Cochranville

Enveloped by farmland and rolling hills, Cochranville offers a homey atmosphere in the rural countryside of West Fallowfield Township in Chester County. Locals love the quaint town for its beautiful scenery and slow-paced environment.

“I love the openness and the visuals,” says local tie-dye artist, Domenic Russo, known by locals as the Tie-dye Guy. “You’ve got gorgeous farms with animals like horses and cows everywhere. It’s very nice and the surroundings don’t interrupt your flow.”

You can enjoy the stunning views from your own home, with many houses located right next to sprawling corn fields and other farms. Others have acres of ample yard space surrounded by trees. Many of these single-family homes were built in the early-to-late 1900s, which include a majority of Cape Cods, split-level and ranch-style homes. They typically range anywhere from $250,000 to $450,000. Closer to the heart of town, you’ll find Colonial-style homes from the 1800s. They start at around $200,000 without any recent modifications. Those with renovated interiors while maintaining their 19th-century charm on the outside usually sell for around $300,000 to $350,000.

Speaking of renovations, those looking to make some or a quick repair can visit True Value in the center of town for tools and supplies. There’s also a Turkey Hill gas station for quick convenience items. When you want to dine out, there are two local Italian restaurants to choose from. Limestone Pizza & Grille opens at 8 a.m. for those hungry for breakfast. It’s also a favorite for Italian-American eats like cheesesteaks and pizza. You can also try Pasquale’s Pizza just down the street, another popular spot with similar food. For groceries, folks head out to the countryside to shop at local farm markets. Maple Arch Farm Market has everything you need from meat, fruits, vegetables and canned goods. You’ll find even more produce at North Star Orchard, which harvests more than 200 varieties of apples.

Despite the abundance of farmland, locals have access to 569 acres of mature woodland at Wolf’s Hollow Park. With ten miles of trails, you can hike under a canopy of trees by trickling creeks. You may even make your way to the historic Mercer’s Mill Covered Bridge, built in the 19th century. Kids can have fun at West Fallowfield Community Center, which offers a public playground, ball field and an open field for running around.

Students are served by the Octorara Area School District, with all four of its schools located right next to each other and rated a B- from Niche. They include a primary learning center for kindergarten through second-grade students, Octorara Elementary School, which teaches third and fourth-grade classes, Octorara Intermediate School, a fifth and sixth-grade school, and Octorara Area Junior-Senior High School.

With Cochranville being a small town of about 500 people, Russo explains how the community makes all the difference. He says, “People here are very respectful and it’s expected that we all do the right thing. It’s in the nature of the community to follow the rules and look out for each other.” One way the community bands together is during the traditional Cochranville Fire Company Mud Sale. People come together for the annual auction, which includes anything from furniture to horses, to raise money for the volunteer fire department.

Though Cochranville is located in Chester County, the mud sale is a tradition with roots that stem from nearby Lancaster County. The actual city of Lancaster is about 26 miles west. You’re also relatively close to Philadelphia, with it being a 50-mile drive east.

While between both cities, you can sit back and relax in the beautiful rural town of Cochranville.

Written By

Nicolas Stuart

Photography Contributed By

Bill Marrs

Video By

Jeffrey Knight