Delaware Valley, Metropolitan region in southeastern Pennsylvania, US
The Delaware Valley is a metropolitan region in southeastern Pennsylvania that extends across parts of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The region includes several large cities and numerous suburbs connected by highways, rail lines and local road networks.
The region developed around Philadelphia, which was founded in the late 17th century and served as the capital of the new American republic during the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, surrounding communities grew into one of the largest metropolitan regions in the country.
The regional name refers to the Delaware River, which flows through the area and has served as a waterway for centuries. Visitors today see neighborhoods with dense residential blocks next to wide green spaces where locals jog, cycle or picnic on weekends.
Travelers can move between cities using public transit, trains or cars, with travel times varying depending on direction and time of day. Most attractions and neighborhoods remain accessible year-round, with spring and autumn often providing comfortable temperatures.
The region is home to more than seven million people living across dozens of counties, forming an economic area that spans four states. Less known is that the valley was historically the center of early American printing and publishing, which remains visible today in local archives.
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