Renters Guide to Downtown West Chester
The streets of downtown West Chester, PA are alive with a renaissance of culinary creativity and entertainment experiences. While the center of town is brimming with innovation, it also stays true to its historic roots, offering residents a unique experience that will have them feeling as though they’re part of a small town, all while enjoying the conveniences of a big city.
The bustling downtown district is home to more than 75 shops and boutiques. If you live in apartments near downtown West Chester, you can find spots to meet your daily needs, such as a post office or convenience store, right next to vintage clothing markets and classic record shops. Because downtown West Chester is so accessible, that makes the shopping experience even more rewarding: In just one trip, you can get your daily errands done, all while indulging in some retail therapy. Despite the variety of the shops, the business district features a unified community vibe, with frequent events like sidewalk sales and a small business series around the holiday shopping season.
Dining
That same spirit extends to the restaurant scene. More than 65 eateries are located within the downtown district, from upscale steakhouses to on-the-go pizza shops. From date nights to weekend brunches, the culinary offerings in West Chester offer options for all occasions — all just minutes from home for those who live in apartments near downtown West Chester. And with international flavors and restaurants at all price points, there’s something to satisfy every taste and budget. The nightlife scene is just as varied, with corner bars right alongside dance clubs, allowing the melting pot of residents to mix and mingle. The revitalization of downtown West Chester, PA in recent years earned it the coveted Great American Main Street Award in 2017, which honors towns with booming business districts.
History
While downtown West Chester offers plenty of forward-thinking retail and restaurant concepts, the town is also brimming with history. The area dates to the 1600s, with a number of historic buildings and old brownstones continuing to tell its storied past. Homes that still stand today, for instance, were used as makeshift hospitals during the Revolutionary War. All of this history comes to life on Chester County Day, which opens the doors of many of these historic structures to history lovers, as the oldest house-tour event in the nation. Chester County Historical Society, located right in downtown West Chester, features year-round education and entertainment focused on the unique history of the town.
Community Events
Community events are common throughout downtown West Chester, no matter the time of the year. Music and food take center stage at Swingin’ Summer Thursdays and at Turks Head Music Festival, while the town’s chefs step up to the plate for the Chester County Restaurant Festival. Parades for Veteran’s Day and Halloween are opportunities for locals of all ages to gather to celebrate, while the town’s holiday parade is a televised tradition that is one of the nation’s biggest seasonal celebrations.
Arts and Culture
Arts and culture are also at the heart of West Chester. The West Chester Film Festival is a popular annual series featuring up-and-coming filmmakers, while gallery walks spotlight the homegrown talent that exists right in downtown West Chester. Just a few years ago, the district welcomed a comprehensive entertainment organization, Uptown! At the Knauer Center. From comedy shows to kids’ plays to poetry slams, the stage at Uptown! is always featuring top-notch entertainment. Nearby West Chester University also has a full arts calendar, welcoming renowned speakers and singers, musicians and even magicians. With so much entertainment right in downtown West Chester, you don’t have to travel far for a fun night out on the town.
Convenient Location
However, because of the town’s convenient location, getting around the region for work or play isn’t a challenge for those who live in apartments near downtown West Chester. Route 202 connects the town right to Center City Philadelphia and points west. In just 45 minutes, those who work in downtown Philly can get from home to the office, a convenient commute that will be especially welcomed after a long day at work.
While many residents of West Chester work in Philadelphia and nearby areas, they get to come home to the peace and quiet that the town offers. Although the downtown area is bustling with commercial activity, it also embraces its setting nestled amid the rolling hills of Chester County to make natural green space plentiful. Community parks are situated every few blocks, including the popular Marshall Square Park and West Goshen Community Park, while the nearby Stroud Preserve offers acres of natural parkland for outdoor exploration. In just minutes, you can travel to the many wineries, arboretums or trails that populate Chester County for a day out in the country and still be back in home in time for a cosmopolitan dinner in downtown West Chester.
If you want a community that expertly blends big-city arts and entertainment with small-town history and hospitality, consider calling West Chester home. Contact us today to find your new home at the metropolitan!
