An attractive town nestled in the Perkiomen Valley, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, offers a charming blend of suburban tranquility, abundant nature, and proximity to Philadelphia. Of course, as with any city or town in the United States, Collegeville has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages or, as many refer to them, “pros and cons”.
If you have your sites set on moving to Collegeville and you’re looking for information about the city, the information below will be perfect. It’s a detailed list of the pros and cons of living in Collegeville. Read on to discover them all and be well-prepared for your new life in Collegeville!
The Pros of Living in Collegeville, PA
A Good Choice of Housing Options
One of the top reasons to choose Collegeville if you want to be in the Philadelphia metro area is the diverse range of housing options it offers. Whether it’s a quiet neighborhood and a spacious family home you require or simply a cozy apartment, there’s something for every housing need. Add to that a robust real estate market and plenty of affordable rentals and housing will be the least of your worries in Collegeville.
Quaint and Quiet Neighborhoods
If there’s one thing Collegeville is known for, it’s the city’s charming neighborhoods. They all have their own unique character, including areas like Skippack, Evansburg State Park, Trappe, and many others. Most offer a tranquil suburban lifestyle with friendly neighbors, tree-lined streets, and low crime rates.
Many Recreational Opportunities
If you’re a fan of spending time outdoors and enjoying outdoor activities, Collegeville will suit your needs very well. There are many recreational activities to be enjoyed in and around the town, including horseback riding, hiking, biking, and even skydiving!
Top-Rated Schools
As a parent, you’ll be glad to know the schools in Collegeville are all served by one of the best school districts in the state, the Perkiomen Valley School District. The district has received high marks for its commitment to students and their educational success. Niche gives Collegeville an A+ grade, which is undeniably excellent. What’s even more impressive is that Collegeville only has 11 public schools. To be rated an A+ with such a small pool of schools is truly phenomenal.
Collegeville is Close to Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is one of the country’s most exciting, interesting, and attractive cities. When you live in Collegeville, you’ll have relatively easy access to “Philly” and all of the culture, education, and career opportunities it offers. In fact, with a commute time of under 23 minutes, the commute to Philadelphia is about 15% shorter than the US average.
The Dining Scene is Excellent
You might be surprised that Collegeville is a hidden gem for foodies, boasting a wide range of restaurants that serve an equally wide range of cuisines. You’ll find cozy cafés and upscale dining establishments in Collegeville, many serving farm-to-table fare and authentic international foods.
Crime Rates are Low
You’ll be delighted to know that both property and violent crime rates in Collegeville are significantly lower than the United States average. In fact, both are about 50% less than the average, which is why so many young families choose Collegeville. Low crime rates are also why Collegeville is ranked as one of the best cities for young families in the country.
The Scenery is Gorgeous
There’s no denying that the Perkiomen Valley, where Collegeville is located, is as picturesque as they come in the United States! Many have described the area as “breathtaking,” with rolling hills, lush greenery, and an abundance of nature everywhere you look. Some of the best hiking trails are found near Collegeville and allow you to meander through the scenic woodlands and enjoy the vibrant foliage, especially in fall when the colors explode.
The Cons of Living in Collegeville, PA
The Winter Weather
There’s no denying the fact that, in the Northeast, winter can be long and cold. Collegeville is no exception and typically sees quite a bit of cold, ice, snow, and freezing weather. Best Places rates Collegeville a 5.5/10 for their comfort index in winter, which isn’t brutal but is far from perfect. Luckily, the 8.7/10 comfort index for the summer makes up for it.
The Nightlife is Limited
Because it’s safe and has excellent schools, Collegeville has become a family-oriented city. That said, the nightlife in town is limited and subdued. There are several restaurants and one or two bars, but not much else. Of course, that’s one reason why so many people enjoy living here. If that’s you, and you want peace and quiet, Collegeville will be a beautiful place to live.
Public Transportation Options are Limited
We mentioned earlier that Collegeville has relatively easy access to Philadelphia. It should be noted, however, that this easy access is mainly via having a car. If you don’t, you’ll find that the city has limited public transportation options. Most folks consider owning a car a necessity when you live in Collegeville.
The Commute Time Can Vary Significantly from Day-to-Day
Being located in the Northeast means that Collegeville is subjected to some rather severe weather occasionally, especially in the winter. Thunderstorms, snowstorms, ice storms, and the occasional blizzard are typical for this area and, when they happen, can cause significant delays when commuting.
Store Your Belongings in Collegeville with Moove In Self Storage
We think you’ll agree that, in Collegeville, the pros certainly outweigh the cons. If you’ve just arrived and need a place to store your belongings while you search for your new Collegeville home, Moove In Self Storage is a great choice! Moove In also offers the highest standards in the self-storage industry, with video security cameras, electronic front gates, well-lit parking lots, and convenient drive-up storage units. If you’re unsure which storage unit you need, our storage unit size guide will be quite helpful.
Once ready, you can reserve a storage unit in Collegeville online. It’s easy fast, and there’s no deposit necessary! Until then, we hope our list of the pros and cons of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, has given you some deep insights into your new town!