Oxford Area School District — Real Estate & Homes Guide
The Oxford Area School District serves approximately 4,000 students across approximately 90 square miles in six municipalities in southwestern Chester County. Oxford Borough is the county's most historically significant and most affordably priced borough, centered in a district established in 1952 and distinguished by being racially integrated from its inception. Lincoln University, the first degree-granting institution of higher learning for African Americans in the United States, founded in 1854, is located within the district boundary. OASD serves one of Chester County's most genuinely rural and historically rich communities.
OASD covers the southwestern corner of Chester County, bounded by Avon Grove School District to the east, Octorara Area to the northeast, Lancaster County (Solanco SD) to the west and northwest, and the state of Maryland to the south. The district is approximately 50 miles southwest of Philadelphia.
Municipalities and Townships Served
Source: Official district website and/or Wikipedia verified data. Always verify every parcel at pde.pa.gov before writing an offer. Mailing addresses are not reliable indicators of district assignment in Chester County.
Oxford Borough
East Nottingham Township
Elk Township
Lower Oxford Township
Upper Oxford Township
West Nottingham Township
Note: The Nottingham and Lincoln University communities are within the district boundary
Market Behavior
Oxford operates in Chester County's most affordable western market. Transaction volume is lower than central county districts. Days on market average 35–60+. Cash buyers and investors are active. Lincoln University's presence creates a specific rental demand dynamic in Oxford Borough.
Reputation and Buyer Profile
OASD's reputation is built on value and rural community character. Academic rankings are below the Chester County average. Buyers choose Oxford for price, space, proximity to Delaware and Maryland, and community connection rather than district prestige.
School Performance
OASD serves approximately 4,000 students across 7 schools (1 kindergarten center, buildings for grades 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, a middle school, and a high school). Academic performance is below the Chester County average. The district established Pennsylvania's first middle school with grades 6–7–8 in the 1960s.
Schools
High School
Oxford Area High School serves grades 9–12 in East Nottingham Township.
Middle School
Penn's Grove School serves grades 7–8.
Elementary Schools
Multiple elementary buildings serve K–6 in two-grade groupings: separate buildings for K, grades 1–2, grades 3–4, and grades 5–6.
Commute and Access
Oxford is among Chester County's most remote communities from major employment centers. Route 1 south reaches Delaware in approximately 20 minutes. Route 10 connects north toward Coatesville and Route 30. No SEPTA rail. Driving to Philadelphia: approximately 50–60 minutes.
Lifestyle and Community Character
Oxford Borough is a classic small American county town — Main Street commercial corridor, historic courthouse area, and a community identity built around Lincoln University's historic significance and Herr Foods' regional employment presence (a major snack food employer in Nottingham).
Who This District Fits
Buyers seeking Chester County's most affordable homeownership; buyers connected to Lincoln University; commuters to Delaware or Maryland; rural lifestyle buyers; investors in the highest-yield segment of Chester County real estate.
What Buyers Often Miss
Remote from Philadelphia-area employment. Academic performance is at the lower end of Chester County districts. Combined tax rates in Oxford Borough are high relative to property values the effective rate as a percentage of value can be among the county's highest. Plan commutes carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the official municipalities in Oxford Area School District?
A: Oxford Borough, East Nottingham Township, Elk Township, Lower Oxford Township, Upper Oxford Township, and West Nottingham Township. Confirmed from Wikipedia and the district's own history page.
Q: Is Lincoln University in the Oxford Area School District?
A: Yes — Lincoln University (founded 1854, the first degree-granting HBCU in the United States) is within the OASD district boundary in West Nottingham Township.
Q: How close is Oxford to Delaware and Maryland?
A: Route 1 south reaches Delaware in approximately 20 minutes. The Maryland state line is approximately 20 miles south. This makes Oxford highly accessible for buyers with employment in those states.
Contact Us
Our Location
403 W Lincoln Highway, Suite 106, Exton, PA 19341