Old farmhouses and rural land are an enduring legacy of Willistown. Settled by Welsh and English farmers in the early 1700s, the township retains its rustic appeal even as surrounding cities expand. "What draws people here is the opportunity to enjoy the natural aspect of Chester County," says Meghan McGarrigle, a Realtor with Keller Williams Real Estate who has 15 years of experience. "Willistown could be called horse country. There is a lot of beautiful farms, rolling hills and walking trails." Home to nature preserves and acreage properties, land is valued here over development, leading to fewer commercial options. However, with downtown Malvern to the north and Philly within 30 miles, urban amenities and robust job opportunities are within easy reach. The community's CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10 is far below the national average of 4.
The quiet streets and mature woods are a key part of Willistown's charm.
There are still many farms among the rolling hills in Willistown.
1/2
Countryside homes on spacious acres
Stretching north to downtown Malvern, with countryside at its core, residential areas range from traditional sidewalk-connected neighborhoods closer to amenities to those set on private, spacious acres. "It's pretty traditional, colonial-type or farmhouse-type homes," McGarrigle says. Ranch-style properties, Cape Cods and custom-built New Traditionals add to the town's housing mix. Single-family properties are the dominant type, followed by townhouses and some condos. Prices start from $310,000 to $630,000 for modest residences for the area, including those needing updates. As homes and lots get bigger, prices rise from $630,000 to $1.2 million. The most luxurious and expansive properties sell from $1.3 million to $5.2 million. The majority of townhouses and condos cost from around $350,000 to $950,000. Some of the areas higher priced options were built in the last few years, showcasing modern designs.
Ranch style homes are just one of the many varieties of single-family homes in Willistown.
Rows of condos are one housing option in Willistown.
1/2
Public education through an A-rated district
Students are served by Great Valley School District, which earns an A rating from Niche and covers education through four elementary schools, one middle and one high school. While all schools in the district have A-ratings, Great Valley High School earns the highest score, with an A-plus. The school also ranks highly for the state and made U.S. News & World Report's 2023 to 2024 top 20 list, ranking as number 10.
General Wayne Elementary School is highly placed per US News & World Report's ranking.
Great Valley Middle School has over 1,000 students in grades 6-8 and serves Willistown.
Great Valley High School provides a 14:1 student to teacher ratio for Willistown students.
1/3
A large nature preserve in town and parks in Malvern
Recreation is diverse in Willistown. At its core is White Manor Country Club, offering a private 18-hole golf course and clubhouse perks, such as tennis courts and a swimming pool. To the south, the Okehocking Preserve features 180 acres of mixed-use trails winding through woodlands, meadows, and along Ridley Creek, with part of the preserve extending into the larger Ridley Creek State Park. Covering more than 2,600 acres, the state park invites outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, sledding and snowshoeing during the winter. Willistown's countryside is home to Devin Equestrian, where residents can board and train horses. On the town's northern edge, Malvern's neighborhood parks, such as Greentree Park — complete with sports fields and a playground — are within walking distance of some of Willistown's homes.
The White Manor Country Club offers a private 18-hole course among other amenities.
Willistown residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor spaces at Okehocking Preserve.
1/2
Some commercial options, but more in surrounding communities
Most shopping and dining are outside Willistown, but the township has a few highlights. Teikoku Restaurant serves Asian-fusion dishes, and Sugartown Strawberries sells seasonal produce and products. Just north, downtown Malvern's small, walkable downtown area has a range of local shops and boutiques, selling everything from women's clothing to furniture and hardware. Some of its stand-out eateries include Anthony's Pizza & Italian Restaurant and Flying Pig Saloon, a casual pub and grill. Nearby towns such as Paoli and West Chester provide more options, including grocery stores like Wegmans, ALDI and ACME Markets — all within 6 miles. Exton Square and King of Prussia Mall are within 12 miles for larger shopping trips.
Teikoku serves Asian fusion cuisine in Willistown.
Willistown residents can get seasonal goods at Sugertown Strawberries.
1/2
Celebrating community at Willistown Country Fair
Held in August at Greentree Park, the Willistown Country Fair marks the end of summer. This event brings the community together for its family-friendly atmosphere filled with local vendors, live music and various kids' activities such as face painting.
Ways to get around town and beyond
Sugartown Road, the township's first main route, still winds through Willistown, connecting it to downtown Malvern. Downtown Malvern provides a convenient SEPTA train station. "Or you could go to the Paoli station, so you are right between two stations going directly into Philly," McGarrigle says. The Paoli station is less than 4 miles from Willistown's core. Major routes, including Pennsylvania Route 3 and U.S. Route 30, also run through the area, while Route 202 and Highway 76 are nearby. For healthcare, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is located in Willistown, with Paoli Hospital is less than 9 miles away. Philadelphia International Airport is roughly 20 miles from Willistown.
The Malvern train station is nearby, so Willistown residents have easy access to Philadelphia.
Downtown Malvern is just a quick jaunt away for Willistown residents.
1/2
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steffi Freedman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome to the highly sought after Willistown Hunt community. This meticulously kept, pristine Monroe model end-unit townhome has been owned by the current owner since 2005. The home boasts a foyer entry, 2 Story Fireside family room, expansive Cherry cabinet eat-in kitchen, sliders to deck & wooded views, hardwoods throughout 1st floor, formal dining & living rooms, wainscoting & crown moulding.
Experience the best of Main Line living in this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, completely reimagined from the ground up with high-end finishes and thoughtful craftsmanship. Located in the desirable Great Valley School District, the home features bright, open spaces and a stunning quartz kitchen with a waterfall island and built-in coffee bar, flowing naturally into the living area and the spacious
Welcome to Penns Lane—Malvern’s charming Williamsburg-style community where timeless architecture meets effortless Main Line living. From the moment you arrive, charm exudes from the classic brick façade to the inset front entrance, creating a warm and inviting first impression. Step into the inviting two-story entryway, where natural light and hardwood flooring set a refined tone that carries
Spacious, Bright & Beautiful Home with First-Floor Primary Suite! Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3 full and 2 half-bath home located in the exclusive Ridings of Hunters Run — a serene enclave of just 33 single-family homes offering all the benefits of condo-style, maintenance-free living. Step inside to a dramatic two-story foyer with a curved staircase and be wowed by the sun-filled Great
Charming 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in Malvern, PA with private entrances, cozy wood-burning fireplaces, walk-in closets, and private patios or balconies. AVE Malvern is situated along Suburban Philadelphias desirable Main Line offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Great Valley. Youll be living at a retreat, but have the conveniences of being close to Philadelphia, brand new, on-site
Now available for lease just minutes from downtown West Chester! Step inside and head up to a stylish, well-designed kitchen featuring plenty of counter space, great storage, a tile backsplash, and a layout perfect for cooking at home or entertaining friends. The dining area offers hardwood flooring, built-ins for décor or storage, and a double-sided wood-burning fireplace that also warms the
Welcome Home to Heather Glen, where convenience and comfort meet. Our West Chester community offers comfortable two-bedroom apartments with amenities like a grilling area, in-home laundry, and off-street parking. Conveniently located near public transportation and along West Chester Pike, Heather Glen is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.Renting shouldn't
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
