If you’re considering moving to Downingtown PA, you’re looking at one of the best suburbs in Chester County. Known for its small-town charm, strong community feel, and easy access to cities near Philadelphia, the Downingtown borough offers history, modern conveniences, and top-rated schools. But is Downingtown PA a good place to live? For many, the answer is a resounding yes.
Originally established in the early 1700s, Downingtown has a deep historical foundation. Once a key industrial hub with mills and manufacturing, the borough has evolved into a vibrant small town with a strong economy and welcoming atmosphere. Today, most residents appreciate the area’s small-town vibe while still being close to Philadelphia and other major hubs.
Living in Downingtown PA means being a part of a family-friendly community with good public schools, locally owned small businesses, and plenty of green space. The surrounding area is full of parks, trails, and recreational activities. If you’re looking to live in Pennsylvania that provides a high quality of life, living in Downingtown PA is worth considering. Here’s everything you should know about what makes Downingtown so special.
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Is Downingtown PA a Good Place to Live?
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Downingtown PA is a good place to live. When living in Downingtown PA, you will be situated in one of the best suburbs in the area, with access to top-rated schools, fun attractions, and great job options. The borough of Downingtown has never been better!
Where Is Downingtown PA?
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What county is Downingtown PA in? Downingtown is in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Chester County is one of the three original Pennsylvania counties and has the highest median household income level in Pennsylvania. When living in Downingtown, you will have access to Philadelphia and other amazing Philly suburbs. It is also only 35.2 miles from Downingtown PA to Lancaster PA.
Most residents living in Downingtown PA drive their own personal vehicles, however, you can catch the Septa Regional Rail at Downingtown Station.
Is moving to Downingtown in your future? Let our incredible Downingtown movers assist you! With our Downingtown moving company by your side, you won’t need to worry about a thing!
Downingtown Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Downingtown PA? There are 7,892 people living in Downingtown PA, and the population has only declined by one person since 2010! Downingtown is an opportunity for a lot of different backgrounds to come together, with a racial and ethnic composition of 73.0% White (71.3% non-Hispanic), 10.9% Black or African American, 9.2% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. A few notable people from Downingtown PA include actor Miles Teller, poet Thomas Buchanan Read, and football player Will Howard.
Additional Downingtown PA Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52.9% female, 47.1% male
- Median age:
- Educational attainment: 96.8% high school degree (or higher), 46.4% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median household income: $82,292 (compared to Pennsylvania average of $76,081)
- Foreign-born population: 13.5%
Is living in Downingtown PA safe? Downingtown PA is a very safe place to live. The overall, violent, and property crime rates are 44% lower than the national average. When living in Downingtown PA, you’ll be protected by the Downingtown Police Department.
Downingtown Pennsylvania Cost of Living
Is living in Downingtown PA affordable? The Downingtown PA Cost of Living Index is 107.3, making it 7.3% more expensive than the national average. However, it’s 3.2% more affordable than the Philadelphia cost of living.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Downingtown PA would need to earn $138,316 per year ($11,526) to live comfortably in the borough.
Typical Downingtown Living Expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.09
- Gallon of milk: $4.82
- Carton of eggs: $3.57
- Hamburger: $5.70
- Monthly phone bill: $208.64
- Gallon of gas: $3.61
- Average Downingtown utilities per month: $215.68
Source: Payscale
Are you on the hunt for homes for sale in Downingtown PA? The Downingtown PA real estate market is very competitive, with most homes receiving 3 offers and selling in around 31 days, according to Redfin. The average home price in Downingtown PA is $425,000, which is just above the national average of $418,000.
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Are you more interested in renting real estate when living in Downingtown PA? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Downingtown is $1,812 per month.
Neighborhoods in Downingtown PA | Where to Live in Downingtown PA
Is Downingtown PA a good place to live? This all depends on where you settle down. While the small borough doesn’t have many distinct neighborhoods, there are still plenty of great areas to consider when living in Downingtown PA.
Families living in Downingtown PA love the eastern section of Downingtown. This area is close to several of the area’s top public schools, like Downingtown Middle School and Beaver Creek Elementary School. This section of Downingtown also tends to be a bit quieter and mostly consists of single-family homes.
If you want to be in the middle of the action, consider checking out central Downingtown. This is where you’ll find most of the apartment living options in the area, as well as popular shops and restaurants like Victory Brewing Company Downingtown and Lione’s Pizza Restaurant.
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Downingtown PA Weather & Climate
After moving to Downingtown PA, you’ll experience a humid continental climate, which is characterized by four distinct seasons. When living in Downingtown PA, you can expect very hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Here are a few climate statistics for Downingtown.
- Average summer Downingtown temperature: 84ºF
- Average winter Downingtown temperature: 26ºF
- Average annual snowfall: 29 inches
- Average annual rainfall: 50 inches
Things to Do in Downingtown PA
When living in Downingtown PA, you’ll find plenty of great things to do. Whether you’re grocery shopping at Wegmans or visiting the Downingtown Market for fresh produce, there’s always something to do in the area. You’re also just a short drive away from some of the best things to do in Philadelphia! Here are just a few fun things to do in Downingtown PA.
Kerr Park
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Don’t skip out on Kerr Park after moving to Downingtown. Kerr Park is a 45-acre green space with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a trout hatchery.
Park Ln, Downingtown, PA 19335, (610) 269-0344
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
If you are living in Downingtown PA with children, then make sure you check out Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. This huge indoor trampoline center hosts open jump days, fitness classes, dodgeball games, and more.
981 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, (484) 6746-871
Downingtown Rock Gym
This rock climbing gym is a great activity for kids and adults of all ages. Head to the gym and enjoy rock walls of several different difficulty levels.
462 Acorn Ln, Downingtown, PA 19335, (610) 873-9620
Additional Downingtown PA Attractions
Still aren’t sure what to do in Downingtown PA? Check out the borough event calendar to find out about more fun things to do in the area.
Downingtown Restaurants
After moving to Downingtown, you’ll have plenty of great restaurants to check out. Here are just a few of the best restaurants in Downingtown PA.
The Social Downingtown
The Social Downingtown is a popular spot among residents living in Downingtown PA. Stop by for draft beers and delicious dishes like Caesar salad and pistachio-crusted chicken breast.
541 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, (484) 593-4113
La Sponda
Head over to La Sponda for yummy Italian food in a casual setting. In the summertime, make sure to take a seat on the patio, which overlooks a serene pond.
20 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, (484) 593-4488
Station Taproom
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Station Taproom is one of Downingtown’s most popular restaurants. Here, you’ll find a rotating tap list as well as a Sunday comfort-food brunch with dishes like ‘Hangover Burger’ and buffalo wings.
207 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, (484) 593-0560
Jobs in Downingtown PA
One of the many benefits of living in Downingtown PA is the variety of job opportunities available, both within the town and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for work locally or are open to commuting to Philadelphia, there are plenty of options. Working in Downingtown, Pennsylvania provides access to a strong local economy as well as major employment hubs nearby.
When living in Downingtown PA, you’ll find several small businesses across many different industries. A few top employers in and around Downingtown PA include Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown Area School District, and DiPro, Inc. You’ll also find several healthcare providers like Chester County Hospital and Main Line Health.
Many residents living in Downingtown PA choose to commute to Philadelphia for work. The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line makes commuting to the city easy. A few top employers in Philadelphia include Comcast Corporation, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Aramark.
According to Payscale, the average salary in the Downingtown/Philadelphia area is $79,000.
If you’re looking for Downingtown jobs, then check out the borough job board or search for ‘jobs in Downingtown PA’ on Indeed.
Schools in Downingtown Pennsylvania
Residents living in Downingtown PA have access to some of the best public schools hosted by a top-rated Downingtown school district. The Downingtown Area School District operates several public schools in Downingtown. The Downingtown Area School District contains ten elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. Most students living in the area attend Downingtown Middle School and Downingtown West High School.
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If you’re interested in more specialized education, then check out the Downingtown S.T.E.M. Academy, which is an International Baccalaureate World School that prepares students for careers in the STEM fields. There are also several private schools in Downingtown PA, such as Bishop Shanahan High School and Collegium Charter School.
When living in Downingtown PA, make sure you check out the popular Downingtown Library.
Downingtown PA Statistics & Information
- County: Chester County
- Downingtown PA area: 2.22 square miles
- Downingtown PA zip code: 19335, 19372
- Downingtown PA area code: 610, 484, 835
- Downingtown PA elevation: 239 feet
- Downingtown PA time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Downingtown PA: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), 33.4 miles away
Map of Downingtown PA
Explore more fun things to do and places to explore when living in Downingtown PA with this map.
Are You Ready to Make Living in Downingtown PA a Reality?
So, is Downingtown PA a good place to live? Yes! If you want to live in Pennsylvania, then living in Downingtown PA is a great choice. With its many parks, excellent schools, and friendly residents, you can’t go wrong with moving to Downingtown.
If you’d like to get a feel for the area before committing, you might want to stay in a rental for a while. Casai offers great short-term rentals nearby, perfect for exploring Downingtown at your own pace—whether you’re relocating or just visiting.
When you’re ready to make your move, choose the Downingtown PA movers at Suburban Solutions. To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, give us a call today at (610) 314-6868.
