
The normal school admitted its first class, consisting of 160 students, on September 25, 1871. As the state began to take increasing responsibility for public education, the academy was transformed into West Chester Normal School or West Chester State Normal School, still privately owned and state certified. The university traces its roots to the West Chester Academy, a private, state-aided school that existed from 1812 to 1869. One More Thing … The home-shopping network QVC is headquartered in West Chester, where it also has a state-of-the-art, 58,000-square-foot broadcasting facility.Entry to Old Main Building, reconstructed on High Street opening onto the Quadrangle It’s got all the perks you need to get stuff done, including free printing, and a podcasting and recording studio.

Remote Work Perk: Whether you’re a burgeoning entrepreneur or a remote worker for an established company, you’ll fit right in at Align.Space, a warm and welcoming coworking space located in downtown West Chester.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: Your pup will love shopping at locally-owned spots like All the Dogs, a downtown West Chester pet boutique with gear, treats, toys and everything in between.

Rooftop Bar: Más Mexicali Cantina, which has a spacious, festive rooftop space offering views of downtown. Outdoorsy Activity: Love to ride your bike and meet new people? Join the long-running West Chester Cycling Club for a little camaraderie on two wheels as you ride the gently rolling hills in and around the borough. Weekend Plans: Catch a show at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.įavorite Place to Feast: Limoncello, which offers authentic Italian cuisine right downtown.īeloved Beverage: Any of the IPAs made by Levante Brewing Company, a fun brewery located in an industrial building just a few minutes from the university campus. Top Industries & Employers: Finance, retail, health care, education, and transportation and logistics Top Colleges/Universities: West Chester University

It has a historic downtown, top-notch health care offerings and great schools, making it equally as appealing to retirees as it is to young families. This college town is vibrant and full of life, thanks to the presence of students and faculty at West Chester University. Home to just 20,000 people, West Chester, PA is a charming, historic borough located about an hour from downtown Philadelphia.
