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Norristown, PA

Frequently asked questions

Norristown, PA

Norristown is a municipality with home rule status and the county seat of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States, in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Located along the Schuylkill River, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) from Philadelphia, Norristown had a population of 35,748 as of the 2020 census. It is the fourth-most populous municipality in the county and the second-most populous borough in Pennsylvania.

It is the largest non-township municipality in Montgomery County and is located 49.8 miles (80.1 km) southeast of Allentown and 19.9 miles (32.0 km) northwest of Philadelphia.

Present-day Norristown was originally owned by the family of Isaac Norris. Along with William Trent, Norris purchased the land on October 7, 1704, for 50¢ per acre. In 1712, Norris acquired Trent's share and established a gristmill at the foot of present-day Water Street.

Named the county seat in 1784 when Montgomery County was formed, Norristown was incorporated as a borough in 1812 and subsequently enlarged in 1853. About 500 people lived there at the time of its incorporation. Growing rapidly after the Civil War, it swelled to 22,265 people by 1900. By 1940 it was home to 38,181 Norristonians, making it the most populous borough in Pennsylvania before declining in the decades after World War II, in fact, it was described in that year as "the most populous independent borough in the United States."

Norristown is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, approximately 6 mi (10 km) northwest of Philadelphia, although the direct driving distance from downtown Norristown to Center City Philadelphia is about 17 mi (27 km). Totaling 3.519 square miles in land area, the municipality sits along the Schuylkill River. Two major tributaries, the Stony Creek and the Saw Mill Run, bisect the town into thirds and empty directly into the Schuylkill. The town's terrain is generally hilly, especially in the areas closest to downtown, which itself sits on a plateau surrounded by all three major waterways.

Norristown has four distinct neighborhoods: the West End, the East End, the North End, and the Downtown.

It is bounded by West Norriton, East Norriton, and Plymouth townships, as well as the borough of Bridgeport.

Norristown places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Einstein Medical Center Montgomery (EMCM) and Suburban Community Hospital offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Blazin' Body Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. If you prefer outdoor activities, the Norristown Farm Park provides trails for hiking and biking. Yoga enthusiasts can unwind at WholeHeart Yoga Center, offering a range of classes for all levels. Main Line Health Fitness & Wellness Center offers state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs.

Top sites in Norristown, PA are Elmwood Park Zoo, Selma Mansion, and Norristown Farm Park.

Population: 35,769 (2023). ZIP codes: 19401, 19403-19409, 19487-19489. Area code(s): 610, 484. Elevation: 203 feet (62 m). Area: 3.6 square miles (9.3 km²).

FAQs

What is Norristown, PA known for?

Throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, Norristown developed into a thriving industrial and retail center. The following industries called Norristown home and provided ample employment for skilled laborers and artisans including Factories, Foundries, Icehouses, Lumber yards, and Textile mills. Our downtown also featured a bustling shopping district filled with department stores, several theaters, and restaurants that attracted visitors from throughout the region.

What are the demographics of Norristown, PA?

As of 2019, Norristown's population is 34,341, which represents a 0% increase since 2010. The municipality's population is 37.2% black or African American, 27.9% white (non-Hispanic), 27.1% Hispanic and two or more races 6.4%. There were 11,963 households and 7,498 families residing in the municipality. The population density was 9,753.9 people per square mile. There were 13,420 housing units at an average density of 3,813.5 per square mile. Of the 11,963 households, 62.7% (7,498) were family households and 37.3% were non-family households. 

Is Norristown, PA a good place to live?

Norristown is in Montgomery County. Living in Norristown offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Norristown, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Norristown and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Municipality of Norristown

Wikipedia

Niche

Elmwood Park Zoo

Selma Mansion

Norristown Farm Park

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery (EMCM)

Suburban Community Hospital

Blazin' Body Fitness

Norristown Farm Park

WholeHeart Yoga Center

Main Line Health Fitness & Wellness Center

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