West Chester, Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania forms part of the Philadelphia, Camden and Wilmington metropolitan area. Things are really looking up for West Chester – median property prices have hit a five-year high with the $400,000 figure about to be tested and unemployment heading back towards the low levels of around four percent enjoyed for so long. This is sufficient motivation to entice newcomers, and if you are thinking of moving to West Chester too, make sure you talk to our knowledgeable team of professional real estate agents first.
History:
Originally known as "Turk's Head," after the famed Inn of the same name which was located in what is now the borough center, West Chester was incorporated in 1799 having been the seat of government in Chester County since 1786. The borough was located on high ground about 25 miles due west of Philadelphia, with the west side of town sloping down towards Brandywine and the east side towards Chester Creek. A new area of town known as "Riggtown" began to take shape towards the end of the nineteenth century and was aimed at providing affordable housing for the working classes that could not afford the prices in the more affluent areas of West Chester. The County Courthouse in the center of town is a classical revival building designed in the 1840s by Thomas U. Walter, one of the architects of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Economy:
West Chester, Pennsylvania is regarded as a premier location to live in and to do business, and being the seat of Chester County makes it the market hub for the area too. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is one of the major employers in the area. County and local government also accounts for a number of positions in City and the banking sector along with finance and insurance have a strong presence in the borough too. Retail also provides work for a number of local residents.
Tourism:
One place that you must visit while in West Chester is Brandywine Valley. But there are plenty of other local attractions as well. Take for example the American Helicopter Museum on the north side of town, which is one place for whole family to see. The William Brinton 1704 House and Historical Society is a "must see" and serves as a time capsule of Quaker life once so typical of the area. Oh, and try to see the Museum of Modern Art right in the center of town. There are a number of pleasant parks in and around town as well, that will helpyou to chill out when you need to relax.