Living in Thorndale, PA is a quaint, small town with a tight-knit community. Residents enjoy local farmerโs markets and many exciting events throughout the year, such as the annual carnival. Thorndale is a picturesque town, with stunning scenery that includes tall trees, lush green landscapes, and rolling hills that provide opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities. With convenient access to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City, Thorndale offers the best of small-town living with all the big-city amenities close by.
A notable feature of Thorndale is that the 15th President, James Buchanan, had a summer home there. The home is now situated on the grounds of the Ingleside Golf Club and has been converted into a restaurant. Thorndale children attend good public schools with low student-teacher ratios. Thorndale offers many youth sports leagues for children to stay active. The Academy Sports Complex has indoor training facilities that feature turf fields and batting cages. Youโll love the small-town charm of living in Thorndale.
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Where Is Thorndale, PA?
Thorndale is a census-designated place in Caln Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, located about 40 miles west of Philadelphia. Thorndale borders the Schuylkill River to the northeast and Interstate 276 to the southeast. Thorndaleโs SEPTA railway system makes for convenient, fast commutes into downtown Philadelphia.ย ย
Map of Thorndale, PA
Check out more to do while living in Thorndale PA with this map:
Thorndale PA Population and Demographics
The Thorndale population is 4,007. Living in Thorndale comes with a rich history. The Scots-Irish, also known as Ulster Scots, came to America in the 18th century, and many of them settled in Pennsylvania. Chester County became home to many Scots-Irish immigrants seeking land and religious freedom. They took up agriculture and contributed to the region’s farming economy.ย
During the American Revolutionary War, many served in local militias. The cultural influence of the Scots-Irish can still be seen today in Thorndale and the surrounding area. Events, festivals, and organizations celebrate and preserve Scots-Irish heritage in the area, and historical sites and churches near Thorndale reflect the heritage of the Scots-Irish population. One nearby event is the Covenanter Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Racial and ethnic demographics of those living in Thorndale PA:
- White: 80.8%
- Hispanic or Latino: 8.4%
- Black or African American: 7.0%
- Asian: 2.2%
- Two or more races: 1.6%
Other Thorndale demographics:
- Population density: 1,900 per square mile
- Median age: 38.1
- Sex ratio: 46.3% males, 53.7% females
- Median household income: $96,667
- Educational attainment: 96.7% high school degree or higher, 39.8% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 3.9%
- Veteran population: 181
Living in Thorndale PA is a safe experience for residents. Caln Township Police partners with the community to provide prompt and professional service in protecting the life and property of its residents by enforcing laws and preventing crime. Their services keep Thorndale a safe and secure place to live, work, and play.ย
The crime rate in Thorndale is 502 per 100,000 people, which is 78% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Thorndale PA is low as well, with 80 crimes per 100,000 people, also 78% below the national average.
Thorndale Cost of Living
The cost of living in Thorndale PA is 16% higher than the US average. However, your biggest cost will be the house you live in. For most, a new home can be a lot to bite off. It doesn’t help that housing costs in the borough are 44% over the national average. Most people (67.8%) own their homes.
If you’re living in Thorndale PA, what can you expect to spend? The median sale price of a home in Thorndale PA is $487,500. The average square foot cost of the current Thorndale PA homes for sale is $219. Take a look at some of the many current homes for sale in Thorndale PA. If youโre interested in renting in Thorndale, the average rent is $1,973 for a 1,264-square-foot apartment, according to data from RentCafe.ย
By comparison, rental costs in Philadelphia average $1,910 per month. Check out a current listing of apartments and houses for rent in Thorndale PA on RentCafe.
Typical Thorndale Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.01
- Dozen eggs: $4.03
- 1 pound of chicken: $5.64
- Average Thorndale monthly utilities bill: $255.55
Source: Numbeo, Philadelphia Metro
The Best Neighborhoods in Thorndale PA
Living in Thorndale PA is like living in a neighborhood itself. It is mainly a residential community that offers various architectural styles ranging from 19th-century historic homes to newer construction. You can find Centennial American Four-Square homes with stone masonry, charming craftsman bungalows complete with centralized dormer windows, and Colonial Revival homes sitting on large lots that come with attached garages. Split-level homes are also common in Thorndale in a range of styles. Anywhere you’re living in Thorndale PA, you are close to local eateries, shopping, and parks.ย ย ย
Thorndale PA Weather & Climate
Living in Thorndale PA comes with a humid continental climate. The summers are mild, with average temperatures running around 75 degrees and the highs up around 85 degrees. Summer months in Thorndale also have high humidity levels. The winter months are cold, with temperatures averaging around 32 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows dipping down to 20 degrees.ย
Thorndale gets an average of 29 inches of snowfall in the winter. Thunderstorms are common in spring and summer, and rainfall averages about 49 inches throughout the year. The average total number of sunny days per year in Thorndale is 206. The best time of year to visit Thorndale PA is from mid-July to late September.
Things to Do in Thorndale PA
You can find lots of fun and interesting things to do while living in Thorndale PA. Youโll also find great places for convenient local shopping at Barley Station, Thorndale Plaza, and Valley Run Shoppes. You can get your daily needs at the Aldi Thorndale PA location, Kohlโs Thorndale PA location, CVS, and Giant. Thereโs also a nearby Dollar General Thorndale PA location and Dollar Tree Thorndale PA. Here are some popular things to do near Thorndale PA:
American Helicopter Museum & Education Centerย
The American Helicopter Museum & Education Center showcases the history, science, and technology of rotary wing aviation. The museum has a collection of over 40 civilian and military autogyros, convertiplanes, and helicopters. The museum also has an extensive research library filled with documents, artifacts, films, and memoirs that museum members can use while living in Thorndale PA.
1220 American Blvd, West Chester, PA 19380, (610) 436-9600
Angry Jack’s Axe Throwing Club
Angry Jackโs is a popular place for friends and family to have fun and experience some friendly competition. They provide lane coaches that will show all participants how to properly and safely throw an axe. Come in and improve your skills, learn new games, and create fun and lasting memories at Angry Jackโs while living in Thorndale PA.ย
15 E Uwchlan Ave Suite 420, Exton, PA 19341, (833) 420-2799
Bates Motel Escape Rooms
Those living in Thorndale PA love the Bates Motel Escape Room, which puts you in a themed, highly realistic series of rooms with 6-10 friends, family members, or colleagues. You have 60 minutes to escape by working as a team to find secret passages, solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover hidden mysteries that will one day lead to your success. Teamwork, communication, and intense observation are required to make it out!
540 E Union St, West Chester, PA 19382, (610) 459-8065
Additional Attractions Near Thorndale PA:
If youโre looking for more activities while living in Thorndale PA, there are Thorndale PA. Caln Municipal Park covers 20 acres and offers baseball leagues with lighted ball fields, volleyball nets, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a roller hockey rink. The 30-acre Lloyd Park has a playground, two sand volleyball courts, walking trails, a gazebo, picnic areas, a stocked trout stream, and a dog park.ย ย
Restaurants in Thorndale PA
Thorndale offers great options for local dining, from pizza to diners, to Mexican cuisine and more while living in Thorndale PA. In addition to popular chains like the Applebeeโs Thorndale PA location and Chipotle Thorndale PA location, here are reviews of some of the most popular restaurants near Thorndale PA:
Happy Days Finer Diner
Happy Days has all the appeal of a classic diner with upscale food choices. They prepare all their dishes using fresh and highest-quality ingredients. The menu features pasta dinners, steaks, and seafood, including real jumbo lump crab cakes, a reliable favorite among the locals living in Thorndale PA.
3470 Lincoln Hwy E, Thorndale, PA 19372, (610) 384-4400
Casa Herrera
Casa Herrera is a family restaurant serving scrumptious, authentic Mexican food. All of their dishes are made fresh daily, and their salsa and sauces are homemade. Relax and enjoy complimentary warm chips and fresh salsa while your meal is expertly prepared by their family team of workers. Donโt miss out on the best restaurant specials Thorndale PA has here!
2755 Lincoln Hwy E, Thorndale, PA 19372, (610) 380-2088
โโKelly’s
Kelly’s is a local, family-owned business featuring all your breakfast and lunch favorites, including a variety of types of omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, soups, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, and a lot more. Kellyโs always makes you feel at home in their family-friendly restaurant and uses only the freshest ingredients in every meal they prepare. It’s a local favorite for those living in Thorndale PA.
3303 Lincoln Hwy E, Thorndale, PA 19372, (484) 288-8322
Jobs in Thorndale Pennsylvania
The primary industries in Thorndale PA include agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, and education. Its proximity to those living in Philadelphia offers additional employment possibilities. The largest employer near Thorndale is Vanguard. With its global headquarters located in Malvern, PA, the company offers personalized financial advice, high-quality investments, retirement tools, and relevant market insights to help clients build a solid financial future.ย
Vanguard employs more than 8,000 people. Other major employers include Chester County Hospital, Giant Food Stores, and QVC. If youโre looking for a job in Thorndale, check out current opportunities on Indeed so you can secure a job while living in Thorndale!ย
Schools in Thorndale Pennsylvania
The Coatesville Area School District serves the community of Thorndale. The district has nine schools, made up of 6 elementary, two middle, and one high school that serve around 5,400 students. Coatesville schools are known for their diverse student body, qualified teaching staff, and lower-than-average student-to-teacher ratio.ย
Cain Elementary is located in Thorndale. North Brandywine Middle, Scott Middle, and Coatesville Area Senior High are in nearby Coatesville. Coatesville Area Senior High offers a wide variety of after-school activities, including an academic team, skiing, weightlifting, and robotics.ย
The Coatesville Area School District is dedicated to excellence in education for every student by providing rigorous educational opportunities, allowing students to become responsible, productive, life-long learners.ย ย ย
Private Schools in Thorndale
In addition to public schools serving students living in Thorndale PA, there are excellent charter and private schools close to Thorndale that you can choose from. Popular private schools include Church Farm School, Villa Maria Academy High School, and Regina Luminis Academy.
Colleges Near Thorndale
If you are looking to start your college career, higher education options near Thorndale are Immaculata University, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Camden County College.
For a relaxing day, head down to the Downingtown Library, in nearby Downingtown, where you can read, check out movies and CDs, learn new things, take advantage of the computers, and much more.ย ย
Thorndale PA Statistics & Information
- County: Chester County
- Area: 1.8 square miles
- Thorndale PA zip code: 19372
- Area codes: 610, 484
- Elevation: 344 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport: Philadelphia International Airport
If the suburbs are calling your name and you’re moving to Thorndale PA, you deserve a peaceful transition! Suburban Solutions can handle all of your moving needs when relocating to your new home while living in Thorndale PA. We can help with local moving, long distance moving, and even piano moving!ย
We’ll handle your belongings safely and make sure you get the best from our reliable team of movers. Give our top Thorndale PA movers a call at 610-314-6868 for a free quote!



