Rural living in Lower Oxford Township near city amenities
Lower Oxford Township is a rural community known for its scenic landscapes. Founded in the late 1700s after separating from the larger Oxford area, the township maintains a quiet, country atmosphere while being an hour and a half from Philadelphia and Baltimore. Offering both rolling countryside and proximity to city amenities, the township has country homes on acres and properties closer to downtown Oxford. It preserves much of its land, meaning most shopping and parks are also sought in Oxford. At the same time, it does have some local businesses, a popular vineyard and a golf course with a restaurant. The township is also striking more of a suburban balance by slowly growing in new residential communities.
Homes in the countryside and new builds near downtown Oxford
Country roads curve past farmland, linking rural residences. Tree cover and acreage create layers of privacy for neighbors. Ranch styles, Colonial Revivals, Craftsman cottages and farmhouses have a foothold here. Most homes cost between $300,000 and $620,000, depending on land size, condition, age and location. While many exist on their own patch of land, the township has a few planned communities. Pine View Estates is being built a few miles from downtown Oxford. "We are a little over halfway through construction," says Realtor Doug Chase of Beiler-Campbell Realtors, who sells homes in the community. "It's an opportunity to live in a more rural place but still have public water, sewer and gas." He notes that most country homes are on well water and septic. The Meadows at Wicklow is another new community designed for ages 55 and older. The township's CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Oxford schools and a historic university shape education
Students attend the Oxford Area School District, which scores a B rating from Niche. The district enrolls over 3,100 students across three elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Lincoln University, the nation's first degree-granting college for African Americans, is also located within the township. Notable alums include Langston Hughes and Thurgood Marshall.
Recreation includes lake access and miles of wooded trails
Octoraro Lake flows along the outer northwest edge of town. It's a popular spot to paddle and fish for largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike and other species. Lake Wyncote Golf Club's link-style course is open to the public. Spanning more than 570 acres, Glenroy Preserve features numerous trails winding along creeks and through forests and meadows. Oxford Memorial Park is a traditional playground park with a picnic pavilion less than 5 miles away. Nottingham County Park, within 8 miles, spans 651 acres, encompassing stocked fishing ponds, play lots and fitness stations along a jogging and walking trail.
A handful of local businesses, including a vineyard
Businesses dot the countryside. Breezy Ridge Greenhouse is a small, family-owned operation selling a range of flowers and vegetable plants. Local woodworkers source their lumber from Hearne Hardwoods Inc., while ValleyView Hardware provides tools and supplies. Wine lovers head to Wayvine Winery & Vineyard to sip reds and whites and dine on wood-fired pizza on Fridays. Wyncote Golf Club has a restaurant and pub for small plates, sandwiches and classic entrees such as beer-battered fish and chips. Oxford is south with a broader range: Walmart Supercenter, Redner's Warehouse Markets, fast food and locally owned ice cream, coffee, Mexican, Chinese and pizza places. Oxford Farmers Market is open year-round from Thursday to Saturday for fresh produce.
Shared-ride services and carpools support travelers
State Routes 1 and 10 flow through town, connecting travelers to the broader area. Philadelphia is around 50 miles away, and Baltimore is within 60 miles. Chesco Connect provides door-to-door shared-ride service for seniors and people with disabilities. The Transportation Management Association of Chester County also facilitates a share-a-ride partnership program, helping community members find carpool matches. The park-and-ride station in Lower Oxford Township is on US 1 at the PA 472 interchange. ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove, is roughly 6 miles away.
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Kathryn Ashworth
