East Pikeland blends convenience with historic charm
East Pikeland is one of three townships that make up the Phoenixville borough of Chester County. “You get the traditional Philadelphia suburban experience here,” says Joymarie DeFruscio-Achenbach, a Realtor and team owner of the JMC Sales Team at Keller Williams, who has sold in the area for 16 years. “At the same time, you’re near all the wonderful urban attractions downtown Phoenixville offers.” The township carries a rich history, especially in Kimberton — a small 18th-century Quaker community known for its antique stone architecture. The Kimberton Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the area preserves its historic character, it has evolved with new residential developments, shopping centers and roadways connecting to larger cities.
Centuries-old properties sit alongside new constructions
Housing options range from restored farmhouses in Kimberton from the mid-1700s to modern constructions with New Traditional architecture. Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes are also common, and many neighborhoods have a suburban feel. Well-kept lawns line the cul-de-sacs, and streets are often full of joggers, dog walkers and children playing. Other areas offer secluded lots off quiet country roads, hidden beneath towering oaks. Townhouses in complexes and 55-plus communities sell for $300,000 to $650,000. Small single-family cottages and midcentury homes typically sell between $300,000 and $600,000. Large lots and recently renovated properties can reach $700,000 to over $1 million. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, which is low compared to the national average of 4.
Recreation revolves around trails, creeks and parks
Kimberton Park is the main outdoor gathering place in East Pikeland. It has basketball and tennis courts, a hockey rink and an amphitheater for events. Ridge Road Park has an off-leash dog park and a community garden. Among the many trails throughout the township and Phoenixville, the French Creek Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail are two of the most popular for biking, hiking and fishing access. Hidden River Park & Preserve will be the newest park and will cater to environmental education. The township has received $4.6 million in grants to build outdoor learning spaces here, wildlife observation decks and a nature-based playground with structures made from tree stumps and logs. Golfers head to the Phoenixville Driving Range and the Kimberton Golf Course, both open to the public.
Kimberton restaurants, dining on Bridge Street and nearby shopping
East Pikeland has a few restaurants, though most options are 3 miles away in downtown Phoenixville. Kimberton is home to Stone House Grille, known for brunch, and a historic inn-turned-restaurant. “The Kimberton Inn is where everyone goes for special occasions,” DeFruscio-Achenbach says. “It’s a fine-dining experience in a building that dates back to the 1790s.” Countless other options line Bridge Street, a strip in Phoenixville with red brick buildings and sidewalks, decorative murals and boutiques. Il Granaio is a popular spot for Italian dishes, and Molly Maguire’s Irish Pub is a local staple for a relaxed night out.
Shoppers can pick up regional products from Yeager’s Farm and Market, open May through Christmas. Kimberton Whole Foods sells fresh produce, and Giant and CVS are just outside East Pikeland. The nearest Target is 7 miles away in Phoenixville.
The Phoenixville Area School District gets an overall A rating
All children in the district begin at Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche for kindergarten and first grade. Students then attend elementary schools by zones. East Pikeland kids go to Hares Hill Elementary, which opened for its first year in 2025 and has not yet been rated by Niche. Phoenixville Area Middle scores a B-minus, and Phoenixville Area High gets an A-minus. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through Montgomery County Community College.
Seasonal traditions and nature-centric activities
From summer concerts and movie nights at Kimberton Park to holiday celebrations on the trails, East Pikeland presents plenty of unique community gatherings. Families dress up in costumes for the Halloween Moonwalk along the decorated French Creek Trail. The township hosts a similar walk in January known as the Snow Place Like the FCT (French Creek Trail) event. This walk leads to a smores bonfire and a hot cocoa bar. East Pikeland throws the Kimberton Fair every July and hosts educational activities throughout the year, typically focused on nature and wildlife. Participants can go for an Owl Prowl after dark or plant identification walks. Kids explore invertebrates in the French Creek with a park ranger during the Critters in the Creek event.
Navigating Chester County and commuting opportunities
Pennsylvania routes 23, 113 and 724 are the main thoroughfares cutting through town, and U.S. 422 runs nearby. “You’re 45 minutes from Reading and Philadelphia,” DeFruscio-Achenbach says. “Many people choose to live in suburbs like East Pikeland, then commute to these major cities.” Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses stop throughout the area, and the Paoli Amtrak Station is 9 miles away.
