Montgomery County, nestled in the heart of southeastern Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant and diverse living experience suitable for all ages and lifestyles. Known for its robust economy, diverse population, and a plethora of amenities and attractions, this county blends urban excitement with rural charm. Whether you’re drawn to its bustling city centers or enchanted by its quaint rural towns, Montgomery County presents an array of unique and charming locales to call home. Here are six standout communities in Montgomery County, each offering its distinct flavor and appeal.
Best Places to Live in Montgomery County Pennsylvania
1. Pottstown
Pottstown, an eastern borough of Montgomery County, boasts a population of over 23,346. Known as the “Steel City” for its rich history in iron and steel manufacturing, Pottstown combines affordability with a vibrant community spirit.
The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment here is an accessible $1,100. Situated about 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Pottstown thrives with businesses spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Its lively downtown, replete with diverse shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, complements its numerous parks and cultural attractions.
Why Pottstown?
Affordable living, diverse community, convenient location, and a bustling downtown make Pottstown an ideal choice for varied lifestyles.
2. Skippack
Skippack Township, with a population of approximately 14,408 as of 2022, is a vibrant community in central Montgomery County. Located about 43 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Skippack is celebrated for its picturesque countryside, historic charm, and small-town atmosphere.
The township boasts attractions like Evansburg State Park, Central Montgomery Park, and the historic Skippack Village, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate historic settings. It features a median home rent of around $1,637.
Skippack offers a high median household income, a very low poverty rate, and is known for its safety and community-oriented lifestyle. This township is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, affluent community with convenient access to nature, unique shops, and restaurants.
Fun fact about Skippack:
Skippack is home to the oldest continuously operating general store in Pennsylvania.
Why you should move to Skippack:
- It is a beautiful place to live, with picturesque countryside and historic charm.
- It is a great place to live for people who love the outdoors and enjoy a small-town atmosphere and is home to several unique shops and restaurants.
- It is in a convenient location, close to major highways and public transportation.
3. Lansdale
Lansdale is a borough in central Montgomery County with a population of about 19,150 people. The median home rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,895.
Lansdale is located about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia and is known for its vibrant downtown area and diverse population. It is a great place to live for people of all ages and lifestyles.
The borough has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as several parks and recreation facilities. Lansdale is also home to several businesses and industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Fun fact about Lansdale
Lansdale is home to the world’s largest aluminum baseball bat.
Why you should move to Lansdale:
- It is a vibrant and diverse community.
- It has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as several parks and recreation facilities.
- It is home to several businesses and industries, providing residents with a variety of job opportunities.
- It is in a convenient location, close to major highways and public transportation.
4.King of Prussia
King of Prussia is one of the most popular places to live in Montgomery County, and for good reason. This affluent suburb is home to a variety of amenities, including the King of Prussia Mall, the largest shopping mall in Pennsylvania and the fifth-largest shopping mall in the United States in terms of gross leasable area.
It also has a strong economy and excellent schools. Its Population is 23,841. Median home rent for one bedroom apartment is $1,980.
Fun fact about Prussia:
King of Prussia was named after a Prussian king who visited the area in the 18th century.
Why you should move to King of Prussia:
- If you love to shop, King of Prussia is the place for you. The King of Prussia Mall has more than 450 stores, including many high-end retailers.
- It is also a great place to work. The city is home to many major corporations, including Comcast, Lockheed Martin, and Johnson Controls.
- It has excellent schools. The Upper Merion School District is consistently ranked among the best school districts in the state.
5. Collegeville
Collegeville, PA, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1869. It was officially incorporated as a borough in that year and got its name from the numerous educational institutions that found their home in the area.
One of the most notable institutions, Ursinus College, was established in the same year, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s identity. Its Population is around 4,986 residents. Median home rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,700.
Fun fact about Collegeville:
Collegeville is home to the Perkiomen Valley Railroad, a historic railroad that offers scenic train rides.
Why you should move to Collegeville:
- If you’re looking for a small-town feel with easy access to the city, Collegeville is a great choice. The town is just a short drive from Philadelphia and King of Prussia.
- It is a great place to raise a family. The town has excellent schools and a variety of family-friendly activities.
- It is also a great place to work. The town is home to a number of businesses, including Pfizer, Vanguard, and Quest Diagnostics.
6. Royersford
Royersford is a historic borough located in the central part of Montgomery County. The town is home to several Victorian-era buildings and a thriving arts scene.
It is also known for its excellent food, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine. Its Population is 4,925 residents. Median home rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is $2,250.
Fun fact about Royersford:
Royersford is home to the Royersford Spring Street Fair, one of the largest one-day street fairs in the country.
Why you should move to Royersford:
- If you’re looking for a town with a unique personality, Royersford is the place for you. The town has a vibrant arts scene and a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
- It is also a great place to live if you enjoy the outdoors. The town is located near the Schuylkill River Trail, which offers miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.
- It is also a great place to work. The town is home to several businesses, including Tyson Foods, Reading Health System, and GSK.
If you’re looking for family-friendly places to live in the Mid-Atlantic region, you might also want to explore nearby Delaware. Check out the article “11 Best Places to Live in Delaware For Families” for more information on great family-oriented communities in Delaware.
Conclusion
Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania is a diverse and vibrant region offering a range of living experiences suitable for various lifestyles and preferences. From the urban excitement of Pottstown and Lansdale to the rural charm of Skippack and Collegeville, each community presents unique attractions, including affordability, historic settings, economic opportunities, educational excellence, and cultural richness. Whether one is seeking a bustling city center or a quaint rural town, Montgomery County provides an array of communities that cater to diverse needs and desires, making it a highly desirable place to call home.
FAQs
1. What makes Pottstown a desirable community to live in Montgomery County?
Pottstown is known for its affordability, vibrant community spirit, and diverse shops and entertainment venues. It’s also noted for its convenient location, approximately 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
2. Why is Skippack Township popular among residents?
Skippack Township offers a picturesque countryside, historic charm, and a small-town atmosphere. It’s also known for its high median household income, very low poverty rate, and safety, making it ideal for peaceful living.
3. What are the attractions of living in Lansdale?
Lansdale is appreciated for its vibrant downtown, diverse population, variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and parks. It’s also known for housing several businesses and industries.
4. What makes King of Prussia an attractive place to live?
King of Prussia is famous for its large shopping mall, strong economy, and excellent schools. It is a hub for major corporations, making it an ideal location for employment opportunities.
5. Why should one consider moving to Collegeville?
Collegeville offers a small-town feel with easy access to major cities. It is family-friendly with excellent schools and a range of businesses, including prominent companies like Pfizer and Vanguard.
6. What are the unique features of Royersford?
Royersford is known for its historic charm, vibrant arts scene, and excellent food. It also offers outdoor activities like hiking and biking on the Schuylkill River Trail and houses several significant businesses.
