As a home owner of West Norriton, I have to agree with some of the posts but disagree with others..although we are West Norriton Township..we are still close to Norristown, and I currently have a 17YO son who attended Norristown High and placed very well on his SAT's as well as mapping out a future of college for him. He has gotten along fine with his school mates and overall the school district has been fine for him..however the downside is the "city like" atmosphere so close to us, our home is actually on the market currently due to needing more space..but would not "rule out" this area if I was looking to buy without 3 children. Long story short, Norristown isnt terrible, it just depends on what area of it you reside in, good-luck!

Lots of parts of Norristown are awful. I pulled into a gas station a few years ago around 7pm and had some obviously high chick pull up her shirt and ask me if I wanted "some of this" while trying to open my car door and get in. Taxes tend to be high in Norristown. If you're going to be working in that area, Conshohocken is a much better neighborhood, taxes tend to be lower, most places are in better shape but also more expensive. There are a lot of new condos priced at $250K & up from 800 sq ft. or so from DR Horton that probably aren't selling. Check out HomeMarketSite to see asking prices, taxes, HOA fees (if applicable) and how long the places you are looking at have been on the market which may help determine how desparate the seller is and how far below the asking price your offer can be to have a chance to get accepted. From the asking prices around here, people don't seem to realize the market has cooled a lot and lots of places are sitting on the market for a loooooooooong time.

You can probably rent for less than you can buy right now. Other areas that might be worth looking at include Blue Bell, East Norriton, Plymouth Meeting, West Conshohocken, Jeffersonville, Collegeville.

Norristown is considered a "city" area. Similar to Allentown, Reading, and Philly there are the places that you can walk to an the city life. So there are good and bad areas. Some of the lower pricing may be due to a less than desirable area to live. This is not a suburb area. Hope that helps.

Norristown as in many large towns and cities has aspects that affect the price.If price is you main concern,I would advise that you rent for a time and get to know all the surrounding areas.Untill you are better informed. A one year lease is better than a long term purchse commitment.You should seek help with a mortgage pre-approval to better define your price range..If you are a first time buyer FHA may be a good option.Stay away from adjustable mortgages. Residential real estate and mortgae is our specialty,,anywhere in southeastern pa

Hi Karen
As others suggested, I always tell any buyer to drive around the area they are considering moving to. I cover the entire Norristown area, and depending on your price range and needs, there are many options. There are a variety of home types, rows, condos and singles to choose from. I currently have a nice colonial in West Norriton that is up on what we call "short sale". you can see more about this home at http://www.1646cricketterr.com feel free to contact me with any questions. If you already working with an agent, it might be worth considering taking a look at it, discuss it with your agent.

Ron Woytowich
Coldwell Banker Preferred

I can say what the realtors legally can't. There are parts of Norristown that are VERY scary and run down. It's ashame because the area has alot of history and hasn't always been like this... but unfortunately the home prices reflect the condition of that city. Post a little more about your situation, what you are looking for in a home, and your price rane and there are lots of people who would be glad to post some opinions about where you should be looking.

Otherwise, I sgree with the Somers - take a drive through and you'll see why.

Greg - Please check the Trulia guidelines ... at least consider providing some topical information for the public if you're going to solicit phone calls.

Hello Karen,

I am a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty Professionals in East Norriton. We are a leading real esate company in the Norristown area. I would be happy to set up a time to meet with you and discuss your real esates needs. Please feel free to contact me in the office tomorrow. I can be reached at 610-277-5000 Ext. 249 or directly at 610-994-1147.
Thanks
Greg

I would suggest to take a few weekends and drive around the areas and neighborhoods. Also, you can find a good local realtor there by going to http://www.remax.com and search Norristown. Good luck !