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West Chester is a historic borough in Chester County, known for its lively downtown, brick sidewalks, and college-town energy.
Jim's take
The county seat and a college town, home to West Chester University. Its downtown won a Great American Main Street Award in 2017. The closest Regional Rail stations are in Exton and Malvern.
- School districtWest Chester Area
- Weekday train to Suburban StationNo SEPTA train
- Drive to Center City26 miles
By the numbers
West Chester at a glance
- 20,666
- Population
- $78,385
- Median household income
- $490,700
- Median home value
- 35%
- Homes owned, not rented
- 25.3
- Median age
- 1954
- Typical home built
- 20.9 min
- Average commute
- $1,731
- Median rent
- 1.8 sq mi
- Land area
Figures cover West Chester borough, Chester County. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates. Median home value is what owners estimate their homes are worth, so it trails current sale prices.
Chester County at a glance
$563K median sale price, August 2026, all home types. Assessments are based on 1996 values.
Jim's tip. Watch the transfer tax. It’s 2% in most of the suburbs, usually split between buyer and seller. In Tredyffrin, Malvern, Radnor and Upper Darby it’s 2.5%. On a $900,000 house, that extra half percent is $4,500, or $2,250 each if you split it.
Home Search
Homes for Sale in West Chester
See every home on the market in West Chester on my home search site.
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Free Relocation Guide
Moving to the Philadelphia Suburbs
My free relocation guide covers the towns I work in, with train times into the city, local income tax rates and what homes are selling for in each county.
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Thinking About a Move to West Chester?
Book a free 30-minute Zoom and we'll talk through West Chester, the towns around it and what fits your budget and timing.
What happens on the call
Pick a time
Grab any open slot on the calendar. It's a free 30-minute Zoom, and you'll get the link by email.
We talk through your move
Tell me where you're coming from, your timing and what matters most to you. I'll ask about budget, commute and schools so I can point you to the towns that fit.
You leave with a short list
You'll have a few towns to look at and a clear next step. No pressure. If you're a year or two out and just doing research, that's totally fine.
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