Phoenixville Named Among Pennsylvania's Top 16 Small Cities

Steel City charm is getting some recognition around the state.

Phoenixville has been named among the top 16 “small cities” in all of Pennsylvania by 101usa.com.

The borough made the cut at number 10 on the list.

Among many of the attractions of Phoenixville, the Phoenixville Historic District was specifically cited as a reason for the borough’s inclusion ont he list.

101 USA writes:

Like many American towns and cities, Phoenixville owes its growth to its waterways. It is not only situated on the broad Schuylkill River, a historic thoroughfare to Native Americans and early settlers alike, but it is bisected by the fast-flowing French Creek, which was quickly harnessed for water power.

Much of this history was recognized by the creation of the Phoenixville Historic District, the largest National Register of Historic Places site in Chester County. The Black Rock Bridge, Gay Street School, and Schuylkill Navigation Canal, Oakes Reach Section are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

The religious variety (33 different places of worship), community events (Halloween parade, Firebird festival, First Friday), and industrial history of Phoenixville were all noted in the ranking.

Nearby, several local communities made the cut:

6. West Chester

8. Drexel Hill

11. Willow Grove

It’s not the first regional or national distinction for the borough in recent months. The Schuylkill River Trail was just named the best urban trail in the United States.