West Pikeland Township

Like much of western Pennsylvania, Chester Springs seamlessly blends private, residential streets with swaths of farmland. “Chester Springs epitomizes what people think when they think of Chester County: scenic landscapes, horses and farms,” says Joe Fallon, a local Realtor with REMAX Main Line, who has 5 years of experience in the area. Located minutes from nearby amenities and 35 miles from Philadelphia, forested trails offer scenic retreats for hiking lovers and horseback riders. Yet this township stands out amongst the crowd, with luxurious properties selling well into the millions. “It’s in the wealthiest county in Pennsylvania and is one of the wealthier zip codes in Chester County,” Fallon says. It’s also home to the Historic Yellow Springs village, known for its vibrant art center and community events. Apart from spacious properties and active farms like Milky Way Farm, known around town for its creamery, residents here enjoy highly-rated schools and an emphasis on natural spaces. Quiet, narrow roads canopied by hues of green give way to large properties that sit back from the road. With lots that average around 1 acre or more, many residents enjoy long winding driveways, spacious lots with room for inground pools and gardens, and ample privacy. Many homes feature multi-car garages, updated kitchens and the occasional barn. “There’s a number of historic, equestrian estates, along with your traditional Toll Brothers homes,” says Anna Abbatemarco, a local Realtor with EXP Realty, who has over 10 years of experience. Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes are priced from the mid $500,000s to the upper $800,000s. Subdivisions with New Traditionals on smaller lots usually sell for over $1 million. Several historic farmhouses built in the late 1700s have been restored and modernized and, depending on acreage, can range from $1 million to $2 million. “Many of these antique homes were built with Chester County fieldstone,” says John Restrepo, Realtor with BHHS Fox & Roach Malvern, who lives in Chester Springs. Other custom-built estates are within the same price range. “Prices can reach as high as $4 million, but that’s an exception. Normally, those homes sit on acres of land and maybe have a barn or two on the property,” Fallon says. “Horse country is still a huge part of the community.” A few townhouse communities are also clustered along CharSam Boulevard, ranging from the $400,000s to the $500,000s. Historic Yellow Springs, a living village scattered along winding rural roads, puts this township on the map. It first served as a spa known for its healing springs and as an army hospital during the Revolutionary War. Today, it is an art center offering classes, a gallery, and a community gathering space. Events here range from art shows to concerts to holiday strolls. “Every spring, they host an art festival that runs for a month,” Fallon says. “It draws artists and visitors from around the region.” Another well-known event is Jazz at the Springs, a free outdoor summer concert. The community’s Downingtown Area School District is rated A by Niche and has a low studio-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Primary school students are divided between Lionville Elementary and Pickering Valley Elementary, scoring A ratings. Students may then move on to Lionville Middle and Downingtown High School East Campus, both of which score an A. The latter is known for its competitive athletics department, including a unified Bocce team. “Downingtown is just one of the three different school districts that serve Chester Springs,” Abbatemarco says. In the heart of town is the Montgomery School, a private A-rated institution for elementary and middle schoolers that offers numerous summer camps open to the public and serves as the grounds for the WellSprings Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The township is also home to the Sakthi Peetam & Spiritual Center, a Hindu Temple. Pine Creek Park is the community’s largest park, where kids can run around the playground, and neighbors can strike up a friendly game of disc golf. Other amenities include two picnic pavilions, multi-purpose fields and paths. Walnut Lane Park is another popular spot for afternoons on the sports fields and even more meandering trails. On the northern cusp of town, scenic views await at Binky Lee Preserve. Spanning 112 acres, hikers can explore around 6 miles of footpaths that wind through woodlands and bright, colorful meadows. Horseback riding and seasonal hunting are permitted, but biking is not. Apart from the preserve, Chester Springs offers even more walking trails. “Several roads in the area are called trails, but they’re just quiet roads,” Fallon says. Locally owned shops are scattered around town. Chic boutiques range from iconic farmhouse-style home decor at Sycamore and Stone Farm to crystals at Earthspeak. Life’s Patina Mercantile and Cafe is another spot for last-minute gifts, pastries and an extensive coffee list and Epicurean Garage Spirit serves delicious breakfast sandwiches. Fallon notes that most other amenities are in nearby Lionville or Exton. Along Uwchlan Avenue, Restrepo notes that Limoncello, is an outstanding Italian restaurant. “There are some very good Japanese restaurants as well with great sushi, Murisaki, Bluefin, Issho and a new one just opened called Osaka,” Restrepo says. “We like The Stables that has great local brews and super food and are excited for the upcoming opening of White Dog Cafe.” After dinner, Chester Springs Creamery awaits with flavors that change with the seasons like Opal’s Orange Pineapple and Flora’s Lavender Cream. Apart from the creamery, Milky Way Farm features a pumpkin patch and hayrides in autumn. It’s also a popular spot for school field trips and summer camps. Less than 5 miles from the heart of Chester Springs, Lionville Shopping Center features a grocery store and major chains like Target. Chester Springs is highly car-dependent, with quiet country roads meandering throughout. “It’s close to all the major highways, Exton and West Chester,” Abbatemarco says. “Even though it seems rural, you aren’t actually in the boonies.” U.S. Route 113, better known as Kimberton Road, runs straight through the community and leads about 8 miles north to Phoenixville Hospital—Tower Health. Two other hospitals are within a 10-mile radius. Interstate 76, or the Pennsylvania Turnpike, is a major artery that connects residents to surrounding towns and Center City Philadelphia, about 35 miles away. Philadelphia International Airport is also about 35 miles away for jetsetters with an inking for travel.