Historic Chester looks towards the future
The site of William Penn’s first arrival in the area, Chester is the oldest city in Pennsylvania. The city was initially named Upland and later named after the English city of Chester when William Penn came up the Delaware River. From a small shipbuilding and textile town to an industrial powerhouse manufacturing steel ships for both World Wars and consumer goods. Historic buildings and artistic murals line the downtown streets of a community that is proud of its past and looking towards a better future.
Historic row homes
Here you’ll find a community of traditional city streets lined with historic buildings adorned with modern murals. These murals are adorned with messages of community solidarity and collective action as the city engages in revitalization through local art and reinvestment. Homes largely retain their historic quality, sporting the classic twin house style and row houses similar to those found in Philadelphia. Downtown Chester’s twin houses feature spacious open floor plans along with turret windows on the second floor, though Chester’s most common home style is the row house. Colonial and traditional-style houses built in the early 1900s feature two to three-story layouts as well as street parking. Most homes are a quick walk or bus ride to nearby schools and businesses, plus cities like Wilmington and Philadelphia are only a half-hour train ride from the Chester Transportation Center. The range of home prices varies; homes needing major restoration and a little T.L.C. range from $15,000 to $110,000, row houses range from $150,000 to 440,000 and more recent developments are priced as high as $660,000 or more.
Public and private education in Chester
Chester offers its students a range of public and private education options. Public and charter schools in the area operate under the Chester Upland School District, with primary schools like Stetser Elementary, which has an overall C minus Niche rating teaching students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Toby Farms Intermediate and Chester High School. The latter high school has an overall C minus Niche rating a longstanding reputation as basketball championship winners since the 1980s and has graduated several professional basketball players.
Modern mural at a historic library
After school, bring the kids to the historic J. Lewis Crozer Library. The library was founded in 1769 as the Chester Library Company, one of the earliest libraries established in Pennsylvania, and renamed in 1925 after a sizeable donation from philanthropist J. Lewis Crozer. The current building’s exterior is entirely covered by artful murals depicting some classic literary titles and more abstract pieces.
Established and new eateries in downtown
A sizeable revitalization initiative in Chester is reflected in established and new businesses. Downtown shopping offers a range of local retailers and services to browse through. Regional grocery stores like Express Food Market will keep your home stocked with fresh produce, bulk foodstuffs and other household necessities. There are also several local restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal. Start your day at Penn Café, a locally owned and newly renovated restaurant in the heart of downtown, dishing out specialty beverages, baked goods, and a range of small-plate meals. Name A Better Duo Tacos and Bowls is a local take-out spot offering tacos, bowls, and other Mexican favorites.
Commuters head to downtown
Historic homes with quick commutes to schools and nearby metropolitan areas make Chester a choice for a home well worth considering.
![Christopher Kopczynski]()
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
![Joe Pulcinella]()
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
