Charlestown Oaks Townhomes - Malvern, PA

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Impressions

This large development of 252 townhomes was built between 1998 and 2004 by Iacobucci and Fortress builders. It's located off Yellow Springs Road in Malvern, close to Rtes 202 and 76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike. One enters into the living room and proceeds back to the kitchen which opens to the 2-story family room and low-maintenance deck overlooking green space. In most cases, there are 1-car built-in garages with 3 bedrooms and the laundry upstairs. Some units have 2-car garages. In just a couple of cases, a fourth bedroom has been added in the basement or the 3 bedrooms upstairs have been combined into 2 larger rooms. Windows throughout are large and let in plenty of light. Building facades are mostly siding but some are stone, providing contrast.

There are woods adjoining the development making for nice views and a peaceful feeling. The developers opted for a low HOA fee that includes exterior maintenance of the homes instead of costly amenities. That said, there is a playground and there are 2 tennis courts. You can park 2 cars in the driveway and 1 or 2 in the garage. There is ample guest parking space.

It's a 10 - 12 minute drive to shopping and restaurants in downtown Exton, Fraser and Malvern. Center City Philadelphia is 45 minutes by car. You can commute by train to Philadelphia by driving 15 minutes to the Paoli Train Station. There is an express train once an hour with a ride time of 25 minutes to 30th Street Station.

Proximity to the rolling hills and farmland of Chester County is a big plus for Charlestown Oaks as is the price point of these homes between $300k and $400k. There could be more variety in the facades and the units could be a bit wider, but all in all there's a lot to like here.