Norristown is a beautiful and middle class suburban municipality of Philadelphia, located just north-west of the metropolis in Montgomery County. Often referred to as “the Borough”, the town had its origins in a series of land purchases long before the American Revolution ever occurred. It remained something of a rural backwater up until the Civil War, where the population grew immensely, and it has remained relatively stable since then. It is named after Isaac Norris who was the mayor of Philadelphia in 1724. It was previously known for its thriving industrial and retail center. As it is today, Norristown is a wonderful little peripheral community of Philadelphia, with lots of great architecture and relatively affordable housing. The municipality has also been undergoing a revitalization of sorts, attracting business and constructing new, more affluent homes and accompanying amenities. With a community as charming as this, it’s only natural that many notable people would live here, including actress Maria Bello and animators Brothers Quay.
Norristown, PA Population & Demographics
Norristown has a population of 34,392 distributed over 3.5 miles at a population density of about 9,700 people per square mile. The median age here is 32.9, which is a few years younger than the Pennsylvania average of 40.8. The median household income in Norristown is $54,409, which is ten percent less than the average household income for the state of Pennsylvania, being $63,627.
The racial demographics of Norristown’s population are very diverse, with Blacks making up 36% of the municipality’s population. The second largest demographic is Whites, who make up 27% of the population. Norristown’s gender ratio has a slight female majority, at 51%.
According to crimegrade.org Norristown is rated a B for overall crime but has an A for property crime; thus Norristown PA is considered a safe place to live.
The municipality of Norristown is served by the municipality of Norristown Police Department, with 68 sworn officers.
Cost of Living in Norristown, PA
Norristown is a community with a variety of economic strata in its boundaries, and therefore accounts for a wide variety of costs. The cost of living is 18% higher than the average in the United States, according to Payscale. The median home price in Norristown is $158,900, which is about twenty percent lower than the average Pennsylvania home price of $187,500. Upon moving to Norristown, you can expect to pay slightly more for every type of regular cost, such as utilities and transportation. In terms of renting in Norristown, one can expect an average of $1,608 per month.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $103,321 to live here.
Norristown, PA Everyday Expenses
Sometimes, looking at how everyday things you buy will be priced is the best way to wrap your head around a community’s cost of living. Check out these everyday expenses for Norristown, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of Milk – $4.23
- Loaf of Bread – $2.88
- Gallon of Gasoline – $3.73
- Basic Utilities per Month – $159.10
- Internet per Month – $69.58
Best Neighborhoods & Places to Live in Norristown, PA
As a municipality, Norristown is just too small to have the sort of distinct cultural neighborhoods you’d see in nearby Philadelphia. However, there are some real estate-related things you should know. Take a look at some of the real estate considerations you should know about below:
Generally speaking, Norristown’s new developments are on the outer fringes of the community, particularly the northern portions, so the housing there is more expensive as a result. The more affordable housing is concentrated around the southern section of the community.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of this community, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Norristown, PA.
If you are interested in renting, then take a look at some of the apartments in Norristown.
Norristown, PA Climate & Weather
Pennsylvania is fairly middle-of-the-road when it comes to climates in the United States. You can expect lows of 21 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Norristown gets more than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 47 inches per year as compared to 38. Norristown experiences less snowfall than the national average of 28 inches, with 17 inches annually. The best times to visit Norristown, in terms of comfort rating, are June and September.
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Things to Do in Norristown, PA
Norristown is a community with charm in spades! Along with that charm, this municipality has plenty to do, shop, and eat, without having to leave the municipality’s bounds! Check out great shopping in the community like the Norris Hills Shopping Center for all your shopping needs! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Norristown, PA below:
Elmwood Park Zoo
By far Norristown’s most popular attraction, with locals and outsiders alike, this zoo contains animals from near every continent on earth! Giraffes, leopards, insects, rodents, lizards, Elmwood Park Zoo has them all! A great spot to spend the day out with your family.
1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401, (800) 652-4143
Norristown Farm Park
No doubt the largest park in the municipality, Norristown Farm Park offers over 7 miles of paved trail, suitable for walking and biking, as well as streams that are often filled with trout and are regularly frequented by fishers as a result.
2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403, (610) 270-0215
Selma Mansion
This old mansion, more than a hundred years old, is a well-preserved snapshot of what high class life looked like during that period of Norristown’s history. However, most people come here because of persistent rumors that it’s haunted! Whether it’s history or spectres you’re interested in, this is a fun place to visit.
1305 W Airy St, Norristown, PA 19401
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Norristown, PA Additional Attractions:
The community of Norristown is primarily served by the Norristown municipality parks and recreation department, which maintains the parks of Norristown, such as the aforementioned Norristown Farm Park. See all of this community’s most interesting parks at the Norristown municipality parks and recreation department site.
Places to Eat in Norristown, PA
Alongside its host of things to do, Norristown is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
Capone’s
Capone’s is a family-friendly bar on the northern end of Norristown. Serving both great drinks and a fantastic menu, it’s easy to see why many Norristown locals regularly frequent it!
224 W Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19401, (610) 279-4748
El Limon
There’s simply no place you can’t go in America where there is not a Mexican restaurant, and Norristown is no exception. This hole-in-the-wall joint offers a full menu of authentic Central American dishes.
1000 Sandy Hill Rd, Norristown, PA 19401, (484) 322-2735
Rocco’s Brick Oven Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza, especially when it’s baked the traditional way? Rocco’s is here to bring you that authentic pizza experience, and is widely beloved by locals as a result!
1339 Sandy Hill Rd, Norristown, PA 19401, (610) 277-3111
Norristown, PA Schools & Colleges
Norristown is served by the Norristown Area School District and Methacton School District. Some of Norristown’s great schools include East Norriton Middle School, Stewart Middle School, and Norristown Area High School. With a selection of wonderful education facilities like this, your child’s schooling process will be a smooth journey!
Students and others in Norristown are served by the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.
Jobs in Norristown, PA
Those planning on making a living in Norristown should know that both the cost of living and average wage has been increasing, according to Payscale. The most popular positions of employment are Software Developer, Project Manager, and Financial Controller. The most popular employers in Norristown are Globus Medical Inc., The Vanguard Group, and The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. The average salary for a worker in Norristown is $67k a year, while the average hourly wage is $19.64.
See the latest openings for jobs in Norristown here.
Map of Norristown, PA
Explore Norristown’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Norristown, PA Statistics & Information
Norristown’s zip codes range from 19401 to 19489, while the area codes are 610 and 484. If you want to commute from Norristown to Philadelphia, it will be a twenty mile drive with a travel time of around thirty minutes or so. Norristown’s time zone is Eastern Standard Time, and sits at an elevation of 135’. The size of Norristown is 3.5 miles square, and the nearest airport that serves international flights is the Philadelphia International Airport. Norristown has a council-manager government, joining many townships on the East Coast in having unconventional governance, and therefore has no mayor.
Pros & Cons of Living in Norristown, PA
- Pro: Affordable
- Pro: Plenty of culture
- Pro: Lots of attractions and great restaurants
- Pro: Easy commute to Philadelphia
- Con: Crime rates in certain sections are less than ideal
Does Norristown entice you with its charm? Want to make this community your new home? Give Suburban Moving a call at 610-314-6868! Our Norristown moving team will make even the toughest of relocations easy! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
