Stowe is a quiet community just outside of Pottstown
Stowe spans just 1.5 square miles on the western border of Montgomery County in West Pottsgrove Township, but this census-designated place 2 miles west of downtown Pottstown is no blip on the radar. About 3,700 people live in Stowe, reaping the benefits of the area's proximity to an array of amenities one would expect to find around the county's largest borough. With a cost of living far lower than the national average, Stowe residents enjoy affordable living in comparison to many northeastern communities while still benefiting from walkability, convenience and a small-town vibe along the Schuylkill River.
Stowe offers affordability and a mishmash of styles for homebuyers
Excluding its southern end, which is largely industrial, Stowe contains a hodgepodge of home styles along its gridded streets. Homes east of Grosstown Road are typically more established with many being over a century old. West of Grosstown Road, mid-century homes line Sylvan Drive and Dori Lane, while New Traditional homes with Craftsman elements have taken root along Shane Drive. Many homes price between $100,000 and $200,000, though newer builds with ample square footage can range from $300,000 to $500,000. Given its proximity to downtown Pottstown, Stowe's housing market is much more competitive than the national average. "You have to mention downtown whenever you're talking about any Pottstown neighborhood," says local Realtor Jennifer Davidheiser of The Real Estate Professionals — a family-owned firm established in the Pottstown area 30 years ago. "We're seeing values go right up in the surrounding neighborhoods because of downtown."
Students are zoned to the B-plus-graded Pottsgrove School District
Stowe students are served by the Pottsgrove School District, which earns an overall grade of B-plus from Niche. The school district has a total student population of about 3,000 across five schools — three elementary, one middle and one high school. Students from kindergarten through Grade 2 go to either West Pottsgrove Elementary School or Ringing Rocks Elementary School before advancing to Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School for Grades 3 through 5. The school district boasts an average student-teacher ratio of 14-1, making for a more personalized learning experience.
The Schuylkill River Trail offers picturesque views of the area's natural terrain
For outdoor recreation, Stowe locals typically take advantage of the small pocket parks scattered around the community, like Howard Street Park and Vine Street Park. Memorial Park also sits a mile east of Stowe, containing splash pad and several baseball fields alongside a BMX track and skatepark for riders and skaters alike. On Stowe's southside, residents can access the Schuylkill River Trail. Built over abandoned railroad lines, the paved and crushed stone trail is expected to span over 120 miles upon completion.
Bock Fest is Stowe's premier event
When it comes to community events, Bock Fest is Stowe's granddaddy of them all. Hosted by Sly Fox Brewing Company on Circle of Progress Drive, the all-day event takes place on the first Sunday in May, featuring live musical performances, food trucks and signature goat races. Downtown Pottstown also hosts an array of events. One of the most notable is the annual Pottstown Rumble — a three-day spectacle held in Memorial Park regarded as one of the largest volleyball tournaments in the country.
Stores and restaurants line High Street in Stowe and downtown Pottstown
Residents are only a short drive away from food retailers. Walmart Supercenter and Aldi sit under a mile east, while additional big-box stores are found 2 miles north at the Upland Square shopping mall. Closer to home, locals can find convenience stores and other local shops along High Street. Stowe isn't known for any one particular type of cuisine, but independent eateries are the lifeblood for many of its residents. On Vine Street, Santina's Kitchen is revered for its pizza and cheesesteaks, while El Limon on High Street is the top spot for Mexican fare. Locals also venture 2 miles east into downtown Pottstown to try a variety of different flavors, from zesty Jamaican food at Island Pride to the Asian-fused offerings at The Blue Elephant.
Stowe is walkable with some public transportation options
Stowe's streets are lined with sidewalks, so locals do have the option of getting around on food. However, many residents choose to navigate by car, especially with such easy access to major roads and highways. Route 100 runs just a mile east of Stowe, connecting locals to numerous communities in Eastern Pennsylvania. Route 422 also passes along Stowe's southside, feeding directly into Reading 17 miles west. Public transportation options are limited, though the PART bus does include multiple stops within Stowe. The Pottstown Municipal Airport also sits on the northside. However, most residents travel to Allentown 30 miles north to fly out of Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Crime
According to the CAP Index, crime in Stowe is slightly lower than the national average, earning a crime score of 3 out of 10. Violent crime is exceptionally rare throughout West Pottsgrove Township. Per public crime statistics provided by the West Pottsgrove Township Police Department, 2023 saw a grand total of just 143 Part I offenses. Theft, the township's most common offense, resulted in just 120 incidents. Crime exists in any community, but Stowe is particularly quiet on that front.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
