Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is a 10-minute drive south of West Brandywine and in 2011 had a population of more 10,800 residents. This city features seven historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Coatesville Train Station, the Historical Highbridge crossing over the western branch of Brandywine Creek, Greystone Mansion -- home of Abraham Huston, former president of now-defunct Lukens Iron and Steel Co. -- and the Clock Tower Building. Portions of the city's oldest building, Brandywine Mansion, were built in the mid-18th century. In the early 20th century, Coatesville was known as the "Pittsburgh of the East," due to the presence of the steel industry.
The Honey Brook Township is a 10-minute drive northwest of West Brandywine. This city was incorporated as Waynesburg in 1815, but changed into a borough in the late 19th century. The town's name changed to Honey Brook when it was discovered there was another Waynesburg in Pennsylvania. Similar to West Brandywine, Honey Brook is settled between the east and west branches of the Brandywine River. The 2000 U.S. Census found Honey Brook had more than 6,200 residents.
Downingtown is a 15-minute drive southeast West Brandywine. It has a population of about 8,000, according to the 2009 U.S. Census. This borough is home to the Downingtown Log Cabin, a historic site built in the early 18th century. When the town was founded, Downingtown was originally called Milltown, due to the amount of grain mills on the Brandywine Creek. Downtown Downingtown is home to corporations such as the First National Bank of Chester County and Victory Brewing Company, which is a brewery.
The county seat of Chester County, West Chester, is a 25-minute drive southeast of West Brandywine. West Chester has a population of 17,861, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, making it the largest city in Chester County. This city is home to West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a four-year higher-learning institute founded in 1871. West Chester serves as the corporate headquarters for QVC, a home shopping television network; and Commodore Business Machines. There are walking paths and playgrounds at Rolling Green Memorial Park.
