Is Chesterbrook just a town of condos? (West Chester, Phoenixville: townhouse, subdivision)

[curlygirl61]

I did not like it at all when I first visited. I thought it was just massive condos everywhere, but we didn't really look around the area at all. Now I am thinking it will definitely be more affordable and an easy commute to Malvern. And probably a good place for a single 48 year old woman?

Has anyone here lived there or has anyone had an experience with it or know anyone who has lived there and can give me some info?

[BPP1999]

Chesterbrook is made up largely of condos. There is also a small section of single-family homes, toward the Route 252 end of the development. There's also an office park section (pretty park-like with trees) and a small strip mall, which includes a Genuardi's supermarket and 10 or 15 other smaller stores. I believe that many of the condos in Chesterbrook are only 2-bedroom.

[pman]

I believe it's one of the original planned communities with extensive walking trails (although, interestingly, the trail don't go to the strip mall which is the commercial center). It's inferior to the old town model, IMO, but it's not a bad place to live per se. Can can keep walking straight into VF Park if you wish. Depends on what you're looking for

[curlygirl61]

Well, I am looking for convenience to Malvern and to Philly.. and also to Valley Forge park for running. I am looking for a townhouse and also had been looking at West Chester. I guess I am looking for which area overall would give me a better quality of life.. Not a huge commute, yet easy access to the things I like to do and easy access to things in the city if i wanted them, which would mainly be on weekends...

[orrmobl]

Chesterbrook is a mixture of condos, townhomes and some sections of single houses. It's convenient to everywhere, has some amenities in the development if you want to stick close to home, but is also close enough to other shopping areas, KOP and the city.

I've had coworkers who enjoyed working there and met people who really liked living there. I actually wish there were more developments like Chesterbrook, albeit done a tad bit better. Have you looked into Uptown Worthington at all? It's the first truly planned community this area has seen since Chesterbrook was built in the 80s.

Worthington

Fom:Chesterbrook, Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Wayne PA 19087

"Chesterbrook is a subdivision of townhomes and condos built from 1980 through 1987; median age is ca. 1985. Median interior living space for condos is approximately 1,300 sq. ft.; for townhomes, approximately 1,800 sq. ft.

Homes are typically 2-4 bedrooms, 2 to 3-1/2 baths, some with 1 or 2 car attached garages.

Median resale price (2008) was approximately $272,000."

[pman]

Originally Posted by curlygirl61

Well, I am looking for convenience to Malvern and to Philly.. and also to Valley Forge park for running. I am looking for a townhouse and also had been looking at West Chester. I guess I am looking for which area overall would give me a better quality of life.. Not a huge commute, yet easy access to the things I like to do and easy access to things in the city if i wanted them, which would mainly be on weekends...

Sadly, the best location isn't that nice of a town (norristown). You may want to look at Malvern (the old part of town, not the corp park). It's a short drive to VF. There are a couple of restaurants in town, a butcher, a nice bar, etc. there's a train to the city. You may also want to consider Paoli, there are a couple of townhome developments that are withing walking distance to the train to get to center city, short drive to VF and corp parks. PAoli itself is a quiet town but there are several drug stores, a supermarket, a couple pubs and restaurants, and some shopping (last I was out there a Talbot's, chico's, and a kitchen store). Might be the best fit, actually. Also, I believe there's a new townhouse development in Phoenixville. West Chester is really nice but it's a pretty long drive from the city and there's no train either.