Washington Township's small-town vibes between Pottstown and Allentown
The story of Washington Township in Berks County started in the 1700s when a thriving economy of farming and iron smelting attracted settlers to the area. Today, only a few farms remain, and the iron furnaces have been dismantled, leaving the land a primarily residential area between Pottstown and Allentown. Washington Township includes the boroughs of Bechtelsville and Bally, which are the primary residential hubs of the area. "The small towns here are neighborly and home to generations of families," explains Wendy Mutter, the Bally borough manager. "The new people who live here were drawn by that small-town feel and the pricing on homes." A few big businesses also bring workers to Washington, including a stone quarry just outside Bechtelsville.
Mid-century homes and modern developments
The boroughs of Bally and Bechtelsville are populated with Foursquare styles built at the turn of the twentieth century and mid-century ranch homes. Properties start at $200,000 and get up to $300,000 for newer builds or 1/2-acre lots. Sidewalks line the streets, and local businesses are just a few steps away. Outside of town, new developments offer neat rows of suburban-style living with wide green lawns. These contemporary four-bedroom homes cost around $500,000. One new development is the Spring Valley Village, a 55-plus community that consists of $300,000 ranch-style homes. To the northwest, land gets more rural and unique log cabins and historic stone buildings sit on lots several acres wide at a price point of $500,000 to $600,000.
Schools in Boyertown Area School District and faith-based options
Students in the area are part of the Boyertown Area School District and start at Washington Elementary School, which gets a C-plus rating from Niche. The elementary school is along the main street just outside Schultzville. Students head out of the township to Boyertown Area Middle School West, rated B-minus. And right next door, Boyertown Area Senior High gets a B rating. The high school offers dual enrollment courses with participating local colleges, such as Montgomery County Community College and Harrisonburg University of Science and Technology. For students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Brookside Montessori School and Saint Francis Classical Catholic Academy are private, faith-based options in the area.
Community parks and nearby attractions like Grandview Speedway
The centrally located Barto Community Park has a playground, rental pavilion and sports courts, including a football field. The Washington Township Park also includes a playground and is commonly used for soccer games. Over in Bally, the community pool is the go-to spot in the summer, and the Bally Area Recreational Development Society plans fundraisers and public events centered around the pool and its surrounding park. Bechtelsville also has an open community park with tennis courts and a baseball diamond. For nearby attractions, locals can spectate a high-speed race at the Grandview Speedway or visit the Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area for year-round outdoor activities.
Local restaurants and flea markets in an area known for antiques
Aunt Nannie's Bake Shop serves freshly made desserts in a renovated retro diner. The sticky buns are a standout favorite. For more sweet treats, Longacres Modern Dairy in Bally has served fresh dairy products to the community for over 100 years. Today, they serve ice cream regularly ranked as some of the best in the state. For dinner, The Bally Hotel is a go-to for date nights and often has a live band playing. The area is known for antiques, with Fensty's and Jake's Flea Market being favorite spots to dig for deals. And a Walmart sits just outside of Bechtelsville for name brands.
Religious roots, with churches doubling as community hubs
Bally was founded around Catholic and Mennonite churches. Today, the entire Washington Township area still has a significant religious presence. "Our religious roots are important to a lot of people here, and the churches play a big role in the community," Mutter says. The numerous churches double as community hubs, offering private preschools, youth activities and seasonal events. And just outside Bally, the National Center for Padre Pio is a popular tourist destination that brings busloads of visitors through the area. The Center is built to look like Saint Padre Pio's friary in Italy and includes a large chapel and museum.
Taking Route 100 to Allentown and shopping in Boyertown
The Washington Township area offers local small-town amenities like post offices and auto shops, but for bigger city amenities, locals must hop on Pennsylvania Route 100. Boyertown is 4 miles away and has large grocery stores and doctors' offices. Allentown is a longer 20-mile drive, but it has a shopping mall and international airport.
![TJ Engler]()
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
