Collegeville is a Colonial-era town with modern convenience
Collegeville is a borough in the suburbs of Pennsylvania that maintains an old-time small-town feel. Stone buildings, 1800s homes and historic bridges are reminders of the community’s history. While it looks like a sleepy Colonial-era town, there is a lot going on in this quiet suburb. “Collegeville is a great place to live because it is so convenient and so close to so many things,” says Dawn Kummerer, a Realtor associate at Realty ONE Group Restore. “If you’re looking for lifestyle and things to do, there are parks. You have everything from Valley Forge nearby to Evansburg State Park and walking trails.” In addition to the parks, Main Street is filled with locally owned restaurants and small businesses, while larger shops are a short drive away. Ursinus College is just off Main Street, serving about 1,500 students.
Homes spanning over a century in suburban Pennsylvania
Collegeville offers a wide variety of housing styles. Homes from as far back as 1850 sit next to properties from the 1980s. The older houses in town include Colonials, cottages and Cape Cods, often with stone or brick exteriors and spacious front porches. Ranch-style homes and 21st-century New Traditional houses are also common in town. Homes are usually close together on streets lined with sidewalks and tall, leafy trees. Many of the newer properties come with attached garages. Houses under 2,000 square feet typically cost between $360,000 and $510,000. Larger homes can sell for $500,000 to $800,000. The borough's CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Hiking, fishing and sports at local parks
Several parks in and around Collegeville offer plenty of recreation. Evansburg State Park spans over 3,000 acres, with hiking and mountain biking trails and a creek for fishing. It also has historic homesteads from the area’s early Mennonite settlers. Valley Forge National Historical Park is just 10 miles away and has miles of trails and several historic buildings. It also hosts reenactments throughout the year. Residents can enjoy the playground and baseball field at Collegeville Community Park. The Perkiomen Trail is a 19-mile path that meanders along the Perkiomen Creek, open for walking, running, cycling or cross-country skiing.
Locally owned restaurants fill the streets of Collegeville
Main Street is the hub for dining in town. Chow Bistro is an upscale American spot recommended by Kummerer, known for its seafood and lively décor. The Trappe Tavern is just west of town in a historic building that opened in the 1700s. The current restaurant has been operating since 1989 and has daily specials and plenty of outdoor seating. Other spots that Kummerer recommends are just east of the borough. “Osteria is a great restaurant. Oh my gosh, it’s amazing. There’s also Evansburg Vineyards, which is so much fun. It’s a great place for families and kids to come on Friday night, and the kids can run around,” she says. Shops on Main Street include a sporting goods store, a music shop and a jeweler. Groceries are available at Kimberton Whole Foods and Redner’s Fresh Market. Providence Town Center is an outdoor mall south of town with several chain stores and restaurants.
Highly rated school options from kindergarten through college
South Elementary School, Perkiomen Valley Middle School and Perkiomen Valley High School all receive an A from Niche. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through Montgomery County Community College and career and technical classes at North Montco Technical Career Center. The district does not have open enrollment or magnet programs. Out-of-district transfers are only available with district approval. Ursinus College has been part of the community since 1869. Despite a common misconception, Collegeville’s name actually predates the school and comes from the former Pennsylvania Female College, which closed in 1880. Ursinus offers over 60 areas of study, with economics, biology and health science being the most common majors.
Annual events bring neighbors together throughout the year
Community events include parades on Main Street for Memorial Day and Halloween. The Collegeville Fire Company puts on a car show in August, and Community Park hosts a free concert series throughout the year. The Colossal Yard Sale takes place each September and features over 80 vendors, food vendors and kids’ activities.
Commuting around Greater Philadelphia by car or bus
U.S. Route 422 is the closest major highway, offering a 31-mile drive east into Philadelphia or a similar commute west to Reading . Allentown is about 43 miles away via Interstate 476. The SEPTA Line 93 bus passes through Collegeville on Main Street and connects to Pottstown and Norristown. The closest hospital is in Phoenixville , about 6 miles away. Main Street crosses Perkiomen Creek via the Perkiomen Bridge, built in 1799. After a toll booth was built in 1867, residents protested by throwing the gate into the river and burning the booth. Another toll house was built in 1873 and subsequently burned as well. Today, the bridge remains toll-free.
![Matthew Atkins]()
Written By
Matthew Atkins
