Why Families Are Moving to Upper Chichester Township

Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County, is experiencing a quiet migration. Families who once looked exclusively at the Main Line, Media, or closer-in Philadelphia suburbs are now discovering what residents here have known for years: Upper Chichester offers a rare combination of affordable homes, solid schools, abundant parks, and a commute to both Philadelphia and Wilmington that rivals pricier neighborhoods. With a median home price around $325,000 and homes selling in about 15 days, this is one of the fastest-moving markets in Delaware County.

What Are Families Actually Asking About Upper Chichester?

When buyers first hear about Upper Chichester Township, two questions come up most often. The first: "How are the schools?" The Chichester School District serves roughly 2,500 students across four elementary schools (Boothwyn, Hilltop, Linwood, and Marcus Hook), Chichester Middle School, and Chichester Senior High School. The district provides a full academic program with athletics, arts, and career-technical education pathways. Many families are drawn to the district's smaller class sizes and the sense of community that comes with a tight-knit school system. Boothwyn Elementary, located right in the heart of the community, is a particular draw for families with young children who want a walkable school.

The second question almost always is: "Are property taxes reasonable for what you get?" This is where Upper Chichester's value proposition shines. With a median home price well below the Delaware County average, families here get significantly more house and lot for their money compared to Ardmore, Media, or even Glen Mills. While property taxes are in line with Pennsylvania norms, the overall monthly housing cost — mortgage plus taxes — often comes in hundreds of dollars less than comparable homes in closer-in suburbs. Combined with the fast commute to Philadelphia and Wilmington, the math works for a growing number of families.

Upper Chichester's Neighborhoods: More Than a ZIP Code

Upper Chichester Township encompasses several distinct communities, each with its own character. Boothwyn (19061) is the largest and most well-known, a census-designated place of roughly 4,800 residents centered along Chichester Avenue. Its housing stock ranges from mid-century ranches to newer colonial revivals, with many homes set on generously sized lots. Linwood, straddling the line between Upper and Lower Chichester, offers a mix of older rowhomes and single-family detached houses with easy access to I-95. Ogden and Twin Oaks round out the township's neighborhoods with quiet residential streets and strong community ties.

Within these areas you will find numerous subdivisions that have become popular with families: Stoney Creek at Naamans (where 115 Louise Dr is located), Canterbury Woods, Cherry Tree Knoll, Excelsior Village, Hunters Woods, Glen Estates, Larkin Knoll, Somerset, Springton Estates, and Yorktown, among others. Each offers something slightly different — newer construction in some, larger lots in others, or the convenience of being steps from a neighborhood park.

Parks and Recreation: Room to Play

One of Upper Chichester's strongest assets is its parks system. The Upper Chichester Township Fieldhouse at 8500 Furey Road is a year-round recreation hub with an indoor track, volleyball court, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a weight room. The adjacent Furey Road Complex includes multiple softball fields, a skate park, a fishing pond, an ADA-accessible playground, gazebo, and picnic area. It is the kind of community gathering space that makes a township feel like a small town.

Additional neighborhood parks are scattered across the township. Peach Street Park offers an ADA-accessible playground, athletic field, basketball court, and pavilion. Excelsior Drive Park and Twin Oaks Park each feature playgrounds and athletic fields. Kingsman Road Park and Johnson Avenue Park provide additional green space. For those who want a larger outdoor adventure, Ridley Creek State Park is just 10 minutes north, with over 2,600 acres of hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas.

Location: Halfway Between Two Cities

Upper Chichester's location at the junction of I-95 and Chichester Avenue is one of its best-kept secrets. Center City Philadelphia is roughly 20 miles north, a drive of about 30 minutes in typical traffic. Philadelphia International Airport is just 13 miles away, approximately 17 minutes by car. Wilmington, Delaware, is about 11 miles south, a quick 18-minute drive. For professionals working in either city — or commuting to the many corporate employers along the I-95 corridor — this is an ideal base.

SEPTA's Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line serves Marcus Hook Station, just a few minutes from most Upper Chichester neighborhoods. The ride into Suburban Station in Philadelphia takes about 47 minutes, while Wilmington Station is reachable in roughly 12 minutes. The nearby R2 line at the Elwyn Station offers another option for commuters heading to University City or Center City. For shoppers, the Christiana Mall in Delaware is 20 minutes south, offering tax-free shopping that residents rely on for major purchases.

History and Character

Established in 1683 as "Chichester Liberty" by William Penn, Upper Chichester is one of the oldest townships in Pennsylvania. That deep history is still visible today. The Caleb Pusey House, built in 1683, is one of the oldest surviving stone dwellings in Pennsylvania and a testament to the area's early Quaker settlement. The Chichester Friends Meetinghouse served as a Continental Army hospital during the Revolutionary War. Booth's Corner, the historic intersection near the heart of Boothwyn, has been a local gathering place for generations and now buzzes with Amish market vendors and community activity.

This sense of history gives Upper Chichester a character that newer subdivisions cannot replicate. Walking through the older sections of Boothwyn or Linwood, you see generations of craftsmanship in the stone foundations, slate roofs, and mature gardens. It is a place where the past and present sit comfortably side by side.

The Community Feel

What families mention most after moving here is the community. Upper Chichester Township has a dense suburban feel where most residents own their homes and take pride in their properties. Neighbors know each other. The township's Recreation Department runs a summer camp for children and hosts community events throughout the year. The parks are well-maintained and busy with youth sports leagues, casual games of pickup basketball, and families enjoying the playgrounds.

The commercial spine along Chichester Avenue and Market Street keeps daily life convenient. Sage Diner, Legends Bar & Grill, Pat's Pizza and Bistro, Oriental Pearl, and Tacos Mexiko Restaurant are local favorites. Major grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retail are minutes away. And for those who crave the energy of the city, Philadelphia is a straight shot up I-95.

Is Upper Chichetery Right for Your Family?

Upper Chichester Township offers a compelling equation: more home for your money, a school district where your children are known by name, parks that feel like extensions of your backyard, and a commute that does not eat your evenings and weekends. It is not the flashiest suburb in Delaware County. But for families who value space, community, and real affordability, it is increasingly the smartest choice.

Whether you are considering the Stoney Creek at Naamans community, a home near the Fieldhouse on Furey Road, or a colonial in Canterbury Woods, I can help you find the right fit. As a Realtor serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I specialize in helping families navigate the Upper Chichester market — from first-time buyers to growing families looking for more space.