Norristown, PA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Norristown is a small city 15 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Retirees have many benefits if they choose to live in the Norristown area. Taxes in Virginia are very favorable for seniors as retirement income is not taxed and there are rebate programs for property taxes. There are several activities for active adults near town and Philadelphia is a short drive away for those wanting to spend the day exploring the city.

Climate & Geography

Located on the banks of the Schuylkill River about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Norristown is in a humid subtropical climate. The area sees about 16 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of July. Winter temperatures average from 24° to 37° and average annual snow accumulations of 2 inches. Summer in Norristown is hot with summer temperatures averaging 68° to 86°.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There are a variety of leisure options for active adults in the Norristown area, including:

Art & performances

• • The Barn Playhouse performing arts theatre
  • Theatre Horizon

Historical sites and museums

• • Selma Mansion

Outdoor activities

• • Elmwood Park Zoo
  • Treetop Adventures

Cost of Living & Taxes

Pennsylvania is tax-friendly toward retirees as they do not tax retirement income including pensions, social security, 401Ks, or IRAs. For those still working, the income tax rate is a flat 3.07 percent. Property taxes in Pennsylvania are higher than the national average but do vary by county. Seniors 65+ are eligible to a rebate on property taxes if they meet income requirements. The sales tax in Pennsylvania is 6% with a 1% local tax for purchases in Allegheny County and a 2% added tax for purchases in Philadelphia.

Norristown’s cost of living is 11% higher than the national average, primarily due to grocery and housing costs. Property taxes in Norristown average 1.29% of a property’s assessed fair market value.

Health Care

The three highest rated hospitals within 10 miles of Norristown are:

Main Line Health Paoli Hospital is a 226 bed Level II trauma center that is ranked as one of the top 15 hospitals in Pennsylvania and has received numerous awards for patient care and excellence.

Main Line Health Bryn Mawr Hospital, a 287 bed hospital that has been rated high performing by U.S. News & World Reports in multiple areas of care.

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery is 171 bed hospital that has received awards from American Heart/Stroke Association, American College of Surgeons, American College of Radiology and more.