Firstly why Pottstown, Pennsylvania?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Pottstown
- State: Pennsylvania
- Population: 22,424 people
- Pottstown’s quick summary would be known for its historic architecture and community-focused events this city blends rich history with vibrant cultural expressions.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 600 annually
- While this many move-out: 347 annually
- Net Migration: 253 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 870
- Number of Homeless people: 120
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a blend of urban living and small-town feel attracting families
Perk #1: Pottstown Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 29%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $56,335
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Pottstown is $64,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7665 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Pottstown’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 96 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,900
- Property Tax %: 2.69%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,450
- Rent for an average house: $1,600
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Pottstown
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Pottstown, Lower Pottsgrove, and probably could include Douglas
- Avg. Age of Homes in Pottstown: 37 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Pottstown’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Pottstown are Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
- Pottstown Job Scene: limited job market centered on manufacturing and retail
- The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence focused primarily on local business initiatives , ,
- Pottstown Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Pottstown: 6%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 2
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Pottstown
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $104 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-476 provides access through Pottstown linking to the larger PA area
- Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on High Street
- Transportation Score: 30 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Pottstown: 18,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.8
- No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Pottstown: dot.state.pa.us
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 46 of 100
- Local Airport: Pottstown Municipal
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Pottstown’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
- General Weather in Pottstown is best described as experiences cold winters and warm summers with ample annual precipitation
- Winter Weather in Pottstown i’d describe as cold with rain
- Spring Weather in Pottstown can be described as cool and rainy
- Summer’s in Pottstown are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Pottstown is usually cool and pleasant
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 17 days in summer
- Days in a row in Pottstown below Freezing: 20
- Average Annual Rainfall: 42 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban pollution
- Pottstown Winter Air mixed air quality with urban pollution events
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Pottstown Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Pottstown 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Pottstowns’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Pottstown Regional Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Pottstown Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 13 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Pottstown only Doctors is about 40
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time Pottstown only Police Officers is about 65
- Crime Rate Index: 69/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Pottstown’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
- Pottstown’s Monthly Gym Membership: $30
- Pottstown’s Water Quality Score: 69
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Pottstown
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: mid-sized town with a strong focus on community events
- You might enjoy performances at the Pottstown Arts Center
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Pottstown offers local bars and restaurants providing cozy settings for evening enjoyment and community engagement
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Pottstown
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local diners and a variety of casual dining options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Pottstown
- The Popular Sports Team is Pottstown Firebirds
- Top Level Political Climate in Pottstown can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on economic development
- Pottstown’s Longer standing religious establishment is Pottstown United Methodist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Pottstown Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Pottstown has 4 Parks?
- Pottstown Memorial Park is Pottstown’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Pottstown Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Pottstown Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Pottstown can be described as steady suburban pace with a focus on local community events
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Pottstown hiking local trails community events exploring parks
- The Cities people commute to from Pottstown are Cranston 4 miles away Pawtucket 10 miles away East-Providence 7 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Pottstown or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic jams on High Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Pottstown’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Pottstown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Pottstown are Cranston 4 miles away Pawtucket 10 miles away East-Providence 7 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 69 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Pottstown has 20 days in a row below freezing and 17 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Pottstown people have an average (positive or negative) $7665 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
120 homeless people living in Pottstown. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed area with a focus on economic development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Pottstown.
Retiree & Senior Life in Pottstown
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for tax credits aimed at reducing property tax obligations
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Pottstown
- Pottstown Senior Center features various social programs educational workshops and fitness classes
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Pottstown, Pennsylvania?
If Pottstown, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Pottstown, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!