Culture, Art, Diversity Attract Urban Refugees to West Chester
culture, fine arts, high street, new residents,
In the race to attract new residents‚ West Chester is giving its bigger neighbors a run for the money. Many newcomers‚ like former Philadelphia resident Steve DeBottis‚ find themselves lured here by the slower pace of life.
Yet once they’ve settled in‚ most former urbanites are pleased to discover that the positive aspects of their big-city lifestyle haven’t been left behind.
“There’s a surprising amount of culture here‚” DeBottis says.
“It’s almost like an urban atmosphere without the crime and traffic. That attracts a lot of unique personalities and talent to the community.”
DeBottis says his urban flight occurred somewhat accidentally. Only after he opened his fine art gallery and frame shop on North High Street seven years ago did he and his wife began to see the benefits of making the town their home.
“Living in the city‚ we were constantly concerned about our daughter growing up in an urban environment‚” DeBottis says. “The schools here are very good‚ and the people are so amazingly friendly.”
Kathleen Cole cites similar motives for her move to West Chester a decade ago.
“I really wanted my son to grow up in a smaller community with a nice neighborly environment‚ open spaces and good schools‚” says Cole. “West Chester offers all of that‚ but you still get culture and a good level of sophistication.”
In fact‚ as an artist and entrepreneur whose personal style includes body piercings and tattoos‚ Cole might have anticipated a cool reception. Not in West Chester.
“I’m not ‘normal’ looking‚ but that’s OK‚” says Cole‚ whose eclectic downtown shop‚ DragonFly‚ sells artistic jewelry‚ handbags and much more.
“That’s the great thing about living in West Chester. It’s a small town with all of the perks‚ especially diversity.”
Friendliness and an open-door policy to new people and new ideas are characteristic of the town‚ DeBottis agrees.
“I didn’t know anyone in West Chester‚ but within a few weeks I couldn’t walk down the street without people stopping to talk or just say ‘hi.’ It was very refreshing‚” he says.
While West Chester attracts plenty of families‚ younger adults and singles are drawn here‚ too.
Dave Fairman says West Chester’s youth appeal was apparent as far back as 1988‚ when he opened one of the region’s first specialty skateboard shops in downtown West Chester.
“West Chester has always had a really good vibe‚ especially for young people‚” Fairman says. “It’s the kind of place where you find a well-balanced lifestyle‚ a solid business community and diversity.”
As the eclectic shops and independent restaurants continue to draw visitors to West Chester‚ it’s a good bet that many will end up staying.
“Everyone here is so excited about what’s happening in the community – it’s infectious‚” Cole says.
Story by Valerie Shead
Photo by David Mudd
