Norristown
From Wikitravel
Norristown is a is a small residential borough in Montgomery County, in the Philadelphia-Camden metro area. The town is located about 6 miles outside of Philadelphia, between two greater townships of King of Prussia and Plymouth Meeting, with latitude of 40.121N. and longitude of -75.34W. Occupying approximately 3.5 sq. miles of land, it is considered the county seat or adminsitrative center of Montgmery County nestled right alongside the Schuylkill River. The demographic census in 2003 counted for a population of 31,069, which is about 200 less than it was in 2000.
Norristown was named after Isaac Norris, who was mayor of Philadelphia in 1724 and was named trustee of the province of Pennsylvania in the will of Willaim Penn. Before Penn faced legal issues involving his arrest in 1706, Norris brought the land from Penn which subsequently was named after Norris after the purchase. In his lifetime Norris was greatly successful in politics and business which he carried over in the development of Norristown. Today, with a number of old cigar and lumber factories still standing, Norristown shows much of the aftermath the rich history in agriculture manufacturing that began there, but is no longer prominant.
[edit] Understand
To understand Norristown is to understand its residents. Many people have a misconception or false stereotype about Norristown and its people, yet none of these ideas are true. Because it is a greater area of Philadelphia many outsiders assume that it is a rural area occupied with suburban neighborhoods. But because the diverse ethnic population has always been larger than that of other surrounding townships (such as Methacton, or East Norriton), many people mistake the town for a "ghetto" where all "other" races reside. This concept is supposedly reflected in the learning ability of the students and job oppurtunities for the residents, because all are working class. To stress once again this is false.
Norristown is a center for emerging diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds which is a positive aspect rather than a negative cognitation. The students of all the schools in the district are above average with over half ranging from profient to advance in math and reading assessments. The crime level is very low and although I would not suggest keeping your door unlocked at night, it is a very safe community to raise a family. The whole town is very family oriented being almost entirely residential with a few areas where major businesses are located.
Like most cities Norristown has a downtown area where most activites take place and most major businesses are located. Main Street that cuts across 202, is the central street of the town. Here is where all the community action takes place. Annual events such as Community Day or the Food Family and Fun Festiva are major celebrations for the town that really incorporates all its residents in unity.
[edit] Get in
Coming from either north or south, the Ridge Turnpike or 202 will lead you straight into Norristown.
[edit] Get around
Most people own their own vehicles, but still a large percenatge rely on public transportation which like the city of Philadelphia is operated by SEPTA. Buses travel from the Main Street Station located right off of Main Street on East Lafayette Street to all surrounding areas and townships such as King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Blue Bell, East and West Norriton, Germantown, etc. Here the regional rail can also be taken all the way to 69th Street in Philadelphia.
[edit][add listing] See
Today Norristown may not seem like it has much to offer in attractions, but the entire town is a historical site. It one of the oldest towns of Pennslyvania, it's located right on the Schuylkil River and was named the Central Historic District onthe Nationa Register of Historic Places in 1984. It still feature 19th and 20th centuray architech structual homes and industrial buildings. Most of the original 1784 Town of Norris is included in the old business and government center, whose focal point is the Montgomery County Courthouse. The past and present vitality of the Borough's core is indicated by the variety of buildings in this part of the District: the County jail, the YMCA, the mid-19th-century Odd Fellows Hall, three historic 19th-century churches, and a number of old commercial buildings jnust to name a few.
[edit][add listing] Do
Norristown itself is not a very happening place when it comes to activities and things to do. Because it is such a small area and primarilly populated with residents, most people find their entertainment else where outside the borderlines. As mentioned before, Norristown is nestled right between King of Prussia and Plymouth Meeting no more than 15 minutes from either. These two areas are major developed areas of pure entertaiment. King of Prussia has the second largest mall in the United States, the King of Prussia Mall (Plaza and Courtside, and Plymouth Meeting is home to a smaller scale mall also named after the township (Plymouth Meeting Mall) whihc holds popular stores that the KOP mall does not, but has also recently finished its "ourdoor lifestyle section" of culture inspired restaurants, little shopees, and a Dave and Busters. Both malls also have AMC/United Astist movies theater on the property, not to mention the surrounding businesses that are also cater to food and entertainment needs.
If ever one becomes bored with malls and theaters in a rural setting, it is also very popular to catch the train or take the Blue Route to center city and experience food, fun and of course shopping on a higher scale in an urban neighborhood.
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
There is actually only one motel in the entire town, called the Budget INN. I have posted the address and two post from visitors who stayed there below:
Norristown Budget Inn (610) 279-0150 830 W Main St, Norristown, PA 19401
- User Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
By a Yahoo! Local User 07/12/2006 Resonable: This place has the friendliest staff. They were very helpful in every way they could be. The rooms are small but very clean. Their rate was resonable, it was around 60bucks which is not bad at all. If i was in the area i would deff. go back.
- This place is a dump
By Doris - Oct 5, 2009
Avoid this place at all costs. This place is filthy. The carpet is ancient and walking on it leaves a layer of grease on your feet. The wallpaper was peeling off in places. On top of that, they charged $65 for a couple. Also, not in a very safe area. For your own health and safety, don't stay here.
[edit] Contact
[edit] Get out
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