Norristown, Pennsylvania is located in, and is the county seat of, Montgomery County, on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Those moving to Norristown will discover an exciting area in one of the largest regions of Pennsylvania.
Economy:
Norristown has a total land area of just over 3.5 square miles and a total population, counted in July 2009, of 31,989 residents, an increase of 2.3 percent since 2000. 9072 inhabitants live per square mile, thus the city is designated as being of high population density.
The Cost of Living Index for Norristown, as at January 2011, was 104.5 points, slightly above the national average for the United States of 100 points. Unemployment statistics released in December 2010 showed 8.9 percent for Norristown and 8.1 percent for the state of Pennsylvania.
The nearest large city to Norristown is Philadelphia, just over 13 miles distant. Nearby towns and cities include Bridgeport Borough, West and East Norriton, Plymouth Meeting, King of Prussia, Trooper, Conshohocken Borough and West Conshohocken Borough.
Mercy Suburban Hospital, Montgomery Co Emergency Service, Montgomery Hospital, Norristown State Hospital and Valley Forge Medical Center & Hospital serve the community's health needs, while Philadelphia International Airport and Lehigh Valley International Airport provide air transportation links.
Montgomery County, local, state and national government and the healthcare and legal professions are the major employers of the residents of Norristown.
The agricultural sector remains a stable contributor to the city's economic base.
History:
Norristown was originally settled as a mill town and grew to become a rural trading center. Later tobacco was grown, metal working operations sprung up, clothing items were produced and the lumber industry prospered, but these enterprises declined and finally disappeared.
The Borough of Norristown was incorporated 1812, but has been governed by Home Rule Charters since 1986.
Tourism:
Norristown is known for its many beautiful Victorian mansions (for example, Selma Mansion), three golf courses and large number of parks. Tourists will enjoy boating, water sports and fishing on the Schuylkill River.
Those interested in the history and culture of the city should visit The Valley Forge National Historical Park, the historic West Marshall Street Shopping District and Norristown Arts Hill.
Philadelphia is close to Norristown and offers the tourist all forms of entertainment and activities befitting a large city.