Douglass Township

Douglass Township is a rural community in the rolling Pennsylvania countryside. The area was settled by German and Dutch immigrants, with the historic “publick house” established in the 1700s, and has continued to develop while retaining its rural character and charm. Older homes and new construction sit along country roads, suburban developments and town thoroughfares surrounded by lush forests and open fields.

Here you’ll find a community of both rural sprawls and suburban hamlets. Route 73 runs through the center of Gilbertsville, one of the few villages in the township. Winding roads lead through suburban developments in the south up to more open countryside and farmland in the township’s northern section. Homes in the north tend to have much larger lots, and most houses in the township have a fair amount of land to utilize. Suburbs in and around Gilbertsville feature a range of old and new homes. Older brick and stucco colonial houses line East Philadelphia Avenue, showcasing the colonial history of the neighborhood through its architecture. Newer construction seeks to retain the rural charm of the township, with most developments featuring farmhouse and ranch-style designs. Newer single-family suburbs also tend to feature spacious floor plans in their houses and manicured lawns. In contrast, older stucco houses are a bit cozier while offering proximity to community amenities. Most homes are within five miles of schools, parks and local businesses in Gilbertsville. Home prices in Douglass Township vary; newer suburban homes can cost anywhere from $570,000 to $648,000, while homes closer to Gilbertsville range from $210,000 to $484,000.

The township’s public school students are served by the Boyertown Area School District, beginning their academic careers at primary schools like Gilbertsville Elementary from kindergarten to fifth grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Boyertown Area Middle and Boyertown Area Senior High School. GreatSchools has above-average college readiness ratings for the latter high school, which also has a diverse array of extracurricular activities like Green Cord, a community service program, as well as a branch of the National Honor Society.

Gilbertsville and surrounding hamlets within the township have acres of lush green space where you can take in the country sights. Get active at Douglass Park, home to playgrounds for the kids and an expansive baseball field, tennis and volleyball courts and basketball courts perfect for pick-up games. Smith Road Park offers a beautiful forest and open green expanse, with playsets and walking trails leading through the woods and along Swamp Creek. Congo Road Open Space is just one part of the Montogomery County Open Space Program, aimed at integrating open space into a broader system and recognizing green space as a community necessity.

Nearby gardens and storefronts supply the community with locally sourced products and services. Wendy’s Flower is a local garden and home center that offers a variety of flora and home goods and special event packages for weddings and funerals. Crazy Lady Collectibles is another local establishment where you can browse a collection of antique and secondhand items. Gilbertsville Shopping Center has grocery shopping available in regional stores like Weis Markets that will keep you stocked with fresh produce and other essentials.

There are also plenty of local restaurants to enjoy a nice meal. Grab a slice at Little Gio’s Pizza Shop, a local pizza joint offering specialty pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Doc’s Irish Pub is a homey neighborhood watering hole whose motto is “cool libations and warm conversations”; the pub has sports games playing along with a live DJ and an extensive beer menu, with indoor and patio seating available.

Come home to small-town charm and countryside splendor in Douglass Township.

Written By

Ian Burke

Photography Contributed By

TJ Engler

Video By

Daric Clarke