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Pottstown, PA


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Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Introduction to Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery county, is 15 miles SE of Reading, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 32 miles NW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The town is home to some 21,859 residents.

Pottstown History

The area now known as Pottstown was originally a land grant to William Penn. English, Germans, and Swedes were among the first settlers in the region. An iron forge was established in 1714, which caused the iron industry to become an important component of the community's economy. The Potts family, who were iron masters by profession, arrived in the mid-18th century and founded another forge. In 1761, John Potts established the town on 995 acres of land, and in 1815, it was officially incorporated as "Pottstown". The Reading Railroad's extension to Mount Carbon brought further prosperity to the community.

Pottstown and Nearby Attractions

  • Pottsgrove Manor
  • Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
  • Valley Forge Historical Society Museum
  • Mennonite Heritage Center
  • Elmwood Park Zoo
  • French Creek State Park

Things To Do In Pottstown

Pottsgrove Manor, the house of John Potts who founded the community, was constructed in 1752 and features early Georgian architecture. The 197-acre arboretum and conservation area, Welkinweir, which is also located in Pottstown, is currently on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. The Mennonite Heritage Center showcases exhibits of the history of Mennonites in southern Pennsylvania. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Peter Wentz Farmstead, and Daniel Boone Homestead are some of the nearby places of historic interest. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, and picnicking at the Evansburg State Park Marsh Creek State Park, and French Creek State Park. Some of these parks also include golf courses. The community hosts the Colonial May Fair during May every year.

Pottstown Transportation

Air transportation is available from the Philadelphia International Airport.

Pottstown Higher Education

Montgomery County Community College - West Campus is situated in Pottstown. Valley Forge Christian College, Albright College, Ursinus College, and Eastern University are located nearby.

High Points

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

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 4%trophyPottstown Racial Diversity
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 9%Pottstown Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Pottstown, PA

Comparing Pottstown 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
Children Under 5 Years Old810
Senior Citizens74
Female Share of the Population75
Well-Paid Single Women67
Well-Paid Single Men68
Age of the Population53
Male Share of the Population46

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size46
Portion of People Married22

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better56
Median Family Income57
People Above Poverty54
College Educated Adults24

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Public Transportation Use88
Short Commute Times44
Working at Home12

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals109
People Living Alone97
Affordability of Rents63
Affordability of Property Taxes42
Seasonal and Vacation Housing24
Housing Recently Built16

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime21
Low Violent Crime11

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Additional Details

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