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Norristown, PA


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Norristown, Pennsylvania

Introduction to Norristown, Pennsylvania

Norristown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery county, is 15 miles NW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's situated along the Schuylkill River in a fertile agricultural region. Montgomery county government jobs, health care and the legal profession are significant factors for the economy. The municipality has an ethnically diverse population. The community has numerous attractive Victorian mansions. Commuters have easy access to Philadelphia by bus and rail.

Norristown History

Norristown was established as a mill town. It's named in tribute to Isaac Norris, who was a member of the colonial Pennsylvania legislature. He acquired a grant of land that later became Norristown. In the past, it was a major retail center for the rural communities outside of Philadelphia. The construction of the Plaza at King of Prussia and the Plymouth Meeting Mall caused the town's retail business to decline.

Norristown Attractions

  • The Valley Forge National Historical Park is close by and worth a visit.
  • Elmwood Park Zoo features a wide variety of animals.
  • Norristown Farm Park is a working farm which includes numerous farm buildings from the colonial era. Fishing, hiking, bicycle riding and cross-country skiing are available.
  • Montgomery County Cultural Center is a popular venue.
  • The Historic West Marshall Street Shopping District is a notable destination.
  • Elmwood Park hosts summer concerts.

Norristown Activities

Benjamin Rush, Evansburg, French Creek, Meshaminy and Marsh Creek state parks are located in the region. Fishing and boating are offered on the Schuylkill River. Westover Golf Club, Green Valley Country Club and Jeffersonville Golf Club are within close vicinity to Norristown. Nearby Philadelphia offers a wide assortment of activities and entertainment.

Norristown Transportation

Air travel is available at the Philadelphia International Airport. Norristown Transportation Center serves as the terminus for the Norristown High Speed Rail Line.

High Points

Norristown strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Pennsylvania):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyNorristown Racial Diversity
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 6%Norristown Public Transportation Use

Comparative Profile of Norristown, PA

Comparing Norristown to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Pennsylvania (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Racial Diversity910
Male Share of the Population68
Children Under 5 Years Old69
Well-Paid Single Men58
Senior Citizens52
Female Share of the Population53
Well-Paid Single Women57
Age of the Population41

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size58
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better34
Median Family Income36
People Above Poverty32
College Educated Adults25

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Public Transportation Use910
Short Commute Times65
Walking and Biking to Work58
Working at Home12

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals910
People Living Alone96
Affordability of Rents62
Affordability of Property Taxes53
Seasonal and Vacation Housing23
Housing Recently Built16

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime41
Low Violent Crime11

Detailed pages on related topics: Norristown travelNorristown mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Norristown Hotels & TravelNorristown Hotels & Travel
Norristown hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Norristown MortgageNorristown Mortgage
Norristown property, mortgage, and real estate.

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