Pros and Cons of Pottstown, PA

Wondering about the Pros & Cons of Living in Pottstown, PA? Read on!

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

About 40 miles from Philadelphia lies Pottstown, PA, where steelworkers produced the first commercial steel in Pennsylvania. Another Pottstown claim to fame is that George Washington used it as his H.Q. in the winter of 1777. Today the city is well-known for being the area’s prominent trading center. Some of the top industries include farm, dairy, auto parts, and plastic products. On the banks of the Schuylkill River, spectacular views of the city are available from several historic railroad bridges. (We’re part of the 128-mile Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor.)

While Pottstown offers much in the way of American history, we’re not perfect. Like all U.S. cities, we’ve got a few problems and concerns that need to be addressed. If you’re moving to Pottstown, PA, sometime soon, knowing the good and bad is essential. The knowledge can help you, for example, choose the best Pottstown neighborhood for your family. Sounds like the information you’re searching for today? If yes, read on! We’ve got the notable pros and cons of living in Pottstown, PA coming right up!

MOVING TIP: Reserve a storage unit in Pottstown, PA, before you move out of your current home. That way, when your movers arrive, your storage unit will be ready and waiting. The upside is that you'll have more time to search for a new home or apartment. Plus, self-storage is almost always cheaper than storing your stuff with a moving company.
Pros and Cons of Pottstown, PA

PRO: Housing in Pottstown, PA is Surprisingly Affordable

In the northeast, housing prices can be off the charts expensive. Pottstown, PA, however, offers surprisingly affordable housing which is one of the notable pros in our list of pros and cons of living in Pottstown, PA! The housing index here is 54/100, nearly 50% less than the American average! That’s a significant saving on typically the highest cost for most American families. You’ll be able to purchase a larger home with more bathrooms and bedrooms in Pottstown! The cost to rent an apartment is also more affordable than many cities in this part of the United States. If you’re dreaming of homeownership, it’s much more attainable in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

CON: Miscellaneous Costs in Pottstown are More Expensive

Fancy buying yourself some new clothes, a new computer, or getting your nails done? If so, be aware that you’ll spend 11% more on those miscellaneous expenses when you live in Pottstown, PA. A combination of higher taxes and other factors makes this the highest of all the major cost indices here. It’s not enough to keep folks from moving to our friendly city, but it’s not helpful either.

PRO: The Livability Score Here Is Above Average

No matter where you decide to live, when weighing the pros and cons of living in Pottstown, PA, one crucial factor is a city’s livability score. Livability is based on several factors, including education, cost of living, crime, and the overall happiness of the residents. The good news is that, in Pottstown, PA, our livability score is above average. For example, the cost of living here is affordable. Pottstown offers many outdoor activities, also, and we have a high diversity level. Commuting times are low, and the weather is (mostly) comfortable and attractive. In other words, it’s easy and enticing to live in Pottstown, PA.

CON: The Public Schools in Pottstown, PA Need Some Help

While Pottstown does have some stand-out public schools, most are just average. That’s actually surprising since we spend over $19,000 per year per student. Compared to the national average of $12,383, that’s quite a bit more. Still, only three of the 11 public schools here get an A grade. North Coventry Elementary School, for example, is the #110 Best Public Elementary School in the state. One parent states that “our children are receiving an outstanding education in a safe and caring environment” at North Coventry. Our recommendation; take your time choosing a Pottstown, Pennsylvania neighborhood, especially if you have young children at home.

Pros and Cons of Pottstown, PA
The powerplant near Pottstown, PA

PRO: There’s Plenty to Do in Pottstown, PA

On the list of pros & cons of living in Pottstown, PA – our activities top the list of “pros”One thing about rural Pennsylvania that’s enticing is we have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. From extreme tours to rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and rafting, there’s no lack of adventure here! Below are some of the best activities for singles and families, including:

CON: There is a Bit of Crime in Pottstown, PA

Crime is obviously a concern for all families in the United States. In Pottstown, PA, it’s sadly more of a problem than in some other nearby cities. For example, violent crime in Pottstown gets a score of 37/100. That’s 14% higher than the U.S. average of 23/100. Property crime in Pottstown is almost double the national average at 64/100. While not as bad as cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, crime is still problematic in Pottstown. The good news is that the local police department is known for being even-handed and fair.

Pros and Cons of Pottstown, PA

Overall, Though, Pottstown, PA is a Good Place to Live!

Here’s the thing; Pottstown has a few flaws, however, the pros outweigh the cons of living in Pottstown, PA. Also, there’s a lot of fun, exciting and interesting stuff to do here!

Moove In Self Storage offers 2 locations where you can rent clean, safe storage units in Pottstown, PA. We help new arrivals regularly to store their stuff safely while they search for a new place to live. Before they get here, many people reserve a storage unit in Pottstown, PA. That gives them the freedom to the house or apartment hunt at their own, relaxed pace.

Questions about self-storage in Pottstown? Chat with us online anytime, or visit one of our two self-storage locations in Pottstown, PA. The on-site manager is there to help you in any way they can. For example, they can steer you towards the perfect storage unit to fit all your things.

Whatever you need to store, Moove In can help. Until then, we wish you the best in finding a new place to call home! We’re sure that, once you’re here, the people and amenities in Pottstown, PA, will have you smiling!


Next, read these articles about the all the cities we serve!