Schuylkill Township’s river and revolutionary roots
Between its river, rolling hills and historical sites dating back to the American Revolution, Schuylkill Township is a picturesque community within Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley. In the early 1700s, many Swedish and Dutch settlers migrated south of the Schuylkill River for its fertile farmland and fishing expeditions. In 1777, George Washington and his Continental Army retreated from Philadelphia to Valley Forge on the east side of the township to rest and regroup. Today, nearly 2 million people visit Valley Forge National Historical Park every year while around 8,500 residents enjoy the natural landscapes and scenic views that first drew settlers to the area three centuries ago. “Everything is within a 10-to-15-mile radius,” says Chris James-Hector, a real estate broker and lifelong resident. “A lot of people have commuted here from Philadelphia over the years. Now, they’ve all realized what’s out here, and they’re moving out this way.”
Historical sites and reenactments in Valley Forge
The Valley Forge National Historic Park has trolley tours that lead visitors through around 3,500 acres of open fields with old encampments, replica cannons and historic buildings, including Washington’s Headquarters. There are over 30 miles of trails where people go hiking and horseback riding, and in the spring, participants race across the park in the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run. Performers also dress up in their best 18th-century uniforms for historical reenactments of the army moving in and out of the forge in the winter and summer. In the township, residents have access to two golf courses, Pickering Valley Golf Club and the Phoenixville Country Club, plus there are two public parks between Schuylkill Township Park and Valley Park Municipal Park. Many people also enjoy fishing and kayaking in the Schuylkill River farther north. The Wharton Esherick Museum features over 300 wooden sculptures and pieces handcrafted by the famed woodworking artist.
Housing styles ranging from Rambler to Colonial-style architecture
There are a variety of homes in several subdivisions around Pickering Creek Reservoir. Several houses feature Rambler and Colonial-style architecture, while other homes showcase traditional and Cape Cod styles. There are also some split-level and bi-level homes in the community, many of which sit on wooded lots with oak and maple trees. “You can get all kinds of housing,” James-Hector says. “You can get a mobile home, a twin home, a townhome or a big McMansion. It covers a wide territory.” Many manufactured homes sit to the north, close to Phoenixville and range between $60,000 and $120,000. Older homes built before the 2000s range between $290,000 and $615,000, while more recent builds cost $625,000 to $920,000. Large contemporary and Mid-century modern homes sit on acreage and are $1 to $1.7 million.
A’s across the board for Phoenixville area schools
The township is served by the Phoenixville Area School District, which earns an A on Niche and is one of the highest-rated school districts in Chester County. Kindergarteners can begin at the Phoenixville Early Learning Center before moving on to Schuylkill Elementary within the township. Phoenixville Area Middle School has a STEM program and student clubs for agriculture, archery and manufacturing. All three schools earn A-minuses on Niche. A-rated Phoenixville Area High School offers advanced placement courses and a college and career readiness program.
An Italian restaurant, a cafe and a Girl Scouts store
Valley Forge Trattoria & Lounge is a local Italian restaurant that’s been in business for nearly 30 years and serves specialty pizzas, pasta and stromboli. It also features a coffee bar with dessert selections such as traditional tiramisu, turtle cheesecake and Italian lemon cream cake. G Lodge Cafe is around half a mile southeast and features traditional delights such as buttermilk pancakes, grass-fed burgers and homemade chicken and waffles. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania also has a shop right off Valley Forge Road that sells apparel, bags and cookies. There are many more shopping options in surrounding communities. The closest grocery stores include Acme, Walmart and Wegmans. “You have at least five shopping centers and every grocery store imaginable,” James-Hector says. “It’s great for shopping. You don’t have to travel far at all.”
SEPTA buses to Limerick and King of Prussia
Interstate 76 runs south of the township and leads less than 30 miles southeast toward Philadelphia and its international airport. U.S. Route 422 is north of the river and runs less than 20 miles north to Pottstown. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority operates a bus route that passes through Valley Forge Road and stops at Limerick and King of Prussia. The Phoenixville Hospital is around 3 miles away and is open 24 hours a day.
