Founded in 1799, West Chester serves as the historic county seat of Chester County, where Federal and Greek Revival architecture lines its charming streets. Houses for rent in West Chester offer convenient access to major employers, including QVC's nearby studio complex and VWR International. The borough's downtown district features a vibrant mix of restaurants and shops centered around Market and Gay Streets, which earned a Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Notable neighborhoods include the area near Marshall Square Park, with its peaceful streets within walking distance to downtown amenities, and the residential district near Chester County Hospital. West Chester connects to Philadelphia via West Chester Pike, while US Route 202 provides direct access to King of Prussia and Wilmington, with average commute times of 25 minutes to regional business hubs. The borough is served by SEPTA bus routes and sits just minutes from the Paoli/Thorndale rail line, combining small-town atmosphere with metropolitan accessibility.