West Vincent Township is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the region with an 18 percent increase in population since the last census eight years ago, writes Holly Herman for the Reading Eagle.

The township is a part of a nationwide housing trend of millennials and baby boomers flocking to new developments in rural areas that are a short distance from their jobs and the suburbs. The areas have become known as “exurbs” by planners and real estate developers.

The main reason for the increase is Weatherstone, a Hankin development comprised of 273 single homes and townhouses. Another 230 multi-family units and a Town Center complete with retail and office space will round out the mixed-use community.

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According to West Vincent Township manager Ericka Batdorf, the spike in exurb population actually started in 2000. However, “the bulk of that township is rural and will stay rural,” said Brian O’ Leary, executive director of the Chester County Planning office.

And despite the rapid growth, the township is determined to preserve its agricultural lands.

“The community is preservation-minded and doesn’t want to change the local character,” said Batdorf.

Read more about West Vincent Township in the Reading Eagle here.

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