Last year, 3,743 homes were built in Chester County — more than any in the last 20 years. As the county’s population rose seven percent between 2010 and 2020, townships, developers, and residents are trying to find a happy medium for everyone who wants to live here, writes Michaelle Bond for the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

As one of the wealthiest counties in the state, affordability is a major issue, especially as the cost of housing continues to rise. The median sale of a home in 2021 was $420,000, while only about one in seven homes sold were considered “affordably priced” at under $250,000. 

“We’re a place where people want to live,” said Brian O’Leary, executive director of the Chester County Planning Commission. “We have a lot to offer in Chester County.” 

Of the 3,743 homes built last year, 1,963 were apartments. Despite high rent costs, smaller household sizes and the cost of houses on the market strengthen the demand for units that are smaller in size. 

Moreover, open space is a point of pride in Chester County. Records from early 2021 show that around 30 percent of the county is preserved, while O’Leary estimates that around 40 percent is developed.  

There is a need for continued balance between the two. 

The county has some influence over project and development decisions, though most zoning decisions are left to municipalities. Urban revitalization and planning grants allow projects to move forward, and there is an increase in mixed-use communities to provide people with more bang for their buck when it comes to looking for housing. 

The county is encouraging municipalities to use land in new ways to further optimize its space for new residents. 

Learn more about housing in Chester County in the Philadelphia Inquirer.