Pottstown PA vs Phoenixville PA (Philadelphia, Lancaster: real estate, crime, how much)

[steph7690]

Young couple relocating end of May, to the general area for my work. I absolutely love Phoenixville, the area has alot going on and easily accessible to major roads and highways which is a big deal for my job as I drive alot. My concern is our budget for what we are looking for. We currently live southwest of Harrisburg about halfway between there and Gettysburg and got really lucky with where we live. But so many of the places in the Phoenixville Collegeville area are pricey. When I look online I see Pottstown has much more affordable housing. We like to have stuff to do, not necessarily going out drinking all the time but some night life, music, outdoor activities we are big into hiking. I don't know much about Pottstown at all and have only been through the out skirts. Looking for some input! Thanks.

[PhillyPhan95]

Hi! I'm very familiar with the area, so I think I can help you. I may be biased because I'm from Phoenixville, but I would highly recommend you visit the core of Pottstown and go in town to see if you can find yourself happy there. There is a small downtown area with things to do. With that being said, Phoenixville's is undoubtedly better in my honest opinion BUT that's not to say one can't be happy in Pottstown because like you said, it's certainly more affordable and does have some good things to offer. Phoenixville to me is definitely more lively with more restaurants, bars, events, festivals, etc, and most importantly people downtown walking and shopping. I'm pretty sure Pottstown has a higher population in the borough, though the densities are nearly identical. I'd also argue that if you include the immediate surrounding areas (which are for all intensive purposes "part" of the town) that the populations are about the same.

The housing stock in Pottstown and Phoenixville are pretty similar, though I'd make the case that Pottstown has more dilapidated structures. As for basic ammenties, they are readily available in both towns and the areas immediately surrounding them. As for shopping, Pottstown's proximity to the Coventry Mall makes it a popular place for shoppers. Phoenixville is closer, however to King of Prussia Mall, the biggest Mall on the East Coast. And because it is so close to KOP, Great Valley, Collegeville AND of course Philly draws commuters too, Phoenixville sees a good deal of traffic I'll admit. This is largely due to the lack of two lane roads, and it's location between three major employment centers with Philly not far off to boot makes it pretty congested in the afternoon. I'm not often in Pottstown during rush hour so I cannot comment.

As for other activities, I'd say both areas do pretty well in regards to outdoor activites and hiking. Both enjoy the Schuylkill River (though P-Ville takes better advantage of it) and are near big parks; Pottstown has French Creek State Park, and Phoenixville has Valley Forge. The Schuylkill River trail starts in Pottstown, goes down through Phoenixville and on towards Philadelphia, so that's nice.

I don't think schools are an issue for you at this point as you did not state so, though since you are a young couple, schools may someday be a concern. Phoenixville schools are a lot better than Pottstown schools. It's plain and simple. Phoenixville has great schools and Pottstown does not (public schools, that is.)

All in all, it really depends on what you are able to find in each borough and how much you are willing to spend. I'd love to see young people moving to P-Ville to keep its growth and momentum going forward, though one of the side-effects of this growth is the higher cost of living/rent. If you're the kind of person willing to spend more for higher quality, go for Phoenixville. If not, Pottstown, and you'll still very much be happy I believe. It's still about the same area, and it's a great one!

[bluemonday]

Pottstown does not have a good public school, but Pottsgrove is much better as is Owen J Roberts. Certain areas of Pottstown (i.e. Stowe, North End, North Coventry) will not be part of Pottstown public schools. On that side note, I live in Pottstown now a few years and like it. Not much to do as far as nightlife that I know of, but enough shopping amenities to keep once cabinets and closets stocked up, and plenty of hiking/biking opportunities with the local trails. I feel I received a lot of "bang for my buck" by moving to Pottstown, and I find it centrally located to a lot of areas we frequent (i.e. Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, Chester County, etc.)

[lotstoconsider]

real estate taxes in pottstown are REALLY high. look on realtor.com on their phone app if you can. it lists the taxes on the description page i think thats why the home prices are cheaper also stay away from houses below wilson street and east of adams. nw of the ymca is good area check out crimemapper or crimemapping i forget which and get email notifications of crimes in pottstown that will tell you where not to live

theres also a fb page for crime in pottstown read the posts pretty scary
spring city is close to phoenixville royersford and the ymca system is awesome you are member for all local ones with freedom valley y membership