#1 Liveable Community: Chesterbrook in Chester County

TREDYFFRIN, PA — Dog walkers were out early Friday morning in Wilson Farm Park enjoying the serenity of nature paths in the Chesterbook development in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.

The regulars were enjoying a delicious breakfast and socializing at Diane’s Sidewalk Deli, a family business serving the Chesterbrook community for over three decades.

It came as no surprise to the residents of Chesterbrook that their community was voted for the fourth time by Niche.com as the #1 livable community in America.

“It’s clean and neat and the landscaping is nice," said Kathy McCreesh, who was walking her Shih Tzu, David Bowie, in the park, “I’ve lived here for 15 years. I feel safe.”

McCreesh’s dog unexpectedly met up with a friend, Breeze, a Labrador Retriever, for some play time in the park.

The Chesterbrook community is south of Valley Forge Park and features townhouses and single-family home developments, a pre-school, and a shopping center with restaurants, a beauty salon, cleaners, and more.

Diane’s Sidewalk Deli attracts a regular clientele for breakfast and lunch.

It’s a place where everyone knows each other and enjoys conversation and food.

“They make the best omelets on the Main Line,” Dave Castleman said.

Owners Michael and Diane Troisi opened the restaurant 31 years ago, developing a steady clientele.

“We are the longest-running nonfranchise here,” Diane said proudly during a short break. “It’s a safe place to live. The schools are great.”

Niche creates its annual Best Places to Live rankings using data from the U.S. Census, FBI, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to resident reviews.

The survey considers factors including affordability, the housing market, the schools, diversity, and walkability.

Chesterbrook was ranked first place and neighboring Devon was ranked number ninth.

Chesterbrook has 5,475 residents and easy access to shopping, parks, transportation, and a top-rated public high school.

Chesterbrook is located in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, which is ranked as the second-best public high school in Pennsylvania this year, based on test scores, diversity, and activities.

History

The 516.4-acre Chesterbrook farm in Chester County was sold for development to the Great Valley Corporation in 1969 for $12.3 million, according to Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society archives.

It took eight years for the developer to get the approval to build. The farm got the post office address of Wayne, which is in Delaware County.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike went through the northern part of the farm in 1950.

The plan was to construct affordable housing units for all incomes in different styled developments, including townhouses and single-family homes.

The park has three pavilions, baseball and softball fields, restrooms, basketball courts, volleyball a putting green, picnic areas, playgrounds and a veterans' memorial.

The park is well known for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.