Situated along Route 30 in southeastern Pennsylvania, Downington is a town of around 8,000, with a city center comprised of local restaurants, several main streets, the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek and multiple parks. The centrality of Downingtown is a primary draw to the city, which sits within driving distance of Philadelphia yet offers both a bustling atmosphere and residential life. “The thing about these areas of Pennsylvania is that you have main shopping areas, but they’re surrounded by rural areas where you have space,” says Melanie Hughes, a Realtor with Crescent Real Estate. “You can live on the outskirts of town and it can feel very remote and secluded, but you’re five minutes away from a Walmart if you need it. It’s really close to everything.”
Streets of single-family homes fan out from the city center, the landscape evolving into an array of neighborhoods. “The outskirts of the towns are really lovely and have subdivisions,” Hughes says. “There’s also a walkable downtown that has restaurants.” Historical sites dot the town as well, which was originally named Milltown for an array of mills that defined the area. Transportation through the area evolved from stagecoach to railroad, further transforming into Route 30 in the present day. Downingtown’s status as a bedroom community of the Philadelphia area continues to draw residents to its quiet streets and walkable downtown.
Downingtown's rich history is readily apparent to the resident and visitor alike.
Founded 300 years ago, historic Downingtown still shows its roots as a milltown.
1/2
Large single-family homes around downtown Downingtown
Downingtown’s residential sectors branch off from its central downtown, with small subdivisions flanking the city. The median home price in Downingtown is about $500,000. “The predominant housing style is larger, single-family homes,” Hughes says. “They’re pretty high-ticket homes. They do have some nice townhouse developments. The single-family homes are usually in larger areas on the outskirts of the main line, which can get into $1 million-plus homes.” Single-family homes can often be priced between $500,000 and $800,000, and architecture often includes colonial-style homes, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes. Townhouses can range from around $300,000 to above $800,000 and are concentrated around downtown.
Residents here can expect over half a foot of snow on average in February, and wintry weather often lasts into early Apri.
Older duplexes sit alongside a small colonial in the historic section of Downingtown.
New construction can be found in a few places throughout Downingtown.
1/2
Shopping and dining along East Lancaster Avenue
Much of Downingtown’s shopping options are concentrated around East Lancaster Avenue. Residents can take to the wide sidewalks and shop in store windows or hop between restaurants. The Brandywine Square Shopping Center serves as a hub for the area, and is also home to a Wegmans. “It has big-box chain stores and restaurants,” Hughes says. “If you go further down Route 322, the Main Street area has lovely Mexican restaurants and fewer chains. You can go for a date night to some of the nice restaurants on Main Street.” Across the street, Ashbridge Square has multiple national chain stores alongside several restaurants.
A young family takes a stroll along Lancaster Ave in the heart of Downingtown.
Estrella Tacos Y Mas is another popular dining option along Lancaster Ave in Downingtown.
1/2
Annual events and a packed Fourth of July celebration
At Kerr Park, which sits alongside the East Branch of Brandywine Creek, an annual carnival and fireworks show celebrates the Fourth of July. The city dubs their celebration Good Neighbor Day, which features walks and runs to support local organizations, canoe and kayak races, a carnival, and fireworks to cap off the celebration. Area fall festivals ring in the autumn air, while the Barley Sheaf Players Community Theater puts on plays and a One-Act Festival to spotlight local actors.
Kerr Park is a popular Downingtown destination for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Face painting is always a popular activity at the Downingtown Fall Fest.
1/2
Green spaces situated on and around the water
Multiple parks sit around the East Branch of Brandywine Creek, which runs through the center of the city. Green spaces offer trails winding through them, and the Downingtown area also has multiple sports facilities, including several Little League Baseball fields. “There’s hiking, biking, parks and little areas where they have the carnival and fireworks in the center of town,” Hughes says. “There are quite a few really nice parks you can go to.” Residents can also expend energy at the Downingtown Rock Gym, The Campus ice-skating rink and the Urban Air trampoline park.
Pedestrian and bike-friendly Downingtown bustles on a Sunday morning.
Disc golf is a popular activity for young and old at Kerr Park in Downingtown.
1/2
An A-rated school district for city students
The Downingtown Area School District gets an A from Niche and encompasses 10 elementary schools, one sixth-grade center, two middle schools and two high schools. The district also features the Downingtown STEM Academy, which serves as a magnet school for the area. The private St. Joseph School gets a B from Niche and sits on the west side of the city. The Downingtown and Brandywine Centers of Delaware County Community College are both situated close to the city, as well.
Downingtown High School West Campus
Downingtown Middle School receives an overall A- grade from niche.com
1/2
Driving into the city from the Philadelphia outskirts
Route 30 runs through the northern part of Downingtown. “Downingtown is very conveniently located,” Hughes says. “You can hop right on Route 30 to get to Interstate 76 and go right into Philadelphia.” Philadelphia lies about 40 miles east of Downingtown. Manor, Brandywine and Lancaster Avenues create a network of connected main roads that meet near the East Branch of Brandywine Creek in the center of the city. Bus lines run along Lancaster Avenue. Nearby train services include Amtrak and SEPTA. River Station is an ongoing project to revamp former sites of industry into a bustling town center.
Upticks in crime rates for Downingtown
According to the FBI crime database, Downingtown recorded a slight increase of violent crimes from 2022 to 2023. Property crimes doubled from 2022 to 2023.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karen Bittner-Kight,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Downingtown, PA sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Downingtown, PA over the last 12 months is $532,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
END UNIT with a deck included, Summer Delivery! This Carisbrooke Elite floor plan in Stonemill Village offers a well-designed open-concept layout with abundant natural light throughout this desirable end-unit townhome. The spacious kitchen features a large center island and generous pantry space, seamlessly connecting to the main living and dining areas for effortless everyday living and
MOVE-IN BY END OF SUMMER! The Brentford Elite is a sundrenched end unit offers everything you are looking for... With an open-concept floor plan and thoughtfully curated finishes, this home is designed for the way you live. The gourmet kitchen truly makes a statement, featuring premium finishes, upgraded cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances. Serving as the heart of the home, the open-concept
Move-In by Summer to enjoy your DECK! Beautiful designer curated finishes and deck included in the price. You’ll feel right at home in the Brentford starting with an inviting foyer that opens onto the spacious flex room with views to the expansive great room with rear yard access. The well-designed two-toned kitchen is highlighted by a large center island with breakfast bar, plenty of counter and
Here are the key deets about this awesome single family 55+ home:Location, Location, Location! It's in the popular Downing Forge community in Downingtown, PA. Super convenient—just off the Route 30 bypass and close to all the shopping in Downingtown and Exton.Amenities Nearby: You can literally walk to the community clubhouse, pool, and the tennis/pickleball courts. Get active!Sweet
Set on a beautifully wooded one-acre lot in the rolling hill section of Locust Knoll, this home is enveloped by mature trees that provide a sense of seclusion, shade, and year-round natural beauty. The result is a peaceful, private setting that feels more like a countryside retreat than a traditional suburban neighborhood.This recently upgraded 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Colonial in the
Hope that your Journey has taken you here: Welcome to Journeymans Trail; an Expanded Ranch style home with 2 floors of Living space. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac with a gorgeous setting and exceptional curb appeal, this immaculate home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and low-maintenance living. Enjoy a short walk to the clubhouse, outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, and nearby
Welcome to Highpoint at Downingtown, one of Chester County’s most sought-after communities. This nearly new, end unit, townhome offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout with stylish upgrades throughout. The main level features a stunning kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a large 8' center
Andrea Fonash
Four Oaks Real Estate LLC
(484) 537-7331
$429,900
1,774 Sq Ft
Tired of seeing the same housing options that don't capture your sense of what home should be? Available now is the early 19th-century Stone Bank Barn on Moore Road that so many have seen. It's an iconic piece of Chester County's rich history. Bank barns like this can become a spectacular residence., but your imagination and desire are critical. Situated on a bucolic 1.9-acre lot with a spring
Welcome to Woodmont North Community in the award-winning school district of Downingtown. The community offers a park like wooded setting, large fenced in outdoor pool area, extra parking spaces, a kid friendly playground and a convenient location off Rt. 113, Route 30, and the Rt. 30 by-pass. This one bedroom one bath unit has recent upgrades which include updated new hardwood flooring, new
West Chester School District! A beautiful custom-built home situated on 1.3 private acres in the scenic hills of East Bradford Township, just minutes west of West Chester Borough & walking trails. This Updated home offers a thoughtful floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the second floor, plus a finished walkout lower level featuring a 4th bedroom, full bath, recreation/family room,
As America celebrates its 250th birthday you can celebrate the approx. 225 years of rich history of your truly one-of-a-kind home and 10+ acres! Originally established as a 19th-century Chester County farmstead during the post-American Revolution farming expansion, the historic “Smoke House Farm” reflects Chester County’s agricultural heritage, complete with stone barn structures, preserved
Welcome to Thorndale Woods, the only new single-family homes in Coatesville schools with a Downingtown address. Live minutes to Routes 30, 100, and 202 and the Thorndale train station. The Sewickley single-family home combines gracious living and convenience. The large foyer welcomes you inside. A formal living room can be used for gatherings, or make it a study with double doors. The dining room
Welcome to 1480 Sawmill Road, a beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath home nestled on 2.7 private acres in the award-winning Downingtown Area School District. Tucked away from the road, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and convenience. A charming front porch welcomes you home and provides the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Lauren Dickerman CovingtonKeller Williams Real Estate -Exton
Carefree in Downingtown Borough!Stop renting and start building equity in this completely renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo at Downingtown Commons. Move-in ready with a bright, modernized layout, this home offers the ultimate low-maintenance lifestyle right in the vibrant heart of the borough. Unbeatable Amenities & Predictable Costs:You’ll love the convenience of owning in a
Move into your brand-new home this Fall 2026!Welcome to the Roxbury Grand at Thorndale Woods, the only new townhomes in Coatesville schools with a Downingtown address, located minutes from Routes 30, 100, 202, and the Thorndale train station.This Roxbury Grand offers 2,463 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, and a 1-car garage, with an estimated delivery of
Freshly renovated, refurbished, and insulated 2 Bedroom apartment with new kitchen, flooring, lighting, bath, and laundry. These photo are Unit 2 East. Very convenient localtion just a 1/2 mile from Marsh Creek State Park. Downingtown West Campus and the fantastic and beloved Brandywine Wallace Elementary. Sepaerately metered for just your electric use. No water or sewer bills and Free WIFI for a
Welcome to Mi-Place at Downingtown—where home means more than just four walls. Here, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of luxury, space, and community. Luxury Living, No Amenity Fees Our brand-new Clubhouse, Resort-Style Pool with Kiddie Pool, Fitness Center, Outdoor Patio with Fire Pits & BBQs, Dog Park, and Pickleball Courts are open—and the best part? No amenity fee. Spacious Apartments &
Welcome to the highly sought-after Crossing at Bailey Station community. You'll love the neighborly feel of Bailey Station and will feel right at home here. Convenient Downingtown location within walking distance of the Thorndale train station allows access west to Harrisburg and into Philadelphia. The first floor boasts hardwood floors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is also a
Discover the difference at The Point at Downingtown. Offering spacious studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments in Downingtown, our community keeps you close to everything you need in serene surroundings designed with your optimum comfort in mind. Relax in our amazing outdoor courtyard, take advantage of our resort style amenities, and enjoy distinct living spaces that you won't find
Welcome to The Manor at Downingtown, where modern luxury meets comfort and convenience. Our beautifully landscaped community offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments featuring high-end finishes, in-unit washers and dryers, and private patios or balconies. Residents enjoy access to premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a business center, and a resort-style swimming
Welcome home to The Preserve at Milltown, located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. This expansive, 43-acre community features one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans highlighted by cozy, wood-burning fireplaces and a private balcony or patio with gorgeous views. Unparallel amenities await with a refreshing swimming pool and sundeck, outdoor fitness stations, fitness center, putting green,
No need to settle - everything you are looking for in a luxury apartment is at River Station. Experience living in Downingtown's one of a kind location with access to restaurants, shops, events and more! All while enjoying luxurious apartment features, state-of-the-art amenities and the quality customer service you have come to expect from a Hankin Apartments community. We have something for
Available June 15th, 2026 A Beautiful End-Unit Townhome in the Desirable Chase at Bell Tavern Community, Downingtown. This spacious townhome offers a bright and welcoming atmosphere, filled with natural light from its east-facing front door. Upon entering, the home immediately impresses with breathtaking scenic views visible from nearly every room. The open-concept floor plan enhances the
Welcome to your new home in the charming district of Downingtown, PA! This inviting property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to settle in this vibrant community.Key property features include spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, providing ample room for relaxation and privacy. The centrally heated and cooled interiors ensure a
Property Id: 1457950Don't miss out on this stunning 4 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse in Downingtown, PA! Built in 1990, this spacious home features modern amenities such as dishwasher, washer/dryer, and fireplace. Pets allowed. Off-street parking. Available 8/01/2026. Offered at $2799/month. Book your tour now!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
