What Athertyn Is
Athertyn at Haverford Reserve is the gold standard for luxury 55+ condominium living in the Philadelphia suburbs. Developed by Pohlig Builders beginning in 2009, the community comprises six four-story buildings — designed by Minno & Wasko Architects in English Tudor Revival style with steel and concrete construction — set within the 209-acre Haverford Reserve master-planned community in Haverford Township, Delaware County. At build-out the community holds 198 units. The development is federally age-restricted (55+).
The 209 acres of Haverford Reserve surrounding Athertyn include 120+ acres of preserved open space with nature and biking trails. The community is positioned in the heart of the Main Line — Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, and Ardmore are all within minutes. SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale regional rail line runs through the corridor giving carless access to Center City Philadelphia. This is the most transit-accessible 55+ community in the Philadelphia suburbs.
What Makes Athertyn Different from Every Other 55+ Community in This Market
Almost every other 55+ community in the Philadelphia suburbs is wood-frame construction on a suburban lot. Athertyn is steel and concrete — the same building standards as a high-rise residential development — with elevator access from underground parking to every floor. The units run 1,500 to 2,800+ square feet, feel like single-family homes inside, and command prices that reflect both the construction quality and the Main Line address. For buyers who want urban-style lock-and-leave convenience without leaving the Main Line, there is no equivalent in this market.
Cost Structure
| Cost Item | Range / Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | ~$700K–$1.6M+ | Varies by floor, views, model — median resale ~$1.1M; verify current MLS |
| HOA Fee | Verify directly | Covers exterior maintenance, landscaping, clubhouse, pool, trails — substantial but comprehensive |
| Property Tax | ~2.0% effective (Delaware Co.) | Highest rate of four-county market; verify actual assessment with Delaware County |
| PA Act 1 Exemption | File with Delaware County by March 1 | Reduces school, county, municipal tax for primary residents |
The Delaware County Tax Context
Delaware County carries the highest effective property tax rate of the four Philadelphia-area counties at approximately 2.0%. On a $1,000,000 unit that's roughly $20,000/year before Act 1 relief. This is the unavoidable cost of the Main Line address — property tax in Haverford Township has historically been the premium paid for one of the most sought-after locations in the Philadelphia metro. Compare: the same $1M purchase in Montgomery County (~1.7%) runs ~$17,000/year — a $3,000 annual difference, or $60,000 over 20 years.
Who Athertyn Is Right For
The right community if you…
- Want the most prestigious 55+ address in the Philadelphia suburbs — Main Line, Haverford Township
- Want condo-style lock-and-leave with zero exterior maintenance and elevator access
- Value steel and concrete construction over wood-frame — quieter, more durable, fire-resistant
- Want SEPTA regional rail access without a car
- Are comfortable with a $700K–$1.6M+ price point and substantial HOA fee for the corresponding lifestyle
- Want 120+ acres of preserved trails immediately outside your door
Consider other options if you…
- Want a single-family home with a yard — Athertyn is condos only
- Need a lower price point — Hershey's Mill starts significantly lower
- Want on-site golf — Athertyn has a putting green but not a full course
- Want to minimize property taxes — Delaware County's ~2.0% is the highest in the market; Montgomery County alternatives run ~1.7%
Related Research
Delaware County 55+ Guide — All CommunitiesDelaware County Tax Rate vs Other CountiesHershey's Mill — Single-Family AlternativePA Senior Tax Relief ProgramsBack to Philadelphia Market HubTalk to a Main Line 55+ Specialist
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