An expanding city that retains its neighborly vibes
Fanning out northward from the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania, Norristown was initially settled in 1682, evolving over more than three centuries to the point that it’s now home to more than 35,000 Norristonians. “It’s a very condensed urban borough in a suburban county — Norristown has more of a city block feel than the surrounding areas,” says Jennifer Conti, the development director of both the Centre Theater and the Elmwood Park Zoo. One of the community’s hallmarks, the zoo welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to see animals ranging from frogs and owls to wildcats and red pandas.
Two major components of Norristown are its vibrant theater scene, which features multiple repertory outlets and troupes putting on productions throughout the year, and its signature events, including annual holiday festivities that bring the community together. “It’s a quainter town area compared to other ones,” says Vincent Mancini, a Realtor with Keller Williams Philly. “A lot of these older towns are having a rebirth.” Destinations like Philadelphia, Trenton and the King of Prussia Mall are all within driving distance for commuting or shopping convenience.
The King of Prussia Mall is a primary place for residents to shop from Norristown.
The Schuylkill River attracts local Norristown fishers and boaters for cat fish or bass.
Local families love the evening visits to Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo.
Norristown residents gather to celebrate the holiday season at St Paul's Christmas Market.
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More single-family homes farther from the city center
Organized, gridded streets make up most of Norristown, and a large percentage of residents rent their homes, according to the 2022 census. Apartment buildings are present, but single-family homes and townhouses are the most common residences in Norristown. Homes have a median price of around $333,000, often spending around 28 days on the market. Single-family properties often range between $350,000 and $650,000 and include colonials, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes, while townhouses typically fall between $150,000 and $400,000. “There are some pretty nice older townhouses,” Mancini says. Townhouses make up most of Norristown proper, while single-family homes become more plentiful farther from the city center.
Row homes and duplexes of various styles are common in Norristown.
Farther from downtown, Norristown homes include lush front lawns.
Norristown colonial style homes dell in the $400,000 range.
Cape Cod homes in Norristown are perfect for families.
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The Schuylkill River Trail runs through Norristown
Norristown Farm Park occupies much of the city’s northwestern corner and is the largest recreational space in the area. Visitors can take to its trails, view wildlife, go fishing and more. The nearby Elmwood Park Zoo offers animal encounters ranging from otter feeding to viewing giraffe training. Riverfront Park has boat ramps and fishing for visitors.
Several other parks dot the landscape in Norristown, but one of the most prominent recreational landmarks lies along the river. “The Schuylkill River Trail runs right through Norristown,” Mancini says. “That trail is amazing for cycling, in that you can pick it up outside of Manniunk, and it goes all the way to Valley Forge. I bike it all the time.” The trail currently runs for about 30 miles, but plans are in place to add to it.
Norristown Farm Park is a large 690 acre park boasting picturesque views.
The 30 mile Schuylkill River Trail is a favorite for Norristown cyclists.
The Schuylkill River provides recreational opportunities to Norristown residents.
Norristown residents can fish at Mermaid Lake in at Whitpain Township Park.
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Restaurants and shops close to the Schuylkill River
Marshall and Main Streets are two of Norristown’s primary thoroughfares for shopping and dining. There are more restaurants the closer the city gets to the river, and local breweries are also popular in the downtown business district. “There’s some distilleries and bars popping up that are newer and making it hip, like Von C Brewing,” Mancini says. The King of Prussia Mall is about 4 miles southwest across the river, and it serves as the area’s shopping hub. The state’s largest shopping complex, it contains more than 450 storefronts.
Sushi fans can find quality rolls at August Moon in Norristown.
The family that runs Von C Brewing in Norristown has been making beer since 1860.
Starbucks is a favorite spot to relax or get some work done in Norristown.
Padrino’s Pizzeria and Ristorante in Norristown offers slices and classic Italian dishes.
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Highways and SEPTA’s high-speed rail
Central Philadelphia is about 20 miles southeast of Norristown, but how long it takes to get there depends on the time of day and traffic on Interstate 76. The Norristown High Speed Line, operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, also runs between Norristown and Philadelphia. Interstates 276 and 476 run through the surrounding area; 276 links Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
Route 202 splits on either side of Norristown, becoming Markley and DeKalb Streets through the city proper and across the river before merging back into one road. The route also links residents to the King of Prussia Mall. The Norristown State Hospital complex makes up a large portion of the city’s northwestern corner, but a portion of it is slated to be turned into a mixed-use development.
A robust theater scene in Norristown
Seasonal events take place at various parks and venues, including a trunk-or-treat around Halloween, a harvest festival in the fall, a Holiday Bazaar as December approaches and more. On DeKalb Street, the Centre Theater houses the Charles L. Blockson Exhibition, which traces African American history in the area, and productions are mounted in its downstairs auditorium. Theater is a common thread throughout the area, and the Centre Theater is complemented by the Iron Age Theatre and the Barn Playhouse, which also put on shows. Theatre Horizon puts on productions of acclaimed plays and has also been recognized for its inclusive drama program, which accommodates spectators and participants with autism.
The Centre Theater in Norristown features live performances and art exhibits.
Locals press their luck on a spinning game at St Paul's Christmas Market in Norristown.
Centre Theater in Norristown features exhibits celebrating local heroes.
The Barn Playhouse in Norristown is run by a non-profit organization founded in 1934.
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Highly-regarded private schools in the area
The Norristown Area School District garners a C-plus rating from Niche and has seven elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools within its purview. Several highly rated private schools, including the Agnes Irwin School and the Haverford School, both of which score A-plus ratings with Niche, are situated close to Norristown.
Blockson Middle School receives an overall C- grade from niche.com.
Norristown Area High School serves 2,300 students in grades 9-12.
Agnes Irwin School's Science Center provides students with a complete STEM curriculum.
The Haverford School is a private, all-boys college preparatory school.
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Annual crime rates and snowy winters
FBI crime data showed that in 2023, Norristown reported a monthly average of 44.7 violent crimes and 57.6 property crimes. According to Norristown Public Safety, Norristown has reported an overall 37% decrease in crime over the past seven years.
Warm summer months and snowy winters define Norristown’s climate. Residents can expect multiple inches of snow in the early parts of the year.
Jerry is a full-service real estate professional with Coldwell Banker in Berks County and a full-time agent with 14 years of experience with listings, sales as well as technology. Jerry takes pride in customer service as reflected in his proven history by doing most of his business with past clients. Jerry is a member of the Reading Chapter of Professional Referral Exchange with a local network of professionals at his disposal. He is a dedicated family man, having been married for 16 years and has 2 children. Jerry is also involved with martial arts for 20+ years and is part owner of a local martial arts school. He uses learned philosophies which are applied to his daily business - he incorporates the belief that if you treat others the way you want to be treated, good things will come of it.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
