Living in Collegeville, Pennsylvania

Living in a college town is quite different from your ordinary urban/suburban lifestyle. Collegeville, a charming borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, allows you to have a taste of college-town life, where the atmosphere radiates with boundless youthful energy.

Below, you’ll find out more about the kind of lifestyle you’ll experience once you decide to buy one of the homes for sale in Collegeville, PA.

AN OVERVIEW OF COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

Ranked among the best places to live in Montgomery County, Collegeville combines a lively suburban vibe with convenient access to big-city amenities in Philadelphia and other urban centers. Yet, the borough has plenty of its own attractions. Beyond its strong community spirit and excellent schools, the area offers the perfect mix of urban perks and small-town charm, allowing you to shop and dine one moment and go hiking or fishing the next. Founded in 1896, Collegeville also boasts a deep and storied past. The borough, named for its esteemed educational institutions, also features historic architecture that reflects its enduring legacy.

Basic facts

• VIBRANT COLLEGE TOWN. Home to Ursinus College, a private liberal arts institution established in 1869, Collegeville fosters a strong academic culture. The presence of the college and local schools shapes the borough’s focus on education and youthful energy.
• LOCATION. As mentioned earlier, homes for sale in Collegeville, Pennsylvania sit in Montgomery County, approximately 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The borough is conveniently located near major highways, including Route 422, providing easy access to surrounding areas and metropolitan amenities.
• POPULATION. Collegeville has a full-time population estimated at approximately 5,000. However, given the presence of Ursinus College and its academic community, many of which come from other areas of the state and beyond, this statistic could grow by as much as 29.4% during the academic year. Because of its sizable population, the borough has a healthy growth of diverse local businesses and services, as well as public amenities. Additionally, Collegeville residents are highly educated with a significant percentage holding a bachelor’s degree. This is mainly due to the area’s rich educational opportunities.
• NOTABLE NEIGHBORS. Communities just outside the borough have their respective assets, attractions, and amenities that are easily accessible to residents of Collegeville, PA.
  • To the north, the small village of Rahns (more than a mile) offers a lovely rural vibe.
  • To the southwest, the lively town of Phoenixville (approximately 5 miles) features a thriving arts scene and historical attractions.
  • East of Collegeville lies Skippack Township (approximately 5 miles), known for its scenic countryside and boutique shopping.
  • Westward, you’ll find Trappe (approximately 2 miles), a borough that shares some community services and resources with Collegeville.
• REAL ESTATE. The demand for rental properties is often high in college towns like Collegeville, PA, with students, faculty, and college staff seeking housing near campus. This makes investing in rental properties appealing to those seeking lucrative investment opportunities as this results in a steady stream of rental income and relatively low vacancy rates. Properties close to Ursinus College also tend to have higher values and quicker turnover rates due to their desirability among those connected to the academic community. Moreover, the presence of a college creates a steady demand for housing, as the student population is less affected by economic swings than other segments of the population.

Brief history

Collegeville’s history unfolds as a fascinating narrative, reflecting its evolution into an education-enriched community.

• EARLY SETTLEMENT. In the 18th century, European immigrants, mainly of German and Welsh descent, settled in the region. Its fertile land and access to resources attracted newcomers seeking a fresh start.
• DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH. The arrival of the Perkiomen Railroad in 1868 established Collegeville as a transportation hub, improving its connection to Philadelphia. The borough was officially incorporated in 1896, undergoing urbanization and industrialization over the 20th century.
• EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE. The establishment of educational institutions played a vital role in the borough’s growth. Ursinus College, in particular, which was founded by the Reformed Church, enriched the area’s academic, cultural, and social life. This enabled Collegeville to become synonymous with learning and intellectual pursuits, shaping its identity.
• COMMUNITY PRIDE. Collegeville’s strong community spirit is shown by its commitment to academic excellence and local engagement. The borough has evolved into a flourishing area that honors its historical roots while adapting to modern influences. Today, it offers a mix of residential, commercial, and educational spaces while celebrating its colorful history through local events and traditions.

LIVING IN COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

Social connections and personal growth converge in Collegeville, providing opportunities that refine the quality of life. Discover why this borough is a highly livable area.

Community and lifestyle

Collegeville offers a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere, where residents appreciate an engaging lifestyle and neighborly connections.

• LIVELY VIBE. The presence of a young demographic in Collegeville boosts lifestyle options, nightlife, and entertainment. With college students seeking exciting social scenes, local businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, and bars offer diverse experiences. Also, the active participation of young people in cultural and recreational activities makes Collegeville an engaging place to live and interact.
• WELLNESS-ORIENTED LIFESTYLE. The Perkiomen Trail connects locals with nature, offering miles of pathways for biking, walking, and running. Additionally, residents may access nearby recreation areas, thanks to over 6,000 acres of parks, trails, and historic sites managed by Montgomery County that serve as excellent venues for exploration and connecting with nature.
• COMMUNITY EVENTS. Collegeville hosts a variety of community events year-round, fostering camaraderie. These include the Halloween and Memorial Day parades, farmers’ markets, and park gatherings. Highlights include the Art and Food Truck Festival, showcasing artists and fundraisers to support local talent and businesses.

Cost of living

BestPlaces.net reveals that Collegeville’s cost of living is higher than the state (+20.6%) and national (+14.1%) averages. This is mainly due to elevated housing costs spurred by the strong and consistent demand for homes, thanks to the existence of Ursinus College in the borough. Renting also tends to be more expensive compared to nearby areas.

While the cost of living is high in Collegeville, residents – both full-time and seasonal – get to enjoy an exceptional quality of life, brought on by the borough’s safe neighborhoods, well-regarded school district, ample green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The presence of local amenities, recreational activities, and cultural events, partly fueled by Ursinus College, also contribute to Collegeville’s appeal, making it a vibrant and desirable place to live despite the higher costs.

Climate

The area has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.

• WINTER. Average temperatures range from the low 20s to mid-30s °F, with annual rainfall of 20 to 30 inches.
• SPRING. Temperatures range from the 40s to 70s °F, accompanied by increased rainfall.
• SUMMER. Average highs are in the 80s °F, with common thunderstorms providing relief from the heat.
• AUTUMN. Temperatures range from the 50s to 70s °F, showcasing vibrant fall foliage.

Recreation opportunities

With nature at their fingertips, Collegeville residents get to engage in outdoor pursuits or simply admire magnificent views. Here are some popular recreation spots in the borough.

• PEACEFUL PARKS. Visit Collegeville Community Park, which features sports fields and picnic areas. Nearby Water Works Park in Trappe Borough (2 miles) includes walking trails, as well as baseball and soccer fields. Meanwhile, Black Rock Park in Phoenixville (10 miles) has multiple playing fields, a skate park, and more.
• PERKIOMEN TRAIL. This scenic, multi-use trail offers walking, biking, and jogging paths. Stretching across beautiful landscapes, it runs through various communities, including Collegeville, and provides a serene outdoor space for either challenging hikes or leisurely strolls.
• WATER ACTIVITIES. Perkiomen Creek (2 miles) lets residents enjoy the water through boating and fishing. Aside from hiking and golf, Evansburg State Park (5 miles) also offers fishing, with Skippack Creek providing gorgeous views and natural boundaries.

Art and cultural attractions

Collegeville teems with cultural and creative vibes. Here are some venues in the area where arts and culture thrive.

• HISTORICAL HAVENS. Historic Pennypacker Mills (6 miles) offers a glimpse into Colonial and early 20th-century life with its preserved mansions and grounds. Evansburg State Park is also packed with history, courtesy of its 18th and 19th-century homes and mill remnants. Perkiomen Bridge Hotel (3 miles) is another local heritage landmark dating back to the 1700s.
• ARTISTIC VENUES. Collegeville residents have easy access to nearby renowned museums located nearby. The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum in Ursinus College showcases contemporary art, while the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art (25 miles) houses vast collections from around the world, spanning various periods, cultures, and styles. The Abington Art Center (20 miles), for its part, features contemporary exhibitions and a stunning sculpture garden for outdoor viewing.

Dining and shopping

Though compact, Collegeville offers a diverse array of dining choices to satisfy different palates.

• THE COLLEGEVILLE DINER. This vintage-inspired diner on Main Street brings nostalgic vibes, plus a wide selection of comfort eats like breakfast food and sandwiches. A staple in the area for over a decade, this well-loved eatery offers reasonable prices and home-style cooking with menu items like baked meatloaf, pancake dishes, and jumbo burgers.
• COLLEGEVILLE ITALIAN BAKERY PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA. Family-owned and operated since 1994, this pizzeria is a popular take-out, dine-in, and grocery spot. It provides a variety of delights, from imported meats and cheeses to homemade pasta, freshly made rolls, and salads.
• TROUBLES END BREWING. With its 28 taps, this bar offers a range of craft beers, cocktails, and wines. Alongside refreshing drinks, diners enjoy live music and a full kitchen menu that features braised short ribs, waffle fries, Nashville chicken, and many more.
• VALERIO COFFEE ROASTERS. This highly rated café in Trappe features experienced artisan roasters who put the spotlight on local coffee. With its homey interiors, sustainable mugs, and attentive staff, the café attracts caffeine lovers looking for a place to unwind and even work.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors may shop their hearts out in these one-stop retail havens.

• PROVIDENCE TOWN CENTER. Conveniently located at the intersection of Routes 29 and 422, this shopping center offers a diverse selection of stores, from top-quality grocery options to big-box retailers, fashion outlets, and personal services.
• KING OF PRUSSIA MALL. This massive mall boasts over 450 stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and other luxury retailers. King of Prussia caters to the Greater Philadelphia area, encompassing Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties, and is one of the East Coast’s top shopping hubs.
• PLYMOUTH MEETING MALL. Expect a dynamic mix of entertainment and retail options here, including the AMC Theater, the interactive LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and a double-decker carousel. Shoppers may browse a wide selection of budget-friendly fashion, home goods, children’s apparel, and more.

Education

Collegeville is part of the Perkiomen Valley School District (PVSD), which is well-regarded and known to provide excellent academic programs.

Apart from PVSD, a significant number of students from the borough also go to schools under the Spring-Ford Area School District, known for its high-performing schools that offer a strong academic curriculum and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Below are some of the best-performing public schools catering to Collegeville’s young learners.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• Skippack Elementary School (PVSD)
• Evergreen Elementary School (PVSD)
• South Elementary School (PVSD)
• Limerick Elementary School (Spring-Ford)
• Upper Providence Elementary School (Spring-Ford)

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

• Perkiomen Valley Middle School-East (PVSD)
• Perkiomen Valley Middle School-West (PVSD)
• Spring-Ford 5/6 Grade Center (Spring-Ford)
• Spring-Ford 7th Grade (Spring-Ford)
• Spring-Ford 8th Grade Center (Spring-Ford)
• Arcola Intermediate School (Methacton School District)

HIGH SCHOOLS

• Perkiomen Valley High School (PVSD)
• Spring-Ford Area High School (Spring-Ford)
• Norristown Area High School (Norristown Area School District)
• Phoenixville Area High School (Phoenixville Area School District)

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

For private learning, Collegeville parents bring their children to Holy Cross Regional Catholic School. Providing education from preschool to Grade 8, the school has a faith-based curriculum that runs alongside academics for a well-rounded educational experience that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Ursinus College takes the top spot for tertiary education in Collegeville, given its central location within the borough. Its presence has largely influenced the community’s lifestyle and the demand for Collegeville, PA real estate.

Other options for college education are Montgomery County Community College (12 miles) and Bryn Mawr College (14 miles).

FIND YOUR NEW HOME IN COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

Ready to experience the idyllic lifestyle in Collegeville, Pennsylvania? Then, let leading Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery County real estate agent Marie DeZarate and the rest of the Marie DeZarate Real Estate Sales Group guide you toward the home of your dreams minus the hassle and headaches. When you choose our team, you gain a dedicated advocate and expert negotiator committed to your success.

Contact us at 484.881.2397 or marie(at)mariedezarate(dotted)com send an email soon.