Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Borough and Chester County seat
A lively college town and county seat
West Chester is a borough in central Chester County and has been the county seat since 1788. Its Gay Street and Market Street downtown is one of the busiest restaurant and retail districts in the Philadelphia suburbs, supported by West Chester University's 17,000-plus students and a steady stream of visitors.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1784 as Turk's Head and renamed in 1788, West Chester grew as a courthouse town and later an industrial center producinghoes, carriages and iron goods. Its grid of Victorian and Federal buildings has been largely preserved.
Housing & Real Estate
The borough mixes historic singles, twins and rowhouses with student rentals and newer condominiums. Surrounding townships offer larger lots and newer construction.
Restaurants & Shopping
More than 60 restaurants and bars operate within a few walkable blocks, from farm-to-table dining to pubs, taquerias and coffee shops.
Schools & Education
West Chester Area School District serves the borough, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania anchors the south side of town.
Parks & Recreation
Everhart Park, Hoopes Park and the Chester Valley Trail provide green space, with Marsh Creek State Park a short drive west.
Transportation & Accessibility
SEPTA's Media/Elwyn line reaches nearby Elwyn, and Route 202, Route 3 and Route 100 connect the borough to Philadelphia, Wilmington and King of Prussia.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurants, boutiques, galleries and professional offices fill the downtown, with a strong small-business association supporting events year-round.
Nearby Attractions
- West Chester University
- Chester County Courthouse
- Marsh Creek State Park
- Longwood Gardens
- Brandywine River Museum
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- One of the region's best walkable downtowns
- County government and university employment
- Strong restaurant and retail scene
- Central Chester County location
Considerations
- High demand pushes rents and home prices upward
- Weekend nightlife noise in the downtown core
- Parking is tight in the borough
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Chester a city?
No. West Chester is a borough and the seat of Chester County, governed by a borough council and mayor.
Why is West Chester so busy?
The combination of county government, West Chester University and a compact restaurant-and-retail downtown keeps the borough active day and night.