Marlborough Township

Home to a population of just under 3,200, The Marlborough Township is a small rural community with a charming town center. Marlborough is comprised of rolling farmlands and rustic small businesses rooted in Montgomery County’s pastoral Northwestern corner. “Montgomery County is adjacent to Philadelphia, so you’re still close to the city,” says Associate Broker Rick Sheppard of RE/MAX Achievers. “But it’s a very rural, relaxing and quiet area, ideal for someone that doesn’t want to be in a suburban or city environment.” Sheppard has sold homes in the greater region for over 35 years.

The Marlborough Township is a wide-spread area with large, woodsy properties ranging from two to 10 acres. Lots closer to the town center are around a quarter-acre. You’ll commonly see historic colonials from the 1920s alongside ranch styles and split levels from the 1960s. Most houses boast 1,500 square feet, three bedrooms and price tags between $300,000 and $400,000. Contemporary colonials are at higher prices, often exceeding the $600,000 mark. “There’s low inventory for housing in The Marlborough Township, but there’s a very strong buyer demand,” Sheppard says. Streets in the area are long, winding and surrounded by wide open spaces and trees.

Students in the Marlborough Township attend schools in the Upper Perkiomen School District, which earned an overall B-minus on Niche. Students typically start with Marlborough Elementary School, which received an overall B-minus from Niche and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 17-to-1. Students advance to Upper Perkiomen Middle School, which Niche gave an overall B grade. Students progress to Upper Perkiomen High School to earn their diplomas. Home to just over 1,000 students, UPHS has something for every student, like a sports medicine club, reading olympics club, gamer’s club and drama club. The school sports an overall B-minus from Niche.

The 800-acre Green Lane Reservoir is a big draw, affording various outdoor adventures year-round, including boating, horseback riding and more. Green Lane Park surrounds the water and features over 25 miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, campgrounds, picnic tables and grills. If you’re going for the trails, a local favorite to explore is the 20-mile Perkiomen Trail. Trail travelers will glimpse Perkiomen Creek and ample wildlife, like deer, beavers and various bird species. The fun extends into the winter. Park-goers enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing and sledding. Green Lane Park is also a hot spot for local events. Families across the county enjoy events like the Upper Perkiomen Bird and Wildlife Festival, the haunted campground hayride and the summer concert series. Other area-wide events include the Annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival. For over 50 years, the festival has highlighted the day-to-day life of early Pennsylvania settlers, celebrating with traditional food and live folk music.

Head to Gravel Pike and Main Street, where you’ll find the area’s few restaurants and stores. If you’re craving Italian, try Chiaro’s Pizzeria Restaurant, known for its tasty hand-tossed pizzas and pasta. You can try the restaurant and bar at the Sumneytown Hotel for more dining options. Established in 1762, the historic hotel touts high-end dishes like miso-glazed sea bass, ratatouille and steak. The hotel also hosts a Speakeasy Saturday Series, which includes a three-course meal and a performance. For shopping, you’ll have to leave town. About 6 miles north is the Pennsburg Shopping Center, home to a Weis Market for grocery shopping.

The Marlborough Township is a rural community, and the Back Home Butcher Shop and Country Store embodies its rustic essence. The butcher shop sells locally sourced meats and other items like honey, pickles and sauces.

Public transportation doesn’t reach the Marlborough Township, so most residents drive. You’ll likely hop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike when commuting in and out of town. Residents also use Route 100, which is 10 miles west. If you need to reach nearby cities, Philadelphia is 40 miles south, and Allentown is 20 miles north. The Marlborough Township is a tucked-away community with a small-town feel in a rural environment.

Written By

Brennen Martin

Photography Contributed By

Jay Ratchford

Video By

Michael Voyack