecting Media to Chester. By 1690, the area was divided into Upper and Nether Providence Townships, with Media emerging as a rural village known as "Providence" until its incorporation in 1850, when it became the county seat of the newly formed Delaware County. The name "Media" likely reflects its central location in the county, as suggested by Minshall Painter, a descendant of early Quaker settler Thomas Minshall.
Thomas Minshall, who arrived in 1682, played a pivotal role in Media’s early development, purchasing 625 acres and establishing the Providence Friends Meetinghouse in 1688, with the current structure completed in 1814. His home, built around 1750, was donated to the borough in 1975 and remains a cherished landmark. The John J. Tyler Arboretum, part of Minshall’s original land, preserves a collection of over 1,000 tree and shrub varieties planted by brothers Jacob and Minshall Painter starting in 1825, including a surviving giant sequoia. The Delaware County Institute of Science, founded in 1833 by Minshall Painter and others, further underscores Media’s intellectual heritage, with its building at 11 Veterans Square constructed in 1867.
In the 19th century, Media served as a summer resort for Philadelphia’s elite, with grand hotels like the Idlewild Hotel (1871) and Chestnut Grove House (1860). The West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad, built in 1854 and electrified in 1928, connected Media to Philadelphia, with SEPTA continuing operations today. The Media Theatre, opened in 1927 as a vaudeville house, is a cultural gem, restored in 1994 to host performances like The Full Monty and Carousel.
Spanning 1.2 square miles, Media is bordered by Upper Providence Township to the north and Nether Providence Township to the south, with Pennsylvania Route 252 marking its eastern edge. Located at 39°55′N 75°23′W, the borough is just 13 miles from Philadelphia, making it an ideal home for commuters. SEPTA’s Media/Wawa Line provides direct rail access to Center City, while major roads like Baltimore Avenue and Providence Road ensure easy connectivity to nearby towns like Swarthmore, Wallingford, and Rose Tree. Darby Creek adds natural beauty to the borough’s southern border, enhancing its scenic appeal.
Media’s population of 5,991 reflects a diverse and engaged community, with a median household income of approximately $77,000, indicative of its prosperity. The borough’s downtown, centered along State Street, is a vibrant hub of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes, many offering fair-trade products since Media became the first U.S. town to earn fair trade certification in 2006. Annual events like the Media Arts Festival and Dining Under the Stars bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of community.
The borough’s commitment to history is evident in landmarks like the Providence Friends Meetinghouse, the Minshall House, and the Delaware County Institute of Science. The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts professional productions and community events, while the John J. Tyler Arboretum offers trails and educational programs. Media’s parks, such as Glen Providence Park, provide green spaces for recreation, making the borough a haven for families and nature enthusiasts.
Media is served by the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, with students attending Strath Haven High School, Strath Haven Middle School, and elementary schools like Wallingford Elementary. Nearby private schools, such as The School in Rose Valley, offer additional educational options. The Media-Upper Providence Free Library, part of the Delaware County Library System, serves as a community hub with extensive resources and programs.
Media’s civic engagement is notable, from its fair trade certification to its historical role in the Underground Railroad, with the John J. Tyler Arboretum and nearby Lima serving as key stops. The 1971 FBI raid by the Citizens’ Commission to Investigate the FBI, which exposed COINTELPRO, remains a significant moment in Media’s history, highlighting its place in national civil rights narratives.
At Elevate Medical Aesthetics in Havertown, we are thrilled to serve the residents of Media, a community that embodies historical charm and modern vibrancy. Our medical spa offers a range of services, from rejuvenating facials to advanced skincare treatments, tailored to meet the needs of Media’s discerning residents. Whether you’re strolling through downtown’s fair-trade shops or enjoying a performance at the Media Theatre, our Havertown location is just a short drive away, making self-care a seamless part of your lifestyle.
Our team understands the unique needs of Media residents, who value heritage, community, and quality. We provide personalized treatments in a welcoming environment, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and confident. From non-invasive procedures to customized wellness plans, we’re committed to helping you enhance your natural beauty.
Media’s blend of historic elegance and progressive values aligns perfectly with the ethos of Elevate Medical Aesthetics. Our state-of-the-art facility in Havertown offers cutting-edge treatments delivered by experienced professionals, ensuring exceptional results. Whether you’re exploring the John J. Tyler Arboretum or dining under the stars, our services complement your lifestyle, offering convenient solutions to keep you radiant and refreshed.
Media, PA, is a borough where history, culture, and community converge to create a truly special place to live. At Elevate Medical Aesthetics, we are proud to serve this remarkable community from our nearby Havertown location. Discover how our medical spa services can elevate your well-being and help you shine. Schedule a consultation today and experience the Elevate difference, right here in the heart of Media.
Copyright © Elevate Medical Aesthetics. All Rights Reserved
