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West Chester, PA


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West Chester, Pennsylvania

Introduction to West Chester, Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania, in Chester county, is 15 miles N of Wilmington, Delaware (center to center) and 23 miles W of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the year 2000 census, 17,861 people lived in West Chester.

West Chester History

The community of West Chester, which was founded in the 1700s, was initially known as "Turk's Head", after an inn in the area. The borough was established by members of the Society of Friends. West Chester became the seat of Chester County in 1786 and was officially incorporated in 1799. The QVC studios, where shopping network programs are televised, is based in West Chester. Among the well known residents of the borough were civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, composer Samuel Barber, and artist Philip Jamison.

West Chester and Nearby Attractions

  • American Helicopter Museum
  • Brandywine Battlefield
  • Chester County Historical Society
  • Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
  • Elmwood Park Zoo
  • French Creek State Park

Things To Do In West Chester

West Chester is home to the Chester County Historical Society, and the American Helicopter Museum. In addition, the borough is near numerous museums and historic sites such as the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Brandywine Battlefield, Caleb Pusey House and Landingford Plantation, Brandywine River Museum, and Wharton Esherick Museum. Bayard Rustin Park, Hoopes Park, Everhart Park, and John O. Green Memorial Park are some of the popular parks in the community. Residents of West Chester also host annual events like the Goshen Country Fair, May Day Festival of the Arts, Harvest Festival, Turks Head Music Festival, and Halloween Parade.

West Chester Transportation

Air transportation is available from Philadelphia International Airport.

West Chester Higher Education

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is located in West Chester. Among the other colleges close by are Penn State Great Valley, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, and Neumann College.

High Points

West Chester strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Pennsylvania):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 2%trophyWest Chester Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 5%trophyWest Chester Well-Paid Single Women
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 6%West Chester College Educated Adults
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 6%West Chester Walking and Biking to Work
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 18%West Chester Well-Paid Single Men

Comparative Profile of West Chester, PA

Comparing West Chester to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Pennsylvania (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Racial Diversity1010
Well-Paid Single Women910
Female Share of the Population87
Well-Paid Single Men79
Male Share of the Population34
Senior Citizens21
Children Under 5 Years Old11
Age of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size35
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults910
Median Family Income68
People in Middle Class or Better33
People Above Poverty21

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Public Transportation Use89
Working at Home89
Short Commute Times78

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals1010
People Living Alone108
Affordability of Property Taxes42
Seasonal and Vacation Housing45
Affordability of Rents31
Housing Recently Built15

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime63
Low Violent Crime33

Detailed pages on related topics: West Chester collegesWest Chester travelWest Chester mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

West Chester CollegesWest Chester Colleges
West Chester colleges and trade schools.
West Chester Hotels & TravelWest Chester Hotels & Travel
West Chester hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
West Chester MortgageWest Chester Mortgage
West Chester property, mortgage, and real estate.

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