West Chester 81 Exceptional
West Chester Livability #121 ranked city in Pennsylvania#1,096 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in West Chester

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in West Chester?

West Chester is a mid-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 20,033 people. With a population density of 10,851 people per square mile, West Chester is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of West Chester residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. The median age of all West Chester residents is 25, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 25% of the West Chester population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in West Chester, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in West Chester, Pennsylvania could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around West Chester, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, employment, housing and more.

The livability score in West Chester is 80 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 95th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, West Chester is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that West Chester also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that West Chester ranks very well for crime (A-) and education (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in West Chester. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: cost of living (F).

If you're living in West Chester, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making West Chester an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that West Chester schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making West Chester an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to West Chester is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in West Chester come in at $389,600, which is 132.3% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In West Chester, the home price to income ratio is 6.3, which is 103.2% higher than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around West Chester

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How Do You Rate The Livability In West Chester?

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Compare West Chester, PA Livability

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      West Chester transportation information

      Statistic West Chester Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute23min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.0%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.7%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.2%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk16.2%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home5.5%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The West Chester, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).