Suburban Philly Community Named Among 10 Best Small Towns In America

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The ever-growing and revitalizing hub that is Phoenixville is getting some well-earned national recognition.

The community on the banks of the Schuylkill River has been named one of America's 10 best small towns in a new review by Travel and Leisure magazine.

In fact, the Steel City came out on top of the entire list.

“Phoenixville is a town that got knocked down—and then turned that comeback into a community-wide celebration,” Casey Gaddy, realtor at The Gaddy Group, told Travel and Leisure, referencing the closure of the Phoenix Steel Company in the 1980s.

Rather than damning Phoenixville in perpetuity, however, the town has latched on to its industrial heritage, using its history, distinctive architecture, and community strength to steadily grow.

“What used to be steel and soot is now sidewalk cafés, murals, music, and pizzazz," Gaddy added. “Come First Friday, Bridge Street shuts down and becomes a block party, music spills out of storefronts, and families explore among art vendors."

In putting together their list, Travel and Leisure selected towns based on access to health and educational facilities, green spaces, cultural opportunities, and affordable housing.

Phoenixville was joined in the top 10 by West Richland, Washington, Belmont, North Carolina, Lambertville, New Jersey, Frisco, Colorado, Penngrove, California, Maplewood, Missouri, Lewes, Delaware, Campton Hills, Illinois, and Campton Hill, Illinois.

Read the full Travel and Leisure piece here.