East Brandywine

East Brandywine is a former farming community about 40 miles outside of Philadelphia. The township is embracing a surge of growth and modernization that includes new housing developments and proximity to several country clubs. U.S. Route 322 and Pennsylvania Route 282 are the township’s main arteries, with Horseshoe Pike weaving through the region. “This is a very popular place to live due to its centralized location to neighboring cities while maintaining a rural feel,” says Gary Mercer a Realtor with KW Greater West Chester.

Glimpses of East Brandywine’s agricultural history are represented at the Bridge Mill Farm, housing an 18th-century gristmill that once harnessed power from the waters of Beaver Creek. The remnants of the thriving mill industry that once dominated the area still linger at Bondsville Mill Park. In this historical green space, residents can find solace among its abundant wildlife, trails, and several restored mill sights, which have characterized the landscape since the 1700s.

Driving through the neighborhoods of East Brandywine will greet you with diverse architectural styles varying from street to street. There is something for everyone, from modern traditional homes nestled by golf courses to sprawling ranch-style residences adorned with vast acreage. Colonial revival homes with long driveways and split-level designs are situated on rolling, hilled tree-shaded streets and are quick commutes to neighborhood parks. The median home price in the community hovers around $400,000 to $500,000 and “it’s a sellers' market,” says Mercer.

The Downingtown Area School District serves the community with several highly rated public schools boasting an overall score of an A, according to Niche. The township’s youngest students may start their education at Brandywine-Wallace Elementary, Beaver Creek Elementary School or Springton Manor Elementary School. They may graduate to Downingtown Middle School, which serves seventh through eighth grades. At Downingtown West High School, students enjoy giving back to their community which is a graduation requirement for those in their senior year. For those seeking higher education, the area is also home to Delaware County Community College.

East Brandywine Community Park, spanning 64 acres, is a communal haven where residents stroll along paved paths and enjoy evenings under the stars during the Family Movies in the Park series. The Park also hosts the Fall Harvest Festival and accommodates East Brandywine Youth Athletics, where the kids can sign up for baseball, softball and soccer. For those seeking recreation and leisure, grab your golf clubs and join the Applecross Country Club, where a vacation experience beckons close to home. The clubhouse features a Michael Nicklaus designed course that offers challenging velvet fairways and a swimming pool. Whittaker Trail Memorial Park is where residents can find moments of peace among a canopy of whispering trees and native flora while biking or taking long walks.

There are a few nearby restaurants to curb your hunger after a game with the kids or hiking. Grab a large pizza for takeout from Michaelangelo’s Italian, firing up specialty pies sauced on freshly made dough. Beaver Creek Tavern is a local neighborhood pub where locals chow down on homemade beef brisket sandwiches, flatbreads and cocktails in a historic 19th century building. Or dine at Pizza Mia, with charming outdoor seating offering a diverse menu of specialty pizza, pasta and fried finger foods.

Off Horseshoe Pike, you can grab fresh groceries from Crop’s Fresh Marketplace and down Lincoln Highway, you’ll find more shopping essentials for your daily errands. Or shop at Blue Moon Florist & Gift Shop, a bright and airy floral shop ideal for getting fresh blooms for your new home.

From its humble beginnings in the mill industry to its rise in development, this is life in East Brandywine.

Written By

Pao Cordero

Photography Contributed By

Jay Ratchford