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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
Kelly Steyn,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Downingtown, PA sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Downingtown, PA over the last 12 months is $535,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great opportunity to own a Hankin built home in The Gardens at Eagleview, one of the community’s most desirable enclaves. This sought after Weatherstone model offers an open, flexible floor plan designed for modern living.The open foyer and spacious living room with plenty of windows to the sunlight in, all highlighted by nine-foot ceilings on the main level.The kitchen features 42" maple
Welcome to 123 Jefferson Ave in Downingtown! This 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home has been fully renovated and is move in ready top to bottom! Downingtown Schools!!NEW flooring, NEW appliances, all NEW recessed lighting, NEW kitchen, NEW full and half bathrooms, NEWER windows, NEW mini splits for cooling and heat, NEWER water heater and freshly painted throughout! Enter the main floor with plenty of
Move-In ready! Discover luxury living in the Carisbrooke interior home design at Stonemill Village. This is our last homesite with a more open view and direct access to the walking trail. Thoughtfully crafted with sophisticated finishes and exceptional attention to detail, this home offers a seamless blend of style and functionality. The open-concept floor plan is enhanced by an elegant open
Welcome to 3345 Alydar Road in Crossing at Bailey Station, where one of the home's most unforgettable features isn't found inside the walls, but beyond them. Step outside into a meticulously crafted outdoor retreat where every pathway, stone, planting, and gathering space has been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding woods. While many homes in the community overlook
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
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Colonial home situated on a private one-acre lot in the desirable Tunbridge community in the award-winning Downingtown Area School District. Offering approximately 2,160 square feet of living space, this home features four generously sized bedrooms, two full bathrooms on the second level, and a convenient half bath on the main floor, providing a functional
Great opportunity to own a Hankin built home in The Gardens at Eagleview, one of the community’s most desirable enclaves. This sought after Weatherstone model offers an open, flexible floor plan designed for modern living.The open foyer and spacious living room with plenty of windows to the sunlight in, all highlighted by nine-foot ceilings on the main level.The kitchen features 42" maple
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,
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
Enjoy luxury, low-maintenance living in this stunning new construction home located in the sought-after 55+ community of Brandywine Walk. Situated on a premium homesite and loaded with more than $139,000 in upgrades, this exceptional Carmel model, with finished basement, blends sophisticated design with everyday comfort. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features a desirable main-level owner's
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 123 Jefferson Ave in Downingtown! This 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home has been fully renovated and is move in ready top to bottom! Downingtown Schools!!NEW flooring, NEW appliances, all NEW recessed lighting, NEW kitchen, NEW full and half bathrooms, NEWER windows, NEW mini splits for cooling and heat, NEWER water heater and freshly painted throughout! Enter the main floor with plenty of
Vacant lot for sale in Caln Township! Close to shopping, dining, major roadways, and local amenities. Buyers are responsible for verifying zoning, utilities, and building requirements with the township.
Enjamuri SwamyRealty Mark Cityscape-Huntingdon Valley
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 &
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
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
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,
Located just outside of downtown Downingtown, PA and the famous Victory Brewing Company, Norwood House Apartments features spacious floor plans and numerous amenities that make apartment living comfortable and effortless. From short-term lease options, below-ground community pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center, Norwood House Apartments is your new Chester County, PA apartment home. Contact
Welcome to this charming rental property located in the heart of Downingtown, PA. This inviting space is designed for comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for your next home.Key property features include ample floor area, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms that provide the perfect setup for family living. You'll find yourself just minutes away from a variety of great
Property Id: 2744725 Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse in Downingtown, PA. Built in 1976, this updated unit features modern amenities such as a dishwasher, washer/dryer, central air, and fireplace. Enjoy the balcony, swimming pool, and nearby parks. Pets welcome! Don't miss out on this gem! Available 07/31/2026. Contact us today for a showing.
Recently renovated condo for rent. Condo has a two-year-old remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and soft-close cabinets. Bathrooms remodeled with newer fixtures. Condo has new flooring in both bathrooms and the kitchen. Fresh paint throughout during the renovations including the ceiling. Professionally cleaned after previous tenant's departure. No pets and no
End-unit townhome. Walking distance to Kimberton Whole Foods, Planet Fitness, restaurants, Amtrak/Septa station, and more. Quiet neighborhood with young professionals, families and pet friendly. Laundry room, washer/dryer included. Outdoor balcony, and all windows have views overlooking beautiful trees and private park.There is a bonus third level (in lieu of a basement)
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