Chadds Ford

Chadds Ford, located about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia, is a township known for its excellent school system, open space and rich art history. “People move here for the schools,” says Emily Pisano, Interim Township Manager. “We also have boards dedicated to preserving the area’s art history and developing park space.”

Pisano notes that most homes here come with a lot of land, often between one and three acres. You’ll see spacious, traditional-style single-family homes with brick fronts and a blend of modern and classic elements that range in price from $800,000 to about $2 million. There are lakefront homes and farmhouses, as well as six-bedroom manors with three-car garages. You’ll also see some new construction in a subdivision called The Enclave where four-bedroom traditional styles on two-acre lots are going for about $2 million. If you’re looking for condominium living, there are buildings from the 1970s with two-bedroom units going for about $215,000.

When it comes to the area’s schools, Pisano says, “The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has some of the highest ratings in the state.” The district serves about 4,000 students in southern Chester County, has an A+ rating from Niche and has been listed as the number one district in Pennsylvania by US News and World Report. Chadds Ford Elementary School works closely with the art community to host an annual art show each spring. Artwork is sold at the event and proceeds benefit the school. At Charles F. Patton Middle School, the educational experience includes core academic courses, extracurricular clubs and opportunities for athletics and the performing arts. Students at Unionville High School can select from a wide range of academic options including Advanced Placement courses, family and consumer science classes and world language offerings such as French, Spanish and German. All three schools in the district boast an A+ rating from Niche.

If you’re looking for something to do outdoors, you can take the kids to the township’s park and playground. Here, the township hosts a weekly story time and a few seasonal activities, including an annual pumpkin painting event and an Easter egg hunt. “We also have the Harvey Run Trail,” Pisano says. “It’s a natural-surface trail that cuts through area fields and is about five miles long.”

If you’re planning to hike the trail, you can park at The Brandywine Museum of Art which is located inside a renovated mill. Here you can peruse a gallery of portraits, landscapes and still-life paintings, or attend one of the museum’s regular events such as a book signing or stroller tour.

Pisano describes the township as “tucked away,” but it is not without its share of modern conveniences. You can take care of your grocery list at the nearby Whole Foods and select from several popular dining options in the area. Brandywine Prime is an elegant spot for steak and seafood, and Antica, an authentic Italian restaurant, serves homemade pasta. You can dine on Mexican cuisine at Agave and select from a variety of sweet and savory treats at OsoSweet Bakery Café. “Hank’s Place is a great breakfast and lunch spot. They’re currently rebuilding because of flood damage from Hurricane Ida,” Pisano says. “We can’t wait for them to reopen.”

Whether it’s rallying around local businesses, preserving the area’s art history or supporting the top-rated school system, residents of Chadds Ford Township are committed and involved. If a dedicated community is something you’d like to be part of, this might be the perfect place for your new home.

Written By

Melissa Face

Photography Contributed By

Joe Pulcinella

Video By

Nathan Allen