Perkiomen

A rural borough located about an hour northwest of Philadelphia, Perkiomen Township's biggest appeal is its tranquil location. Established in 1886 and home to just under 10,000 residents, this is a land of rolling hills, green fields and tall trees, bordered by Perkiomen Creek. “It is out in the middle of nowhere, but close enough to all the amenities,” says Megan Herr, a Realtor with Re/Max Ready who has several homes listed in the area. "One of Perkiomen Township’s biggest draws is how green everything is. Many people have moved out here to tend their own farmettes.” These plots of land are large enough to grow some crops and raise chickens and goats. The area is also home to large public green spaces, such as the 800-acre Central Perkiomen Valley Park and nearby Evansburg State Park. Within Perkiomen Township are several subdivisions with contemporary colonials, townhomes and ranch-style houses that date from the 1990s to the early 21st century. Homes in these communities sit back on spacious lawns from quiet, sidewalk-lined streets. They typically boast about 2,000 square feet, with at least three bedrooms and quarter-acre lots. Split levels, ranch-style homes and traditional colonials from the 1960s exist outside the subdivisions on larger, half-acre lots. “Inventory in Perkiomen Township is low. Prices for a two-story colonial can be between $400,000 and $700,000,” Herr says. “People looking for larger homes on farmettes with between 3 and 10 acres of land can expect to pay between $700,000 and $1 million.” The community's low Cap Index crime score is 2 out of 10, well below the national average of 4. Schools in the area fall under the Perkiomen Valley School District, which receives an A rating from Niche. Evergreen Elementary School also has an A rating on Niche, and its student-to-teacher ratio is 11-to-1. Middle school students either attend Perkiomen Valley Middle School East or Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, both of which receive an A-minus from Niche. Students can then advance to Perkiomen Valley High School to earn their diplomas. The high school's student organizations include chess and math clubs, ultimate Frisbee, and walking clubs. The school has an overall A rating on Niche and boasts an average SAT score of 1250. Nearby Ursinus College in Collegeville was founded in 1869. The private liberal arts school has a student body of about 1,500, and its top majors include biological and biomedical sciences, social sciences and journalism. Bounded by Perkiomen Creek, Central Perkiomen Valley Park delivers a scenic backdrop with ample wildlife and amenities. Visitors can bring the kids to the playground, play a round of horseshoes or volleyball, or go fishing in the creek. Families often rent out the covered pavilion for birthday parties. This 800-acre green space also provides access to the 20-mile Perkiomen Trail, which connects to the Schuylkill River Trail and the Audubon Loop. On Gravel Pike, the David Myers Jr. Memorial Playground is a fenced-in play area for small children that offers several slides and climbing structures. A few miles east, Evansburg State Park has nearly 3,400 acres of open fields, woodlands, creeks and trails that attract hikers, campers, anglers and horseback riders. Rolling Turf Golf Course in Schwenksville is a 12-hole course that welcomes all levels. Rolling Turf also offers FootGolf, a version of the sport that's played by kicking a soccer ball around the course. Ott’s Exotic Plants carries a profusion of shrubs, trees and flowering plants. Walk through the shop’s stone tunnel and explore the impressive greenhouse. Other community businesses in the area include Perkiomen Bicycles, a small bike shop offering repair and rental services, and the Barn on Bridge, a 1700s-era dairy barn converted into a popular wedding venue. When residents need groceries, they can head to Landis Supermarket, the only grocery store in town. While shopping in Perkiomen Township may be limited, it's just a few miles from plenty of retail and commercial areas. About 4 miles away is The Court at Upper Providence. The shopping center sports big-box stores like Target, Ross and Giant. Across the street is The Shoppes at Upper Providence shopping center, which features more grocery stores and service businesses. Those who enjoy trendy boutiques will want to check out nearby Skippack Village, a quaint small town with New England vibes. When it’s time for a meal out with friends or family, the Duck Inn Taproom, which locals call The Duck, overlooks Perkiomen Creek and serves American-style cuisine. Live music adds to the ambiance. Perkiomen Township Community Day is held in June. This family-friendly event includes live music, food and beverages. Kids can enjoy moonwalks, train rides and face painting. The local fire department also puts most of its equipment on display. In October, the nearby historic Pennypacker Mills estate hosts its annual All Hallows Eve Fall festival. Kids can enjoy crafts and pumpkin paintings, and everyone can participate in hayrides, cider pressing and other autumn activities. Just 4 miles down the road, Skippack presents a Village Carnival in May and a car show in June. This is a car-dependent neighborhood. For those commuting to the city for work, Philadelphia is about 35 miles away, and it's 43 miles to the Philadelphia Airport. The Pennsylvania Turnpike or Highway 73 get used to commute in and out of the area. The State Correctional Institution Phoenix is 3 miles east. The Pottstown Hospital is around 10 miles west.