Rich history and contemporary community in Thornbury Township
In Thornbury Township, forested hills hide a different chapter of northwestern Delaware County’s history behind each bend in a country road: the Victorian-era Glen Mills Train Station, custom-built contemporary estates and parks where hikers spot industrial ruins along Chester Creek. “It’s beautiful,” says Dana Felt, a Realtor with Keller Wiliam Realty who’s served Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties since 1989. “Thornbury Township’s flavor is a little similar to Chester County in terms of open space. You have that open space, but you also have proximity to major highways, Interstate 95 and you can get to Delaware very quickly.” Near West Chester, beloved for its walkable downtown shopping district, and the commuter highways leading to Philadelphia and Wilmington, Thornbury Township has remained defined by rural recreation areas, modern businesses in centuries-old structures and small-town traditions that bring neighbors together throughout the year.
Woodsy open space and a mix of historic and contemporary homes
“Thornbury has rolling, open space. Not everywhere, but it’s available,” Felt says. “The other thing you have is historic properties. There is a lot of character in those stone homes, the stone bank barns. Some of them are no longer livable or in use, but they’re kept around because they're historically designated. They provide a lot of texture, visually, for the area. They ground us in the rich history of southeastern Pennsylvania.” Buyers can find everything from preserved 18th-century farmhouses and 19th-century Victorians to midcentury ranch-style and luxury New Traditional houses. Mature trees offer a backdrop for these properties, whether they’re on grassy, half-acre lots along a cul-de-sac or set on a couple of wooded acres. Move-in-ready single-family homes built from the 1790s to the 1970s typically sell for around $460,000 to $950,000. Large contemporary dwellings built since the 1980s usually sell for about $760,000 to $1.6 million. Townhouses and carriage homes in suburban, amenity-rich developments near the township’s outskirts can go for around $510,000 to $850,000.
High scores for the West Chester Area School District, a local HBCU
Thornbury Township is served by the West Chester Area School District, which scores an A from Niche. Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School earns an A and is one of a few elementary schools that serve the township. Stetson Middle School and Rustin High School also get As. Juniors and seniors can earn credit at West Chester University by taking concurrent enrollment courses. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is a public institution that was founded in Thornbury Township in 1837. While its student body is small, Cheyney has a large historic footprint as the oldest historically Black university in the nation.
Township parks, trails and access to Delco recreation areas
Thornbury Park is the township’s most popular green space, where visitors walk along tree-shaded paths, take the kids to the playground, picnic and spend time playing disc golf, tennis, basketball or soccer. More rugged trails in the woods draw hikers to places like Bonner Park and Martin Park, where they might stumble upon Chester Creek, active excursion train tracks and the stone ruins of former mills. Adirondack chairs and wooden bridges pocket the trails at Palmer Arboretum. Casual rounds, club meetings and tournaments take place at the Golf Course at Glen Mills. Ridley Creek State Park and Newlin Grist Mill Park, both major recreation destinations for Delaware County, are within 5 miles of home. Longwood Gardens blossoms closer to 10 miles away.
Historic crossroads businesses, nearby suburban shopping malls
Small businesses cluster in historic crossroads villages. At the intersection of Thornton and Glenn Mills roads, Bierhaul Farmhouse invites diners to eat inside the rustic, historic building or on the outdoor patio. Across the street, locals take classes at Sweet Serenity Yoga. Bethlehem Church holds religious services in an aged stone building down the road, one of the community’s several small houses of worship. The highly commercialized U.S. Routes 1, 202 and 322 intersect to Thornbury Township’s southwest, placing many chain and local businesses around 5 miles from home. Concordville Town Centre has Target and Home Depot, and nearby commercial plazas are anchored by big names like Wegmans, Whole Foods and Costco.
Holiday fun at Thornbury Park
Thornbury Park fills with families, friends and festive holiday activities during township events throughout the year. Founders Day is known for its classic town fair atmosphere, bringing neighbors together for a day of live music, food trucks, carnival games, bouncy houses and fireworks each September. To celebrate the Fourth of July, residents parade down Glen Mills Road in their red, white and blue gear before meeting up at the park for awards, games and hot dogs.
Commuting to Philadelphia and Wilmington
Wilmington is a roughly 15-mile drive, and Center City Philadelphia is about 30 miles away. SEPTA buses make stops at Cheyney University and the George W. Hill Correctional Facility on the way to transit hubs closer to Philly, but most residents rely on cars to get around. Both Riddle Hospital and Chester County Hospital are within 10 miles of home. Philadelphia International Airport is closer to 20 miles away.
Flood risk along Chester Creek
Chester Creek and other waterways may flood low-lying homes and roads after unusually heavy rain. Buyers can check maps to understand their potential risk and need for flood insurance.
![Julia Szymanski]()
Written By
Julia Szymanski
