Kennett Square

Calling all the fun guys, and gals, to the mushroom capital of the world. Kennett Square is a blooming Southeastern Pennsylvania township known for its charming downtown strip, community-oriented events and mushroom pride.

The housing stock of Kennett Square is varied. Houses include cape cods and ranch styles from the early 1940s, with at least three bedrooms and 1,500 square feet. You'll find a variety of historic colonials, four squares and A-frames from the 1920s and '30s with Tudor influences, stone chimneys and low-pitched roofs. Contemporary split levels and newly built townhomes are throughout. Housing prices range between $400,000 and $800,000, with the median value at $650,000. Sidewalk-lined streets are met with the overflow of residents' landscaping and posted banners and signs detailing an upcoming event. While in a hilly community, you'll commonly see locals walking about.

Students in Kennett Square attend schools under the Kennett Consolidated School District, which touts an overall A-minus from Niche. Children start school at Greenwood Elementary School, which earned an overall B-plus. Students advance to Kennett Middle School, which has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1 and an overall B-plus on Niche. Students progress to Kennett High School to earn their diplomas. The high school boasts an A-minus on Niche and has a long list of extracurriculars for students to join, like Model UN, ice hockey, medicine club and much more.

Residents head to Anson B. Nixon Park for a day outside, home of the annual Trout Rodeo. Community members wrap the Park's small lake once a year and cast a line, hoping to catch a fish with their neighbors. Nixon is a premiere spot for Kennett Square events in general. Throughout the summer, residents attend the free summer concert series which features live music, beer vendors and food trucks. When there isn't an event, the 100-plus acre park buzzes with residents exploring trails, playgrounds, dog parks and the community garden. Adjacent to Nixon Park is the Kennett Area YMCA. Members can access amenities like a basketball court, indoor pool, saunas, art studios and more.

The draw of living in Kennett Square is in its rustic downtown area. Lining State Street is a collection of trees and bilateral brick buildings housing coffee shops, clothing boutiques and restaurants. Grab a pick-me-up at Philter, a chic coffee shop with handmade cappuccinos and freshly baked goods. As the mushroom capital of the world, it only makes sense that Portabellos at Kennett Square is a local favorite for dining. The restaurant features various items like mushroom lasagna and mushroom truffle pizza. Downtown is also home to The Produce Place if you need to grab groceries. The family-owned business features fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables and pre-made wraps, smoothies, salads and more. Within a mile east is a Walmart Supercenter, affording a nearby big box option for shopping.

One of the most popular attractions in Kennett Square is the Longwood Gardens. Enjoy the captivating dancing water fountains, blooming gardens and an extensive 4-acre conservatory. Longwood is also host to popular events like the Chrysanthemum Festival. The festival is a family-friendly fall event where kids can play on the Pumpkin Playground while you explore the intricate Chrysanthemum arrangements. And if you're looking for more community-wide events, the Mushroom Cap Half Marathon and Festival is a highly anticipated yearly event. Runners trek through the heart of Kennett Square, reaching the finish line where festival celebrants, live music, food and drinks greet them.

Route 1 is Kennett Square's primary thoroughfare, commonly used by residents to commute in and out of the area. Since there's no access to public transport, Kennett Square is primarily a driver's community. For those frequently commuting to nearby cities, Philadelphia is 40 miles east, and Wilmington is 15 miles southeast. Kennett Square is much more than its mushrooms. It's a small town with a big list of reasons to call it home.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Conner Baker

Video By

Zoe Sarris