King of Prussia, PA

The city of King of Prussia is located in Upper Merion Township in Montgomery County, just east of Philadelphia. The area covers about 8.5 square miles of land and has a population of more than 19,000 people. The community took its name in the 18th century from a local tavern named "The King of Prussia Inn," which was named for Frederick II, King of Prussia. Like the rest of Montgomery County, King of Prussia continues to experience rapid development.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

With the median household income and home value above the state average and unemployment below the state average, King of Prussia has a strong economy. Retail businesses are responsible for many of the jobs in the area, due to the presence of the King of Prussia Mall.

The area is home to hundreds of other businesses that serve as major employers for the region. These include Lockheed Martin, General Electric, AT&T Wireless, Tozour-Trane, and MAACO Auto Paint & Auto Body Repair Service.

SHOPPING

King of Prussia is best known for its King of Prussia Mall and its proximity to Philadelphia. The city is one of the major outskirts of Philadelphia where a number of high end stores are located. The King of Prussia Mall is the largest shopping mall in terms of the leasable retail space in the United States. The mall features more than 400 stores, restaurants and boutiques. One of its main features is that it provides tax-free clothes and shoes. The King of Prussia Mall also has hotel partners, including the Radisson Hotel Forge, which is located in the Valley Forge National Park and features world-class ballrooms, such as the new Waterford Ballroom.

EDUCATION

The Upper Merion Area School District serves King of Prussia residents with four grade schools, one middle school and one high school. There are no post-secondary schools in King of Prussia, but colleges and universities close to the city include the following:

• Eastern College in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania, about three miles away.
• Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, about five miles away.
• Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, about nine miles away.
• Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania, about 13 miles away.
• Saint Josephs University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 14 miles away.
• Immaculata College in Immaculata, Pennsylvania, about 14 miles away.
• Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles away.

BEST BETS

• Valley Forge National Park is the location where the Continental Army spent the winter of 1777 and 1778. The site has an interpretation of the encampment and contains historic buildings, memorials, recreational facilities and museums. With activities held year-round, miles of hiking and biking trails and thousands of acres of land, the park draws more than one million visitors annually.
• Upper Merion Township Building and Park is an office building located at the center of a scenic park with a playground, walking path and open fields. The building is open to visitors during traditional working hours, while the park is open from dusk to dawn each day. The park is also a center for several activities and festivals held each summer.
• Shannondell Performing Arts Center is home to the King of Prussia Players, a performance troupe that has put on productions such as Crazy for You and Guys and Dolls.
• Jenkins Arboretum is about a mile south of King of Prussia. This botanical garden is dedicated to the preservation of nearly 50 acres of natural habitat. The Arboretum features lectures, workshops and more than a mile of paved walkways. It is open every day at no charge to the public. No dogs are allowed in the Arboretum.

EVENTS

• Earth Week is celebrated in April of each year and is designed to renew awareness and interest in revitalizing and protecting the planet. Held at the Upper Merion Township Building Park Gazebo, the festival includes arts and crafts, environmental exhibits, a poster contest and much more.
• Arbor Day is held on the final Friday of every April and is celebrated by the planting of new trees at Upper Merion Township Building Park. Residents who want to honor and memorialize loved ones are encouraged to participate.
• Concerts Under the Stars are held every Sunday night from May through August at the Upper Merion Township Building Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and listen to the stylings of local musicians. The King of Prussia's official Web site has ticket information.
• Independence Day is celebrated at Heuser Park with an evening of fun and entertainment, including a parade, live music, food and fireworks.
• Upper Merion Community Fair is held each September at the Upper Merion Township Building Park and includes games, refreshments, booths and music.