What $700K Buys You in Delaware County vs. Chester County

For many buyers relocating to the Philadelphia suburbs, one question comes up frequently:

Should I buy in Delaware County or Chester County?

Both counties offer great communities, strong schools, and convenient access to Philadelphia. But when it comes to home prices, lot sizes, and overall lifestyle, the differences can be significant.

One way to understand these differences is by looking at a common price point many buyers are searching right now:

$700,000.

At this price, buyers are often entering the move-up or early luxury market in the Delaware Valley. But depending on where you buy, $700K can deliver very different homes and lifestyles.

Let’s take a closer look at what buyers can typically expect when purchasing Delaware County homes versus Chester County homes at the $700K price point.

The Delaware County Market

Delaware County, often referred to locally as “Delco,” sits directly west of Philadelphia and offers some of the most convenient suburban living for commuters.

Many buyers choose Delaware County because it offers:

• Close proximity to Center City Philadelphia
• Access to SEPTA regional rail lines
• Established suburban communities
• Strong school districts
• More mature neighborhoods with larger trees and character

Popular towns in Delaware County include:

• Media
• Newtown Square
• Glen Mills
• Springfield
• Swarthmore

At the $700K price range, buyers can often find well-maintained single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods.

What $700K Buys in Delaware County

At this price point, buyers in Delaware County typically see homes offering:

Square Footage

Most homes around $700K fall between:

2,400 – 3,200 square feet

These properties often include:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2.5 to 3 bathrooms
• Finished basements
• Updated kitchens and living spaces

Lot Size

Delaware County homes tend to sit on slightly smaller lots compared to Chester County.

Typical lot sizes range between:

0.25 – 0.5 acres

While smaller than Chester County properties, many Delco homes offer mature landscaping and well-established neighborhoods.

Taxes

Property taxes in Delaware County can be higher than in some parts of Chester County depending on the township and school district.

However, many buyers still choose Delco because of the convenience and shorter commute times to Philadelphia.

The Chester County Market

Moving west into Chester County, buyers often notice a different landscape.

Chester County is known for:

• Rolling countryside and open space
• Historic towns like West Chester and Kennett Square
• Highly ranked school districts
• Larger properties and estate-style homes

Popular communities in Chester County include:

• West Chester
• Downingtown
• Kennett Square
• Malvern
• Unionville / Chadds Ford

Because of the county’s rural character and larger properties, the same $700K budget can produce a different style of home compared to Delaware County.

What $700K Buys in Chester County

At the same price point, buyers in Chester County often find homes with:

Square Footage

Homes around $700K in Chester County typically range between:

2,800 – 3,600 square feet

Many of these homes include:

• Larger open floor plans
• Modern kitchens
• Newer construction communities
• Home offices and bonus spaces

Lot Size

One of the biggest differences between the counties is lot size.

Chester County homes often sit on:

0.5 – 1+ acres

Buyers looking for more outdoor space often prefer Chester County for this reason.

Taxes

Property taxes in Chester County vary widely by township and school district but can sometimes be lower than comparable homes in Delaware County.

This difference can influence long-term affordability for some buyers.

School District Differences

Another major factor buyers consider when choosing between the counties is school district reputation.

Delaware County Schools

Strong districts include:

• Rose Tree Media School District
• Marple Newtown School District
• Springfield School District
• Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

These districts consistently attract families relocating to the Philadelphia suburbs.

Chester County Schools

Chester County is known for several highly regarded school districts as well:

• West Chester Area School District
• Downingtown Area School District
• Unionville-Chadds Ford School District
• Great Valley School District

In particular, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is frequently ranked among the best districts in Pennsylvania.

For families prioritizing education, both counties offer excellent options.

Lifestyle Differences Between the Counties

Beyond the homes themselves, buyers should also consider the lifestyle differences between Delaware County and Chester County.

Delaware County Lifestyle

Delco offers:

• Shorter commute times to Philadelphia
• More established neighborhoods
• Walkable towns like Media and Swarthmore
• Strong local community identity

Many buyers choose Delaware County because they want to remain close to the city while still enjoying suburban living.

Chester County Lifestyle

Chester County offers:

• More open space and countryside views
• Larger properties
• Charming towns like West Chester and Kennett Square
• Access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation

Buyers looking for a slightly quieter lifestyle often prefer Chester County.

Investment Value

Both counties continue to perform well from a real estate investment perspective.

Several factors support long-term demand:

• Continued population growth in the Philadelphia suburbs
• Strong school districts
• Limited land available for new development
• Ongoing demand from relocation buyers

Because of these factors, homes in both counties tend to maintain strong value over time.

Which County Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision between Delaware County and Chester County comes down to lifestyle priorities.

Buyers who want:

• Shorter commutes
• Established suburban neighborhoods
• Close access to Philadelphia

may prefer Delaware County.

Buyers looking for:

• Larger properties
• Newer homes
• Scenic countryside

may lean toward Chester County.

At the $700K price point, both counties offer strong opportunities—it simply depends on which lifestyle fits your goals best.

Final Thoughts

When comparing Delaware County homes and Chester County home prices, it’s clear that each county offers its own advantages.

For buyers relocating to the Philadelphia suburbs, understanding these differences can help ensure you choose the community that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and long-term investment goals.

The key is working with a local expert who understands the nuances of each market and can help guide you through the process.

🤝 Connect with Your Local Real Estate Expert

Ready to make your Next Move in Pennsylvania, Delaware, or Maryland? When you work with us, you gain access to local expertise backed by a nationwide network of real estate partners.

Jim Arcidiacono, REALTOR®
Next Move Delaware Valley
Licensed in PA, DE, & MD

📞 Call/Text: (302) 983-4640
📧 jim@nextmovedelval.com
🌐 www.nextmovedelval.com

Need to Get Started Now? Access Your Free Resource Hub!
➡️ https://stan.store/NextMoveJim