CHESTER COUNTY, PA

County Offices
313 West Market Street
West Chester, PA
610-344-6000
www.chesco.org

Chamber of Commerce
1600 Paoli Pike
Malvern, PA
610-725-9100
www.cccbi.org

Major Highways
Interstate 76; US Highways 30, 202, 322

Services
Just 30 miles from Philadelphia, vibrant Chester County attracts newcomers to an ideal location where Jersey Shore resorts, the Pocono Mountains, and the Chesapeake Bay are all just a two-hour drive from home. The eastern Main Line provides a direct link to the many high-tech companies headquartered in the county, although picturesque farms and open space remain. The rapidly developing western section of Chester County, historically “Amish country,” offers some of the most valued land for open space, residential development, and new businesses. The northern region is dotted by established towns, villages, and parks.

The public school districts in Chester County excel in delivering a quality education on all levels, nurturing both talents and intelligence through high academic standards and extracurricular activities. Honors programs and advanced-placement courses provide opportunities for growth and self-awareness challenges, while innovative programs serve those with special learning needs.

A number of excellent private and parochial schools expand the educational opportunities. Resources for technical and vocational training as well as continuing education are readily available. In addition to the fine colleges and universities located within the county are the many notable institutions of higher learning in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.

State-of-the-art healthcare is one of the county’s most valued assets. Among the many first-class facilities is Brandywine Hospital & Trauma Center, featuring an accredited Level II trauma center with 24-hour coverage by expert medical surgical and nursing trauma team. Chester County Hospital enjoys teaching affiliations with over a dozen institutions of higher learning and was the first to offer cardiac-catheterization laboratory.

Specialized institutions like the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital combine with a host of innovative programs such as Genetic Counseling to ensure that Chester County will continue to keep pace with the technology explosion. One of the county’s more recent additions is Paoli Memorial Hospital, a nonprofit community institution serving more than 300,000 residents throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

Lifestyle
Among Chester County’s cultural jewels of world-class museums, historic attractions, and galleries is the renowned Kennett Symphony Orchestra and People’s Light Theatre, a professional repertory company that performs classic and contemporary plays in a modern theater built into an 1820 barn gallery. Nearby is the famous Brandywine River Museum, a showcase for three generations of Wyeth family and other American artists.

The Chester County Center for the Performing Arts recreates the tradition of the 1920s with its vaudeville and variety shows, silent films and live accompaniment on the theater organ—complete with Dolby sound and Sensurround. Those who appreciate opera as an art form will thrill to the works of The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County, while aficionados of community theater can enjoy the Chester & Barleysheaf Players in Lionville.

Longwood Gardens, the nation’s premier horticultural showplace, covers more than 350 acres with breathtaking natural beauty that includes 11,000 varieties of plants, roses, and orchids for year-round brilliance. Historic delights like Brandywine Battlefield State Park or Washington’s headquarters at Valley Forge National Historic Park abound in this area of world-class museums and historic attractions. Regardless of your taste or passion, Chester County provides a palette of artistic and cultural delights.

This primarily rural county with its carpet of verdant foliage, rippling streams and rolling hills offers a panoramic backdrop for a number of exclusive residential communities. The county’s open terrain and generous parcels of land is also ideal for owning and breeding horses. In the heart of the county, Marsh Creek State Park provides biking and hiking trails, a public swimming pool, bridle paths, electric and sail boating, and fishing opportunities. Residents enjoy an abundance of natural resources with nearly 10,000 acres of panoramic open space and dedicated recreational facilities that span more than 3,000 acres at six sites.

A golfer’s paradise, the county offers a wide selection of public and private courses. Skiing is the chosen winter sport, while floating down the Brandywine River via canoe or inner tube is a favorite summer pastime. Festivals abound in Chester County, beginning with Kennett Square’s Annual Mushroom Festival and followed by the Country Samplers Springtime Market, the Strawberry Festival, Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and the Radnor Hunt Steeplechase Races.

Aficionados of shopping will find an abundance of malls, downtown boutiques and country stores that rival the variety and quality of products available in nearby Philadelphia’s downtown district. Seeking out antiques is a favorite pastime for many residents who find a myriad of venues and stores from which to choose. The Downingtown Marketplace provides a unique shopping experience with more than 135 stores, restaurants and market pavilions—including an Amish market with homemade goods, crafts, foods and auctions.

Dining choices are virtually unlimited in Chester County, where fine cuisine and exquisite surroundings contrast with casual, relaxed environments to meet every budget and taste. Newcomers can choose from an abundance of housing options and architectural styles, including older country homes, sprawling farm houses and the brick/stone houses from the Federal and Colonial periods. Apartments and townhouses along narrow tree-lined streets contrast with stately single-family homes that overlook the countryside. Chester County’s striking beauty and rich variety of opportunities, amenities, and varied lifestyle choices makes this area attractive to young families and singles alike. From its high-tech silicon corridor to the lush farms and horticultural operations in the south and west, Chester County reflects a perfect synergy of rural America and urban convenience.

Avondale, Franklin, London Grove, New London, Penn, West Grove
Avondale Offices
610-268-8501
www.avondaleboro.net
Franklin Offices
814-437-1485
www.franklinpa.gov
London Grove Offices
610-345-0100
www.londongrove.org
New London Offices
610-869-8658
www.newlondontwp.net
Penn Offices
610-869-9620
www.penntownship.us
West Grove Borough
610-869-2792
www.westgroveborough.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-725-9100
www.cccbi.org

The communities of southern Chester County offer new residents an opportunity to enjoy suburban Pennsylvania’s country life with easy access to the amenities available in Philadelphia. Verdant hillsides and gently rolling terrain characterize this scenic landscape, made even more attractive by the reasonable housing costs and generous parcels of land.

Franklin and Penn are farming communities, while London Grove, London Britain and New London share an abundance of new housing developments on large lots.

As a borough of only one square mile, West Grove is almost entirely residential. All of these municipalities have a population under 6,000 and ensure a family-oriented lifestyle in the context of a strong community spirit. Fine schools and a plethora of nearby recreational and shopping amenities add to the allure.

Birmingham (Chadds Ford), East Marlborough, West Marlborough, Newlin, Pennsbury, Pocopson
Birmingham Offices
610-793-2600
www.birminghamtownship.org
East Marlborough Offices
610-444-0725
www.eastmarlborough.org
West Marlborough Offices
610-383-5986
Newlin Offices
610-486-1141
www.newlintownship.org
Pennsbury Offices
610-388-7323
www.pennsbury.pa.us
Pocopson Offices
610-793-2151
www.pocopson.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-725-9100
www.cccbi.org
Verdant hills, patchwork fields, agricultural activity and open space characterize the communities in this area. Even the residential communities of Birmingham and Pennsbury feature generous parcels of land and one-acre lots. “Room to grow” could best describe the atmosphere, although the vast amenities of larger urban population centers are easily accessible.

This area is widely known as “Andrew Wyeth Country.” The popular local artist has brought international fame to many of its scenic and historic native hillsides.

The Brandywine River winds through lush green fields and thick woods, providing a panoramic landscape for the charm of meticulously restored 18th and 19th Century homes. Many of the more unusual old estates, barns and gardens have been featured in national magazines.

Charlestown, East Whiteland, Malvern, Willistown
Charlestown Offices
610-240-0326
www.charlestown.pa.us
East Whiteland Offices
610-648-0600
www.eastwhiteland.org
Malvern Offices
610-644-2602
www.malvern.org
Willistown Offices
610-647-5300
www.willistown.pa.us

Chamber of Commerce
610-687-6232
www.mlcc.org

Although the distance to Center City Philadelphia is greater with these municipalities than those along the Main Line, they also afford cleaner air and all of the advantages associated with country living.

Convenient to shopping, schools, transportation and recreation, this primarily rural environment features many large estates and farms scattered throughout rolling hills and open countryside. Through the efficiencies of the SEPTA transportation system, commuting is surprisingly rapid.

Varied in the ages and styles of its homes, the area offers everything from 200-year-old Chester County farmhouses to contemporary luxury homes on sprawling acreage. Many of the area’s finest historic homes are annually opened to the public, allowing visitors an opportunity to examine and enjoy some of the finest examples of restored Early American craftsmanship in the entire nation.

Coatesville, Caln, East Fallowfield, Sadsbury, Valley Township, West Brandywine, West Caln
Coatesville Offices
610-384-0300
www.coatesville.org
Caln Offices
610-384-0600
www.calntownship.org
East Fallowfield Offices
610-384-7144
www.eastfallowfield.org
Sadsbury Offices
610-857-9503
www.sadsburytwp.org
Valley Offices
610-384-5751
www.valleytownship.org
West Caln Offices
610-384-5643
www.westcaln.org
West Brandywine Offices
610-380-8200
www.wbrandywine.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-384-9550
www.westernchestercounty.com

The Coatesville area has experienced such rapid growth in recent years that Coatesville City is rapidly transforming into a center for industrial activity within the county. Nevertheless, these communities have planned carefully to protect the open spaces, original charm and reputation for a calmer, less hurried lifestyle that once characterized this area.

Housing options blend brick twins, mid-sized Colonials on quarter-acre lots, newer sprawling Colonials on lots of one or more acres, and stately old stone farmhouses that might feature one hundred acres of land or more. Country estates, working farms, and welcome open space with panoramic views are all scattered throughout these townships.

Good transportation connections and quality schools make this an ideal area for young professionals as well as families of all stages.

Downingtown, East Brandywine, East Caln, Uwchlan, Wallace, West Bradford, West Pikeland
Downingtown Offices
610-269-0344
www.downingtown.org
East Brandywine Offices
610-269-8230
www.ebrandywine.org
East Caln Offices
610-269-1989
www.eastcalntownship.com
Uwchlan Offices
610-363-9450
www.uwchlan.com
Wallace Offices
610-942-2880
www.wallacetwp.org
West Bradford Offices
610-269-4174
www.westbradford.org
West Pikeland Offices
610-590-5300
www.westpikeland.com
Chamber of Commerce
610-725-9100
www.cccbi.org

The Downingtown area features attractive, developing new communities with a great potential for future expansion. Much of the area is still open land, ready and willing to absorb the anticipated growth.

Many of the area’s new subdivisions provide an abundance of larger homes at more reasonable prices than those in the established Main Line communities or the municipalities that are closer to Center City Philadelphia. Lots average one-half acre or more, although West Pikeland specifies a minimum size of two full acres. Even the clustered style multi-family developments have generous parcels of accompanying open space.

A central location within Chester County, progressive development, convenient transportation and good schools combine to make this area an ideal residential choice.

East Coventry, East Nantmeal, East Vincent, West Vincent, North Coventry, South Coventry, Warwick
East Coventry Offices
610-495-5443
www.eastcoventry-pa.gov
East Nantmeal Offices
610-458-5780
https://enant.wordpress.com
East Vincent Offices
610-933-4424
www.eastvincent.org
North Coventry Offices
610-323-1694
www.northcoventry.us
South Coventry Offices
610-469-0444
www.southcoventry.org
Warwick Offices
610-286-5557
www.warwick-chester.org
West Vincent Offices
610-458-1601
www.westvincenttwp.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-326-2900
www.tricountyareachamber.com

This northern segment of Chester County is characterized by the old-world charm of covered bridges, fox hunts, and miles of rolling hills and open countryside. The area is well known for its outstanding restaurants such as the Inns of Kimberton, The Vickers, and Coventry Forge.

The emergence of excellent public schools combined with high-speed roads to both Philadelphia and Wilmington has opened up this area to expansion in recent years. Although most of these communities would still be considered rural and some are largely agricultural, residential development continues.

Offering the treasures of a close-knit community, fresh air and abundant open space, northern Chester County remains an ideal location for people who desire a rural atmosphere in a convenient location.

Kennett, Kennett Square
Kennett Offices
610-388-1300
www.kennett.pa.us
Kennett Square Offices
610-444-6020
www.kennettsq.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-444-0774
www.scccc.com

The more densely populated Borough of Kennett Square serves as a focal point for the residential clusters and small farms of Kennett Township. Mushrooms are the major crop in this area that remains 20 percent agricultural. The township features lovely countryside, lots that average one to two acres, and sprawling equestrian properties.

The historic borough is characterized by smaller lots, a blend of older homes and new construction, and an emphasis on widespread revitalization. Kennett Square could best be described as an idyllic example of old-world hospitality and small-town America.

With its open spaces, natural beauty, excellent school system, convenient transportation and extensive local facilities, this area is experiencing considerable growth.

West Chester, East Bradford, Goshen, Thornbury, Westtown, West Whiteland
West Chester Offices
610-692-7574
www.west-chester.com
East Bradford Offices
610-436-5108
www.eastbradford.org
East Goshen Offices
610-692-7171

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West Goshen Offices
610-696-5266
www.wgoshen.org
Thornbury Offices
610-399-1425
www.thornburytwp.com
Westtown Offices
610-692-1930
www.westtown.org
West Whiteland Offices
610-363-9525
www.westwhiteland.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-696-4046
www.greaterwestchester.com

Although West Chester is the county seat and has grown into a densely populated city, the decidedly country atmosphere from days past remains. The presence of West Chester University has created a vibrant, small-town college atmosphere punctuated with fine, old brick townhouses, stucco and frame homes.

Quiet neighborhoods along shady, tree-lined lanes and brick sidewalks characterize this culturally and historically rich community. Health care facilities, museums, fine-arts displays, shopping facilities and an excellent standard of education come together in West Chester.

Outlying communities such as East and West Goshen sprang up in areas that were once farmland, offering reasonably priced homes on generous, expansive lots.

East Nottingham, West Nottingham, Elk, Lewisville, Lower Oxford, Oxford, Upper Oxford
East Nottingham Offices
610-932-8494
www.eastnottingham.org
Elk Twp Offices
610-255-0634
www.elktownship.org
Lower Oxford Offices
610-932-8150
www.loweroxfordtownship.com
Oxford Offices
610-932-2500
www.oxfordboro.org
Upper Oxford Offices
610-932-9233

Home

Chamber of Commerce
610-932-0740
www.oxfordpa.org

Nestled in the southwestern section of Chester County are several rural communities located in the heart of mushroom country. Housing options cover a wide variety of styles and options, from stately old farm houses to new construction and townhouse complexes. Large lots, abundant open space and clean, country air add to the allure.

A strong community spirit marks these communities, the largest of which is less than 4,000 in population. Nearby Chesapeake Bay provides the ultimate in recreation.

Tredyffrin, Easttown
Easttown Offices
610-687-3000
www.easttown.org
Tredyffrin Offices
610-644-1400
www.tredyffrin.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-687-6232
www.mlcc.org

Strafford, Wayne and Paoli—along with Easttown Township’s communities of Devon and Berwyn—Main Line residential areas that have retained a true “country” feeling. The popular planned community of Chesterbrook offers just one of the many options for an inviting lifestyle. Split-levels and two-story Colonials on spacious lots are common in this area, as well as multi-family clusters for a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Bordering on the nearby Valley Forge National Park are several residential developments of exceptional homes situated on heavily wooded mountainside lots.

Phoenixville, East Pikeland, Schuylkill
Phoenixville Offices
610-933-8801
www.phoenixville.org
East Pikeland Offices
610-933-1770
www.eastpikeland.org
Schuylkill Offices
610-933-5843
www.schuylkilltwp.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-933-3070
www.phoenixvillechamber.org

Bordering the Main Line’s northern perimeter, the vast farmlands in the Phoenixville area have developed vital commercial and industrial activity in recent years, spawning a proliferation of residential development.

Quaint fifty and sixty-year-old homes and twins along shaded streets exude a true “small town” feeling, blending with new single-family construction and townhouse complexes. Both East Pikeland and Schuylkill Townships provide a rural, small-town atmosphere of quiet, residential neighborhoods set against the backdrop of lovely countryside.