Pennsylvania / County

Moving to West Chester, PA

Thinking of making a move to West Chester, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Chester, PA

Considering a move to West Chester, PA? This welcoming community of 20,836 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $465,000 and average rents near $1,720. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore West Chester's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - West Chester, PA

West Chester has a population of 20,836 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 23 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 10% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
20,836
Density
5,900 per sq mi
Median Age
22.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
73.5%
Black
9.8%
Asian
7.5%
Others
9.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in West Chester, PA?

The cost of living in West Chester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116.8. Median home values are around $465,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,720. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$465,000
Gross Rent
$1,720
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
116.8
Grocery
111.0
Housing
124.6
Utilities
106.8
Transportation
109.4
Health Care
107.8
Miscellaneous
105.9

Crime

Is West Chester, PA a safe place to live?

West Chester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 182 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 71. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
182
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,410
Crime Index
1,592
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 549
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 71

Weather

What is the weather like in West Chester, PA year-round?

West Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
42°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $89,500 and a low poverty rate of 9.4%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 55% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,500
Household Income
$89,500
Family Income
$114,000
Per Capita Income
$42,800
Income Male
$55,800
Income Female
$44,900
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Non English Speakers
16.0%
Rent
$1,720
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
9.8%
Commute Time
27.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.8%
Bachelors or More
54.6%

Education

How are the schools in West Chester, PA?

West Chester offers quality education options, with public schools like West Chester East High School and Fugett Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including West Chester University of Pennsylvania and Immaculata University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
West Chester East High School
Street
450 Ellis Ln
Phone
610-363-6400
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Fugett Middle School
Street
500 Ellis Ln
Phone
610-363-6440
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
13.6

Private Schools

Name
St. Agnes School
Street
233 W Gay St
Phone
610-696-1260
Students
320
Name
The Concept School
Street
101 E Gay St
Phone
610-696-9341
Students
120

Colleges

Name
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
City
West Chester
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
17,000
Name
Immaculata University
City
Immaculata
State
PA
Distance
12 miles
Students
2,000

Healthcare

West Chester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Chester County Hospital and Paoli Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 93.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Chester County Hospital
Address
701 E Marshall St, West Chester, PA 19380
Phone
(610) 431-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Paoli Hospital
Address
255 W Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301
Phone
(484) 565-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage
93.1%
Health Care Index
79.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in West Chester, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $465,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 50%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. West Chester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$465,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,720
Owner Occupied Rate
49.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of West Chester handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to West Chester, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to West Chester, review the core fields on this page: population 20,836, median home value $465,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,720, commute time 27.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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