Downingtown, PA, United States

With a population of just 7,892, Downingtown is a sleepy borough in the shadow of Philadelphia, offering little to set it apart beyond historic buildings and the occasional movie filming. The tax burden is heavy, with the median household income of $45,979 well below the state average. And while the demographics skew whiter than the national average, Downingtown has a proud Italian-American heritage that permeates the local culture. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the borough is served by a patchwork of school districts and local governing bodies. Those seeking an affordable, family-friendly enclave outside the city may find Downingtown tolerable, but it offers little to excite the adventurous relocator.