c.1858 Renovated Pennsylvania Brick Home For Sale $450K

• 5bed
• 5bath
• 2,700sqft
• 18acre lot
• Circa 1858

The Pros

• Lower Cost of Real Estate: Compared to the rest of affluent Chester County (and the closer-in Philadelphia suburbs), housing in Oxford is significantly more affordable. Buyers looking for more square footage, larger yards, or historic properties can get much more value for their money here.

• Charming, Walkable Downtown: Oxford features a classic, historic Main Street that locals take great pride in. It is filled with independent shops, local cafes, and small businesses rather than major corporate chains. The town also hosts a popular farmers’ market and various community events throughout the year.

   

• Low Crime Rates: Statistically, Oxford is a very safe community. Its violent and property crime rates sit well below both the state and national averages, making it an appealing option for families, retirees, and those seeking peace of mind.

   

• Unique Local Culture and Scenery: Nestled in the rolling hills of Lancaster and Chester counties, Oxford is surrounded by stunning farmland and features a prominent Amish presence. Additionally, it sits right next to Nottingham, home of the famous Herr’s Snacks factory, and is close to excellent green spaces like Nottingham County Park.

   

• Tri-State Regional Accessibility: Its location right off Route 1 makes it uniquely situated for those who want access to multiple states. It is a highly convenient starting point for trips into northern Maryland, Newark or Wilmington in Delaware, and the Lancaster area.

The Cons

• The Long Commute to Philadelphia: While Oxford is technically considered a distant suburb of Philadelphia, it sits roughly 55 miles west of Center City. Commuting to Philly or the Philadelphia International Airport during rush hour can easily take 1.5 hours or more each way. It is highly rural compared to eastern Chester County hubs like West Chester or Downingtown.

   

• Agricultural and Mushroom Farm Odors: Southern Chester County is famously known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” Depending on the wind direction and where exactly you live in the Oxford area, you will occasionally experience a distinct, pungent aroma from the compost and substrate used by nearby mushroom and dairy farms. While many locals say they get used to it, it can be an unwelcome shock to newcomers.

   

• Lack of Local Infrastructure and Entertainment: Outside of the small downtown district and a few shopping centers (which include a Walmart and a few grocery stores), local entertainment is sparse. There is very little in the way of nightlife, major retail malls, or diverse dining options. For significant cultural events, high-end shopping, or varied entertainment, you will have to drive 30 to 45 minutes to larger neighboring cities.

• Zero Public Transit: Oxford is highly car-dependent. There is no local public transportation system, and the borough is not connected to regional rail lines like SEPTA. If you live here, you must rely entirely on a personal vehicle for daily commuting and errands.

   

• Average School District System: While the schools are considered above average on a national scale, the Oxford Area School District generally ranks lower in test scores and resources compared to nearby top-tier Chester County districts, such as Unionville-Chadds Ford or Kennett Consolidated.