Downingtown, PA Real Estate & Community Information

History of Downingtown

The town was originally called “Milltown” thanks to the significant number of mills situated along the east branch of Brandywine Creek. The town got its present name around the time of the American Revolution when it was named after a Quaker immigrant, Thomas Downing who owned a number of the mills along the creek. The town officially became known as Downingtown in 1812. The first known home was built by Sami Warren in 1705. It has become known as the Downingtown Log House.

In 1988, pretzels sold out of a stall at the farmers market in Downingtown quickly became very popular. The stall was run by the founders of what is now known as Auntie Annie’s. Today, Auntie Annie’s is a global company with over 1000 stores and $375 million in sales each year.

Downingtown Parks and Recreation

The Struble Trail is a popular hiking and biking trail that goes from the Marsh Creek Reservoir through Downingtown and beyond. It is a mostly paved trail that offers great scenery and excellent connections to other paths in the area. It is both dog and bike friendly.

A fun destination for the whole family is the 1,705-acre Marsh Creek State Park. The park offers numerous rentals including kayaks, paddle boards, sunfish, bay-sailors, and even fishing gear. A large swimming pool complements the beautiful large lake. Marsh Lake offers great fishing and boating across its 535-acres. There are some swimming areas as well as areas for picnicking. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake, so it is a particularly serene and tranquil environment to spend a day.

Attractions & Activities in Downingtown

The Mill at Anselma is a national historical landmark that is the best remaining example of a water-powered grain mill in the country. Everyone in the family will take something meaningful away from the one-hour guided tour. There are certain days when the mill is actually grinding grain into flour that can be purchased at the gift shop. Artisans’ markets and walking paths further add to the experience.

Downingtown’s Victory Brewing Company is a highly rated microbrewery that can offer a popular night out to Downingtown residents.

Downingtown Events

Downingtown’s Fall Fest is held each September. It is sponsored by the Victory Brewing Company. They set up a beer garden with a great selection of various brews and food. This is a growing event, with more vendors every year. Last year over 5,000 visitors attended Fall Fest.

The Downingtown Ghost Walk precedes Halloween each year. It is now in its fifth year. The “spooktacular” activity includes a guided tours of the borough’s most historic and haunted sites. Mid-December is the time for the annual Christmas parade. Float competitions are a popular component of this traditional event.

The homes for sale in Downingtown and surrounding areas include those built by major homebuilders in newer subdivisions that offer the most modern conveniences for any home buyer. Property for salealso includes country estates, on acreage, with expansive living spaces. Kathleen Gagnon, has a prestigious reputation as a knowledgeable local realtor that has assisted many home buyers with their search for homes. Kathleen can find you the perfect home for you.

Downingtown has a good selection of real estate and homes for sale. The prospective home buyer with a deep appreciation of the rich history of the community may want to search for homes built over a century ago. Kathleen Gagnon is your best Dowingtown real estate source. Contact Kathleen today!