Located just outside of Philadelphia, Chadds Ford is a picturesque township with beautiful rolling hills along Brandywine Creek and a welcoming village-like atmosphere. New residents who move to Chadds Ford are drawn to its tranquil and safe suburban lifestyle that is only rivalled by its neighbourly spirit.
Chadds Ford has a fantastic location despite being relatively far from Philadelphia's city centre. The township is conveniently located near the Philadelphia Airport and has excellent road networks. Most Chadds Ford residents live in the township and commute to work in Philadelphia or Delaware.
Cost of living in Chadds Ford
The cost of living in Chadds Ford reflects the township's status as an affluent neighbourhood. Housing prices in Chadds Ford are high, but most newcomers find the cost well worth it. Chadds Ford boasts large, historic homes on spacious lots. Healthcare costs in Chadds Ford are also expensive, so it's recommended that new arrivals budget for health insurance.
Public transport is limited in the township, so vehicle ownership is essential. Considering the distance you'll have to travel, petrol (gas) and car maintenance costs are bound to add up. Fortunately, most of the township's residents earn lucrative salaries, so they can enjoy an incredible quality of life despite the high cost of living in Chadds Ford.
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Getting around in Chadds Ford
As Chadds Ford is a primarily rural area, the availability of public transportation within the township is limited. Two Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) bus lines pass through Chadds Ford. As a result, most of the township's residents drive to work.
The local government is working on improving the town's pedestrian infrastructure through the Walkable Chadds Ford project. For regional travel, newcomers can catch the rail or long-distance buses.
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Healthcare in Chadds Ford
Chadds Ford is home to a fair few healthcare facilities. The town boasts seven hospitals and medical centres, from primary and urgent care to speciality services.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Brandywine Valley is a renowned specialist and urgent care centre for children and adolescents. Chadds Ford also has mental health and elderly care facilities to support its population, while ChristianaCare's Concord Health Centre offers women's health, cancer, and sports medicine.
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Schools in Chadds Ford
Families moving to Chadds Ford often come here for the excellent schools and tranquil rural, suburban life, which is perfect for raising a family. The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District manages public schools in the township. Despite having only six schools, including a high school, a middle school, and four elementary schools, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is among the best in Pennsylvania.
The school district also offers special- and gifted education programmes in partnership with third-party organisations. The Unionville-Chadds Ford Virtual Academy provides more than 200 K-12 online courses for parents seeking alternative educational approaches. Private schools such as Friends School Haverford and St Cornelius School offer education through a religious lens.
Chadds Ford has no international schools, but Talley Middle School and Mount Pleasant High School in the Brandywine School District offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate programme. These are great options for parents considering a global education for their children, as they are both a mere 20-minute drive away.
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- Unionville-Chadds Ford School District
- Brandywine School District
- Education and Schools in Philadelphia
Weather in Chadds Ford
A defining factor of the weather in Chadds Ford is the almost year-round humidity, which lends itself well to growing grapes for wine. Despite having a humid continental climate, Chadds Ford boasts pleasant weather conditions for most of the year. The town receives more than 200 days of sunshine annually, with summer highs reaching 85°F (29°C) in July.
Winters are freezing and snowy, with temperatures falling to 22°F (-6°C) in January. Chadds Ford receives 21 inches of snow annually; most of the rainfall occurs in spring and summer.
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Working in Chadds Ford
Chadds Ford is more of a residential area than a commercial centre, so most people living in the township work in Philadelphia. The Chadds Ford Business Campus is also home to many local businesses with potential employment opportunities for newcomers.
Those with skills and qualifications in the agriculture, finance, healthcare, and education sectors will find it easy to get jobs in Chadds Ford. The tourism and hospitality industry is also a significant employer in the township.
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Accommodation in Chadds Ford
Whether newcomers want a historic home on a large plot or a humble condo, Chadds Ford has it all. Housing prices in Chadds Ford are well above the national average, but most of the township's residents are high-earners.
The community in Chadds Ford is one of its most attractive features. The population in the township is small, and most of its residents own their homes and have built tight-knit communities. Regardless of where Chadds Ford newcomers base themselves, they'll always be close to the township's gorgeous recreational landscapes.
Families seeking single-family homes will love neighbourhoods like Chadds Ford Knoll. Homes in the area are relatively large and affordable, offering fantastic value for new arrivals on a budget. Those with more room in their budgets will also find luxury farmhouse estates and lakefront homes.
Chadds Ford continues to grow, with new housing developments throughout the township. Painter's Crossing is known for its beautiful apartments, condos, and townhouses with sought-after communal amenities like gyms, pools, and resident lounges. Young and single professionals enjoy the neighbourhood for its easy access to major road networks, which make commuting to work easier.
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Lifestyle in Chadds Ford
The lifestyle in Chadds Ford revolves around outdoor activities. With breathtaking views and abundant natural landscapes, it's no wonder most residents spend most of their leisure time outdoors. Weekend favourites include hiking or cycling along the 68 miles (109 km) of network pathways at the Brandywine Creek Greenway and Harvey Run Trail. Kayaking, fishing, and canoeing at the Brandywine Creek State Park are also popular pastimes in Chadds Ford.
Chadds Ford's residents pride themselves in their township's history as the site of the Battle of Brandywine, which played a significant role in the American Revolution. Newly arrived history buffs can explore the 17 preserved buildings in Chadds Ford's historic district. To top it off, the Chadds Ford Historical Society hosts events to celebrate the town's history throughout the year.
Art lovers are also in for a treat at the Brandywine River Art Museum, which houses 19th and 20th-century American art. Chadds Ford was also home to world-renowned artist Andrew Wyeth, and newcomers can visit the Andrew Wyeth Studio to learn more about his work.
Chadds Ford boasts excellent restaurants where newcomers can sample southern fare and artisanal baked goods despite its small size. Wine lovers will also be satisfied, as Chadds Ford Winery is a stone's throw away from the township.
Shopaholics will be delighted to find that Delaware County has a low sales tax, making shopping in Chadds Ford more affordable. Newcomers looking for eclectic shopping experiences will enjoy Chadds Ford's antique and barn shops. Fortunately, Chadds Ford has exceptional road infrastructure, making travelling to Philadelphia, Wilmington, or Delaware easy for more luxury shopping.
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