For many homeowners, downsizing does not mean giving up the lifestyle they enjoy. It means finding a home that better fits the next stage of life.
And for those considering a move to Chester County, Pennsylvania, there are far more options than just apartments and townhomes.
Some downsizers want a one-story ranch home with a first-floor primary bedroom. Others are looking for a carriage home or villa with less exterior maintenance. Some want an active 55+ community with amenities and social activities. Others prefer a luxury apartment, condominium or rental where they no longer have to worry about maintaining a house and yard.
Chester County offers all of these options and more.
As one of Pennsylvania’s most affluent counties and one of the wealthiest counties in the country based on median family income, Chester County attracts downsizers from throughout the region and beyond. Some are longtime Chester County homeowners. Others are coming from Delaware County, Montgomery County, Lancaster County, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, New York and other states. Some may even be relocating from other parts of the country or internationally to be closer to family or to enjoy the area’s communities, amenities and quality of life.
If you are researching the best places to downsize in Chester County, here are some of the housing options and communities worth considering.
What Is the Best Type of Home for Downsizing?
There is no single answer.
The best downsizing home depends on how you want to live, how much maintenance you want, whether you want to own or rent, and how important things like one-floor living, outdoor space, amenities and proximity to shopping or healthcare are to you.
Some of the most popular options include:
· Ranch and one-story homes
· 55+ active adult communities
· Carriage homes
· Villas
· Townhomes
· Condominiums
· Luxury apartments
· Independent senior living apartments
· Rental homes and apartments
The key is to think beyond square footage.
A 2,000-square-foot home with a first-floor primary suite, manageable yard and two-car garage may be a much better downsizing choice for some homeowners than a 1,200-square-foot apartment.
One-Floor and Ranch Homes for Downsizers
For many people, the ideal downsizing home is still a house.
They simply want a smaller house.
One-floor living is especially attractive to homeowners who are thinking not only about their needs today, but also about how they want their home to work five, ten or fifteen years from now.
Look for features such as:
· First-floor primary bedroom
· First-floor full bathroom
· Laundry on the main level
· Minimal stairs
· Attached garage
· Smaller or maintenance-free yard
· Open floor plan
· Wider doorways and easy access
· Space for visiting family or guests
Chester County and surrounding areas have communities offering ranch-style homes, villas and other floor plans designed around one-floor living.
Downing Forge in Downingtown
Downing Forge in Downingtown is an example of a community that can appeal to buyers specifically interested in one-floor living.
The community includes homes designed with first-floor living in mind, making it an option worth researching for homeowners who want to downsize without moving into an apartment or traditional townhouse.
The Meadows at Wicklow Near Oxford
For those looking in southern Chester County, The Meadows at Wicklow is another community worth exploring.
The community offers ranch-style homes and is designed around low-maintenance 55+ living.
This type of community can be especially appealing to homeowners who want to stay in southern Chester County or remain within easy reach of Kennett Square while moving into a more manageable property.
Carriage Homes and Villas for Downsizers
Carriage homes and villas can offer an attractive middle ground between a detached house and a townhouse or apartment.
They can provide more privacy and a traditional home feel while reducing some of the exterior maintenance associated with a larger property.
Hershey’s Mill in West Chester
Hershey’s Mill is one of Chester County’s best-known active adult communities.
The community includes a variety of home styles, including ranch-style homes, carriage homes and other residences.
For downsizers who want an established community, recreational amenities and a range of housing choices, Hershey’s Mill is one of the communities worth putting on the list.
It can also appeal to people who are downsizing within Chester County but do not want to give up the feeling of owning a traditional home.
Knob Hill Farm in Honey Brook
Knob Hill Farm offers another example of a community with different housing styles, including detached homes and carriage homes.
For someone who wants less maintenance without moving into a conventional apartment, this type of community can provide an appealing compromise.
Ovations at Elk View in Southern Chester County
For homeowners looking in the Kennett Square and southern Chester County area, Ovations at Elk View in West Grove is another community to investigate.
The community offers both detached and carriage-home options, giving buyers the opportunity to compare different approaches to downsizing while remaining in southern Chester County.
Preserve at Marsh Creek
For homeowners looking around Chester Springs and Downingtown, Preserve at Marsh Creek is another community worth researching.
Villa-style homes and a lower-maintenance lifestyle can appeal to downsizers who want a newer home without the responsibilities associated with maintaining a large property.
55+ and Active Adult Communities in Chester County
Some downsizers are specifically searching for a 55+ community.
The appeal is not necessarily about age. It is about lifestyle.
Active adult communities can offer:
· Lower-maintenance homes
· Clubhouses
· Fitness facilities
· Pools
· Walking paths
· Golf
· Social activities
· Community events
· Neighbors in a similar stage of life
Hershey’s Mill
Hershey’s Mill in West Chester is one of the most recognizable 55+ communities in the region and offers a broad variety of home styles.
Because of its size and range of housing, it can be worth considering for buyers who want choices rather than a one-size-fits-all community.
Traditions of America at Brandywine Farms
Located near Downingtown and West Brandywine, Traditions of America at Brandywine Farms is another active adult community to consider.
Its location can be attractive to people who want to remain near Downingtown, Exton, West Chester and the surrounding Chester County communities.
Southern Chester County Options
Downsizers searching around Kennett Square, Avondale, West Grove and Oxford will find several active adult communities throughout southern Chester County.
Options such as Ovations at Elk View, Big Elk, Jennersville Farm and other 55+ communities can provide alternatives to remaining in a large single-family home.
Availability and pricing can change, so prospective buyers should verify current listings, age requirements, fees and community rules before making a decision.
Townhomes for Downsizers
Townhomes remain a popular downsizing option because they can provide more space and privacy than an apartment while reducing some of the exterior maintenance associated with a detached home.
A townhome can be particularly attractive if you want:
· A garage
· Multiple bedrooms
· A private entrance
· More storage
· Outdoor space
· A traditional home layout
· Less lawn maintenance
The Exton, Downingtown, West Chester and Malvern areas offer numerous townhome communities.
When comparing townhomes, look closely at HOA fees and exactly what those fees cover.
A lower-maintenance lifestyle is only valuable if the community’s maintenance responsibilities and costs fit your plans.
Condominiums for Chester County Downsizers
Condominiums can provide another step down in maintenance.
For some homeowners, the biggest attraction is not the size of the property but the freedom from maintaining the exterior.
Depending on the community, the association may handle landscaping, snow removal, exterior maintenance and other common responsibilities.
Condos are available throughout Chester County, including areas around Exton, West Chester, Downingtown, Malvern and Kennett Square.
If you are considering a condominium, make sure you understand the association’s fees, rules and master insurance policy before purchasing.
Apartments for Downsizers and Retirees
Not everyone who downsizes wants to buy another home.
Some homeowners prefer to sell their existing house and rent an apartment.
This can be particularly attractive for someone who wants to eliminate:
· Lawn care
· Snow removal
· Roof repairs
· Exterior maintenance
· Major home improvement projects
55+ Apartments
Communities such as Meridian at Eagleview in Exton provide an example of the 55+ apartment lifestyle.
For homeowners who want to remain in Chester County while moving closer to shopping, restaurants, entertainment and community amenities, the Eagleview area can be particularly appealing.
Luxury Apartments
Chester County also has numerous higher-end apartment communities in areas such as Exton, Downingtown and Malvern.
For affluent downsizers, a luxury apartment can be an attractive alternative to purchasing another property.
Some communities offer amenities such as fitness centers, pools, lounges, outdoor spaces and convenient access to restaurants and shopping.
For someone selling a large home with significant equity, moving into a luxury rental may allow them to simplify their lifestyle without necessarily sacrificing comfort or amenities.
Affordable Senior Apartments
There are also more affordable senior and independent-living housing options throughout Chester County.
These communities can be worth exploring for retirees who want to reduce housing and maintenance responsibilities.
However, some affordable senior housing options have age, income or other eligibility requirements, and availability may be limited.
What About Downsizing From Another State or Country?
Chester County’s appeal extends beyond its current homeowners.
Some downsizers moving into the area are relocating from nearby communities in southeastern Pennsylvania. Others may be coming from New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York or other states.
Some are relocating from farther away to be closer to adult children and grandchildren.
And for people with family connections to the region, Chester County can even be an attractive destination for an interstate or international move.
For someone unfamiliar with Chester County, the number of communities can be overwhelming.
Exton, Chester Springs and Kennett Square offer very different lifestyles, while Downingtown, West Chester, Malvern, Avondale, West Grove and Oxford provide additional options.
That is where having local real estate and insurance professionals can be especially valuable.
Start With Your Lifestyle — Not Just the House
When comparing communities, think about the life you want to live after the move.
Ask yourself:
Do I want one-floor living?
A ranch, villa or carriage home may be a better fit.
Do I want to meet people and participate in activities?
A 55+ active adult community may be worth exploring.
Do I want almost no home maintenance?
A condominium or apartment could make more sense.
Do I want luxury amenities?
Look at higher-end apartment communities and newer active adult developments.
Do I want to continue owning a home?
A ranch, carriage home, villa or townhome may provide the ownership experience you want.
Do I want flexibility?
Renting may give you more flexibility while you decide where you ultimately want to settle.
Don’t Forget the Insurance When Downsizing
Insurance is one of the easiest parts of a move to overlook.
Your insurance needs may change significantly depending on what you purchase.
A ranch or detached home generally needs homeowners insurance.
A condominium generally requires condo insurance.
A rental apartment typically requires renters insurance.
And if you move out of your existing home before it sells, you may need to address vacant-home insurance or other changes to the existing policy.
There is also the possibility of owning two homes at the same time.
That can happen when a downsizer purchases the new property before the larger home sells.
Planning the insurance transition early can help avoid last-minute problems.
How Charlie Longen Can Help Downsizers
Charlie Longen of Longen Group is an independent insurance agent serving Chester County and communities throughout Pennsylvania.
With offices serving Kennett Square, Chester Springs and Exton, Longen Group is positioned to help homeowners understand the insurance side of a move, whether they are downsizing locally or relocating to Chester County from somewhere else.
Charlie can help with insurance needs including:
· Homeowners insurance
· Condo insurance
· Renters insurance
· Vacant home insurance
· Insurance when temporarily owning two homes
· Auto insurance changes
· Reviewing existing policies during a move
Because Longen Group is an independent agency, Charlie can work with multiple insurance companies to help identify coverage options for the property and circumstances involved.
The earlier you start the conversation, the easier it can be to coordinate the changes.
Longen Group’s Relationship With RE/MAX Action Associates in Exton
Longen Group is proud to be a preferred insurance partner with RE/MAX Action Associates in Exton.
Lead agent Kelly Naimo works with buyers and sellers navigating the Chester County real estate market, including homeowners who are considering selling a larger property and moving into a home or community that better fits their current lifestyle.
Charlie Longen handles the insurance side of that transition.
That relationship can be particularly helpful for downsizers because the real estate and insurance decisions often happen at the same time.
If you are selling a large home, buying or renting a smaller property, temporarily owning two homes or moving into a condominium or 55+ community, having the real estate and insurance conversations early can help make the process smoother.
The Best Place to Downsize May Still Be Chester County
Downsizing does not necessarily mean moving away.
For many homeowners, it means finding a better-fitting home within the community they already know.
For others, it means discovering Chester County for the first time.
Whether you are looking for a ranch home in southern Chester County, a carriage home near Kennett Square, a 55+ community near West Chester, a townhome in Exton, a villa near Chester Springs, or a luxury apartment in Malvern or Downingtown, there are numerous ways to create a lower-maintenance lifestyle without giving up the benefits of living in the region.
And because Chester County continues to attract affluent homeowners from throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond, the options continue to evolve.
If you are considering downsizing, start by deciding how you want to live.
Then find the community and property that fit that lifestyle.
And before you sell your current home or commit to your next one, bring an independent insurance agent into the conversation.
Longen Group serves homeowners in Kennett Square, Chester Springs, Exton and throughout Chester County and Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downsizing in Chester County, PA
What are the best places to downsize in Chester County, PA?
The best place depends on your preferred lifestyle. Popular areas include Exton, Chester Springs, Kennett Square, West Chester, Downingtown and Malvern. Each offers different housing options, from ranch homes and 55+ communities to townhomes, condominiums and apartments.
Are there 55+ communities with ranch homes in Chester County?
Yes. Chester County has several active adult communities offering ranch-style or one-floor living. Hershey’s Mill, The Meadows at Wicklow and other 55+ communities offer housing options that can appeal to homeowners who want fewer stairs and less maintenance.
Where can I find one-floor living in Chester County?
One-floor living can be found in ranch-style homes, villas, carriage homes and active adult communities throughout Chester County. Communities around Downingtown, West Chester, southern Chester County and other areas offer various floor plans with first-floor primary suites or single-level living.
Are there carriage homes for downsizers in Chester County?
Yes. Carriage homes are available in several Chester County communities, including active adult developments. They can be a good option for homeowners who want the feel of a home with less exterior maintenance than a large detached property.
What are the best 55+ communities near Exton, PA?
Hershey’s Mill, Traditions of America at Brandywine Farms and Meridian at Eagleview are among the communities worth researching around the Exton and central Chester County area. Buyers should compare location, housing style, amenities, fees, age requirements and current availability.
What are good places to downsize near Kennett Square?
Homeowners considering Kennett Square can look at communities in Kennett Square itself as well as surrounding areas such as Avondale, West Grove and Oxford. Southern Chester County has active adult, carriage-home, ranch-style and other low-maintenance housing options.
Are there luxury apartments for retirees in Chester County?
Yes. Exton, Downingtown and Malvern have a variety of newer and higher-end apartment communities that can appeal to retirees and affluent downsizers who want amenities and low-maintenance living.
Are there affordable senior apartments in Chester County?
Yes, although availability and eligibility vary. Some senior housing communities have age or income requirements. Prospective residents should contact individual communities to confirm current rents, eligibility and availability.
Is buying a smaller home better than renting when downsizing?
It depends on your financial goals and lifestyle. Buying a smaller home, ranch, carriage home or townhome allows you to continue building equity, while renting can provide flexibility and eliminate many homeownership responsibilities. Compare the total cost of ownership, including taxes, HOA fees, insurance and maintenance, with the cost of renting.
When should I contact an insurance agent when downsizing?
Ideally, contact an insurance agent before listing your current home or making an offer on your next property. Planning early allows you to address homeowners, condo, renters or vacant-home insurance and coordinate any necessary auto insurance changes.
Can Longen Group help if I am selling my home and moving into a 55+ community?
Yes. Charlie Longen can help review the insurance on the home you are selling, address coverage if it becomes vacant, arrange insurance for your new home or condominium, provide renters insurance if you decide to rent and make necessary changes to your auto insurance.
Does Longen Group work with people moving to Chester County from other states?
Yes. Longen Group serves customers throughout Pennsylvania and can help people transitioning to Chester County understand their insurance needs as they purchase or rent a new property. If you are moving from another state, it is helpful to begin the insurance conversation early so coverage can be coordinated with your move.
