West Chester, PA

The borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a suburban town with a rural feel. It is only about thirty miles from Philadelphia and twenty miles from Wilmington, Delaware, so it is a place commuters love to call home. Tucked into the rolling rural hills of the Brandywine Valley, it feels as though it is worlds away from any big city. The borough is the county seat for Chester County and has a population of about 18,000. West Chester University is in town, and the population skews young. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of West Chester's residents are between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five. The influence of the university is seen in the housing stock as well. More than 60 percent of the housing units in town are occupied by renters.

BEST BETS

The borough's history and growth are tied to the tracks, beginning in 1831, when the West Chester Railroad Company became one of the country's first railroads. Today, a new West Chester Railroad Company runs scenic trips with historic train cars. Daily trips are available for those who are interested in experiencing West Chester's railroad history.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

As a rural community with a large population of commuters and a major university, the largest employers in town are in the educational, health, and social service industries. In fact, a fourth of jobs in West Chester are in these fields. About 15 percent of the borough's workforce has a job in the arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services industries, while roughly the same number are government workers. Manufacturing is not a large industry. It employs less than 10 percent of the borough's workers. The West Chester Comprehensive Plan reports the top employers in West Chester include:

• West Chester University
• Chester County Hospital
• Chester County Courthouse
• YMCA of Central Chester County
• ARAMARK Food & Supply Service
• Wyeth Ayerst Pharmaceutical
• Adecco Employment Services
• West Chester Area School District
• Borough of West Chester

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

West Chester's historic downtown looks like a setting for a movie (and, in fact, parts of the movie Marley & Me were filmed in town). The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants welcome residents and visitors. Tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, and historic Greek Revival buildings encourage people to take a leisurely stroll. The Downtown West Chester Business Improvement District was established in the year 2000. It is funded through an assessment on downtown commercial property and aims to help existing businesses succeed and attract new businesses.

EVENTS

Swingin' Summer Thursdays: One Thursday evening a month, from June through September, historic downtown West Chester is turned into a family-oriented street fair. Musicians entertain the crowds, while shops and restaurants sell food and merchandise.

Turks Head Music Festival: This outdoor summer music festival takes place at Everhart Park. Traditionally, about a dozen bands perform on stage while nearly one hundred vendors sell crafts and food. Entertainers stroll the festival grounds, and amusement rides are available for kids.

Chester County Restaurant Festival: This annual fall tradition brings together more than fifty area restaurants for a celebration of food in downtown West Chester. But this event is not just about eating: More than one hundred craft vendors sell their goods as live bands play on three stages.

EDUCATION

The borough of West Chester is home to West Chester University, an educational institution that is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Since its founding in 1871, it has gone through numerous name changes and rebirths. The university was founded as the privately owned West Chester Normal School. In 1913, it was bought outright by the state of Pennsylvania, and in 1927 it became the West Chester State Teachers College. In 1960, liberal arts programs were added and the school was renamed West Chester State College. Finally, in 1983, it became West Chester University. The campus contains a historic district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Four buildings -- Philips Memorial, Ruby Jones Hall, Recitation Hall and the Old Library -- are included in the district. Approximately 9,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students are enrolled at West Chester University. Most students are residents of Pennsylvania.