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West Chester, PA

Frequently asked questions

West Chester, PA

West Chester is a borough and the county seat of Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. Located within the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the borough had a population of 18,461 at the 2010 census.  West Chester is the mailing address for most of its neighboring townships. When calculated by mailing address, the population as of the 2010 U.S. census was 108,696, which would make it the 10th-largest city by mailing address in Pennsylvania.

Much of the West Chester University of Pennsylvania North Campus and the Chester County government are located within the borough. The center of town is located at the intersection of Market and High Streets.

The area was originally known as Turk's Head, named after the inn of the same name located in what is now the center of the borough. West Chester has been the seat of government in Chester County since 1786 when the seat was moved from nearby Chester to what is now Delaware County. The borough was incorporated in 1799.

West Goshen Township borders West Chester to the north, south, and east, while East Bradford Township borders West Chester to the west. The borough straddles the Brandywine Creek and Chester Creek watersheds. It is located 25 miles (40 km) west of Philadelphia and 17 miles (27 km) north of Wilmington, Delaware.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.8 square miles (5 km2), all land.

West Chester places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Start your wellness journey at Be Breathe Yoga Studio, where you can join yoga classes and meditation sessions to enhance your mental and physical well-being. Chester County Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness provide a comprehensive fitness experience with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training. For a more intensive workout, visit ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center, which offers a wide range of fitness classes, personal training, and state-of-the-art gym equipment. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at Spavia Day Spa, which offers various spa treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind. For holistic health, check out Essent Spa, offering services like acupuncture and nutritional counseling.

Top sites in West Chester, PA are American Helicopter Museum & Education Center, Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve, and Birmingham Hill Preserve.

Population: 22,758 (2024). ZIP codes: 19380–19383, 19388. Area codes: 610, 484. Elevation: 446 feet (136 meters). Area: 1.85 sq mi (4.78 km2).

FAQs

Is West Chester, PA a good place to live?

West Chester is in Chester County and is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Living in West Chester offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In West Chester, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in West Chester and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in West Chester are highly rated.

Is West Chester, PA expensive?

The West Chester PA Cost of Living Index is 124.3. This means that living in West Chester is 24.3% more expensive than the national average of 100. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, it is quite affordable for being outside of a big city such as Philadelphia. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $109,074 per year to live in West Chester. This is about $9,089 per month.

What is the history of West Chester, PA?

The area was originally known as Turk's Head—after the inn of the same name located in what is now the center of the borough. West Chester has been the seat of government in Chester County since 1786 when the seat was moved from nearby Chester to what is now Delaware County. The borough was incorporated in 1799.

Sources

Borough of West Chester

Wikipedia

Suburban Solutions

Niche

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center

Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve

Birmingham Hill Preserve

Be Breathe Yoga Studio

Chester County Hospital

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center

Spavia Day Spa

Essent Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.