Brookhaven, Pennsylvania is a small borough located in Delaware County, about 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia. With a population of just over 8,000 people, Brookhaven is a close-knit and welcoming community with plenty to offer visitors and residents alike.
The borough is situated on the banks of the Darby Creek and is bordered by Aston Township to the north and Upper Chichester Township to the south. The surrounding area is predominantly residential with some commercial businesses scattered throughout.
The geography of Brookhaven consists mainly of rolling hills with some flat areas along the creek. The elevation ranges from about 170 feet above sea level in the center of town to nearly 400 feet on the northern edge.
The climate in Brookhaven is typical for southeastern Pennsylvania with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit in January to an average high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Precipitation averages around 40 inches per year with most rain falling during summer months. Snowfall averages around 14 inches per year but can vary greatly from year to year depending on weather patterns.
There are several parks located throughout Brookhaven including Friendship Park which has walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and sports fields; as well as a skate park and BMX track for those looking for more extreme activities. The borough also has several public swimming pools open during summer months which offer respite from hot days as well as fun activities like swimming lessons and water aerobics classes for all ages.
Brookhaven offers its residents an ideal suburban lifestyle complete with plenty of outdoor activities, friendly neighbors, beautiful scenery and easy access to both Philadelphia and Wilmington via major highways I-95 & I-476 respectively. With its temperate climate, diverse landscape and close proximity to big cities; Brookhaven provides visitors and locals alike with great options for relaxation or recreation.
History of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania
Brookhaven, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to the late 1600s. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans before being settled in 1682 by William Penn and other Quakers. The area was first known as “Providence” until it was officially incorporated in 1814 as the Borough of Brookhaven.
Throughout its history, Brookhaven has had a close relationship with the nearby city of Philadelphia. In 1774, Brookhaven served as an important link between Philadelphia and Wilmington during the Revolutionary War. During this period, much of the town’s population was made up of merchants, farmers and artisans who supplied goods to the Continental Army.
In 1832, Brookhaven became a popular summer resort destination for wealthy Philadelphians looking for respite from city life. This trend continued into the early 1900s when many of these same families built large mansions along Darby Creek which still stand today.
The 20th century saw a shift in Brookhaven’s economy from agriculture to industry with many businesses setting up shop in town including a steel mill and a paper factory. This period also marked an influx of new residents from other parts of Pennsylvania and beyond who were drawn to Brookhaven for its affordable housing options and easy access to Philadelphia via major highways I-95 & I-476 respectively.
Today, Brookhaven is a diverse community with many different cultures represented within its population of just over 8,000 people. While there are still some manufacturing businesses located in town; most of its economic activity is now focused on retail stores, restaurants and other small businesses that cater to both locals and visitors alike.
Brookhaven is an incredibly unique place that has managed to maintain its small-town charm while also keeping pace with modern times; making it an ideal destination for those looking for peaceful suburban living or fun weekend getaways.
Economy of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania
According to educationvv, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania is a small town located in Delaware County. The town has a population of about 5,000 people and is situated near the Delaware River. The economy of Brookhaven is largely based on agriculture and manufacturing. Local farms produce fruits and vegetables for sale at the local farmers’ market, and many of the businesses in town are involved in manufacturing goods for use by local businesses or for export. The area also has a number of small retail stores, restaurants, and other services that cater to both residents and tourists alike. Additionally, Brookhaven is home to several parks, lakes, and recreational areas which provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, boating, and more.
Brookhaven also benefits from its close proximity to Philadelphia which provides access to numerous employment opportunities in the larger city as well as increased tourism to the area. Large employers in the area include pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Inc., defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corporation., IT firm Unisys Corporation., financial services provider Vanguard Group Inc., telecom firm Comcast Corporation., energy utility PECO Energy Company., healthcare provider St Luke’s University Health Network., food service provider Aramark Corporation., apparel manufacturer Urban Outfitters Inc., transportation company SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), retail corporation Wawa Incorporated., transportation company SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), automotive parts manufacturer Johnson Controls International plc. These companies provide jobs throughout the region with many employees commuting from Brookhaven to their respective locations on a daily basis.
Politics in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania
Brookhaven, Pennsylvania is a small town located in Delaware County. The town is governed by a five-member borough council, with the mayor acting as the presiding officer. All members of the council are elected to serve four-year terms, with elections taking place in odd-numbered years. The mayor and each member of the council are responsible for representing their constituents and voting on issues that come before the board. The mayor also has the power to appoint members to various advisory boards and committees, as well as recommend ordinances and resolutions for adoption by the borough council.
Brookhaven is represented at the state level by Senator Tom McGarrigle in District 26, Representative Joe Hackett in District 165, and Representative Leanne Krueger-Braneky in District 161. At the federal level Brookhaven is represented by Congressman Brendan Boyle in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District.
The political landscape of Brookhaven leans heavily towards Democrats, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans nearly 3:1 according to voter registration data from 2017. In recent years, local elections have been won overwhelmingly by Democratic candidates, with Republican candidates rarely managing more than 10% of total votes cast.
The Borough Council meets regularly throughout the year to discuss matters such as taxation and zoning regulations that affect residents of Brookhaven. Residents are encouraged to get involved in local politics by attending meetings or running for office on either a municipal or state level.