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.
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.
West Chester is a mid-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 20,746 inhabitants. West Chester has a population density of 11,237 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, West Chester is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all West Chester residents is 25. West Chester is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 25%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make West Chester your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in West Chester, Pennsylvania. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in West Chester and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare West Chester to Pennsylvania and the national average.
The livability score in West Chester is 81/100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as West Chester ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that West Chester also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that West Chester has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A), education (A+) and housing (C+). On a more negative note, West Chester does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're considering living in West Chester, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, West Chester provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
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.
Assuming that West Chester meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in West Chester. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in West Chester are simply unattainable. The median home price for West Chester homes is $715,868, which is 141.5% higher than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in West Chester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.8, which is 110.8% higher than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | West Chester | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.0% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.7% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.2% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 16.2% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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