Info on Downingtown Borough (Philadelphia, Chester: rentals, crime, lawyers)

[chopstx78]

Hi, I am thinking about moving outside of Philadelphia and am originally from NJ, so I really have no idea what outlying areas beyond Philadelphia are like. I was considering new construction in Downingtown Borough, but I am a little apprehensive after hearing about Coatesville. Any information about the area would be greatly appreciated. Crime? People? Shops?

[rainrock]

Downingtown is an older small town that isn't going to win any urban renewal awards this year, but there is little if any crime.Its a harmless modest town. The town itself has an awful lot of potential. The surrounding hills are filling up pretty quickly with subdivisions. Exton is about 5 miles east of Downingtown and has all the shopping you will ever need.

West Chester does have a very nice mainstreet feel and is about 7 -8 miles southeast of Downingtown. A bit more expensive arae in general.

I like the Downingtown area quite a bit and its certainly worth a look. I personally wouldn't want to go much further west than Downingtown as it gets more and more rural.

That Downingtown/ Exton-West Chester-King of Prussia circle has a pretty nice quality of living to it.

good luck

[KoZmiC NinJa]

I lived in D-town for a short period.
What Rainrock said is right on.
I didnt think there was any room for new construction
in the boro unless it is right behind Boot Road and 322 ?
Avoid the beginning of Mary and William Sts in between
30 and 322....You will never sleep !

[chopstx78]

What about West Chester? Are there any areas that are not so good that I should stay away from in purchasing a home? I am not familiar with that area either, but it may be an area worth checking out over Downingtown.

[KoZmiC NinJa]

West Chester , even though only about 6 miles away might as well be a different state than Downingtown. The mindset of the communities are very different. It all depends what you are looking for in a community. Having lived in both, I much prefer West Chester. Both of them have suffered some negative growth issues but West Chesters plus's outweight the negatives. A vibrant downtown, a great mixture of people and great architecture and infrastructure if you are into walking. It has much more to offer if you are active or prefer your cultural amenities close by. I would just avoid the south end of town because of the college students and rentals it has been very problematic to homeowners there.

[rainrock]

West Chester is a great area. The surrounding suburban areas are among the nicest in the metro. Birmingham,Thornbury,Westtown,Edgemont,Chadds Ford,Pocopson are fabulous suburban areas.

The town of West Chester itself is one of the better ones in SE Pa.. Has a very nice Mainstreet USA feel.Its the county seat of Chester County, its a college town(15,000-20,000 students), lots of small businesses, professional businesses lawyers,doctors etc.. It has a small area or two of modest row homes on the lower end of the scale but you never hear of any major crime coming out of the borough.

I like Downingtown/Exton/Chester Springs area but if I had a choice I would prefer to live around West Chester. There is an awesome State Park 5 miles to the east of West Chester- in Edgemont - where you can hike,fish,bike ride,roller blade,picnic,horseback ride, cross country ski etc.

[chopstx78]

West Chester sounds like a much better fit for me. Thanks for the info.