Thornbury Township

Stop to smell the roses in Thornbury Township and be sure to dip your toes into the local history as well. “It’s a nice affordable neighborhood in a fantastic school district, so if a family is starting out and has little ones, it’s great for that,” says Maria Doyle, a local Realtor with Compass Real Estate who has been in the business for 14 years. “The elementary school is award-winning and less than a mile away too.”

Thornbury Township has both town houses and single-family housing, with town houses selling for between $380,000 and $790,000 and single-family homes going for $475,000 to $868,000, with newer construction having some of the biggest price tags. “You’ll find lots of two-story cape cods and traditional homes like colonials. It’s a nice mix of new construction and older homes,” Doyle says. “It’s hard to pin down the market trends around here since it can change from one subdivision to the next, but I’d say typically homes sell in a week or two.” Single-family square footage can be anywhere from 1,750 to 3,800 and while some homes date back to 1925, the aforementioned newer construction can be as recent as 2023 so the area is still growing. Lots vary from 4,000 square feet to about an acre and many boast lush green lawns with tidy landscaping. Two-car garages are a common amenity and often pair well with cozy front porches.

Students in the neighborhood can attend Rose Tree Elementary School, which has about 420 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. Parents can take advantage of the Leading Edge Before & After School Care program. Springton Lake Middle School has about 930 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Their sports programs include everything from soccer to volleyball to field hockey. Penncrest High School serves about 1,200 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 and a focus on college preparation demonstrated through programs like their College Application Bootcamp. All three schools received an A rating from Niche.

Residents are surrounded by parks, but access to Ridley Creek State Park’s sprawling 2,600 acres might be the highlight of this neighborhood’s outdoor amenities. Stop by Hunting Hill Mansion, a large English country manor that dates back to 1789. Today visitors can explore gardens, stables and trails. The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation uses animals and historical interpreters to demonstrate what life was like in the 18th century. Chester Creek Trail is another great option to get out and stretch your legs along Civil War-era railway paths.

“There is so much great shopping around here. You’ll find quaint, local, family-owned stores like Wolff’s where they’ve got pumpkins and fresh veggies and mums,” Doyle says. “Plus there’s lots of shopping in an area called Granite Run where they knocked down the old mall and replaced it with newer options.” Wolff’s Apple House is a market and garden center that’s been serving the community since 1910. Sample their local produce and tasty seasonal dishes like apple barbecue pork. Wayside Market is another family-owned business that combines a sandwich shop and deli counter with grocery necessities.

Grab a slice from Middletown Pizza and Grill, a local joint that’s always busy thanks to its tasty subs, strombolis and wings. They pride themselves on having the perfect sauce and cheese combination on each and every fresh-from-the-oven pizza. The Rooster Diner is a local favorite thanks to its classic American fare, fresh ingredients and expansive menu.

Settle down in Thornbury Township, but don’t forget there’s plenty more to explore outside the neighborhood. “They recently expanded the train line,” Doyle says. “So if you wanted to hop on and go into Philadelphia, it’s quick and convenient.”

Written By

Jordan Hamner

Photography Contributed By

Jesse Roehrer

Video By

Victoria Sharpe