👋Good Morning, Upper Merion!
Still riding high from Sunday’s epic victory? Us too! Couldn’t care less about football (or the Eagles)? No judgement here. There is a wide variety of local happenings in the area to keep you entertained this week!
Looking for local spots with the best specials, or maybe you are a local business with some great offers to share? Come check out our group that’s about all things FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS. Businesses post daily specials and foodies get to discover their next favorite deal. It’s a win/win.
What we’re spotlighting:
💡King Shooters Supply Grand Opening: Expanded Facilities and Exciting Giveaways
💡Wassail, Apples, and Local History: The Rambo Legacy
💡Support Night to Shine: Celebrate Guests and Caregivers
💡Last Chance: Early Bird Lacrosse Discount Ends January 31st
💡Rising Voices Competition: Calling 5th–12th Graders
💡Where to find the cookie booths this weekend
Ciao for now!
Corey | Chief Spotlighter 💡
P.S. Got some local events we should know about? Click the button below and let us know. It’s your newsletter, after all! 😊
In This Issue of the Upper Merion Area Spotlight:
🏘️ Real Estate and Housing Insights
🔍 Your Community Close-Up
📅 Lifestyle and Local Happenings
📝 Community Services and Resources
☀️ Upper Merion Weather
🏡 How Much Equity Do Upper Merion Area Homeowners Have? Let’s Find Out
Brought to you by our sponsor, Carolyn Kaufmann, Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line
1. Recent Home Price Appreciation
The Upper Merion area, including King of Prussia, Bridgeport, and parts of West Conshohocken, has experienced steady home price growth over the past 5–10 years, driven by:
Proximity to major highways like the Schuylkill Expressway
Destinations such as the King of Prussia Mall
New residential and commercial developments
💰 Moderate Growth:
Home values have appreciated 10% to 20% in the last five years.
Recent Trends: Strong demand has driven many homes to sell at above-asking prices, particularly single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.
2. Types of Properties and Equity Levels
Single-Family Homes:
Price Range: $300,000 to $600,000
Example: A home bought for $400,000 with a 15% appreciation could have gained $60,000 in equity, not including principal repayment.
Townhomes/Rowhomes:
Price Range: $250,000 to $450,000
Example: A townhome purchased for $350,000 with 10-15% appreciation may have gained $35,000 to $50,000 in equity.
Condos and Apartments:
Price Range: $150,000 to $350,000
Example: Condos near high-demand areas (like the mall) have seen moderate appreciation but still provide equity growth.
3. Impact of Mortgage Rates on Equity
Many homeowners benefited from historically low mortgage rates over the past few years, building equity faster by allocating more payments toward the principal.
Example:
A homeowner in King of Prussia who bought for $350,000 with a 3% mortgage rate and a 20% down payment started with $70,000 in equity. With price appreciation and regular payments, they could now have several hundred thousand dollars in equity.
In Summary:
Homeowners in the Upper Merion Area are sitting on solid equity gains due to steady home appreciation, low inventory, and strong buyer demand.
💡 Equity Ranges:
For many, equity falls between $40,000 to $100,000, depending on purchase timing, property type, and appreciation rates.
Would you like a deeper look into how specific neighborhoods in Lower Merion have performed, or do you need help with calculating your own home equity? Connect with Carolyn!
Are You:
🤔 Curious about real-time market activity in your neighborhood?
💰 Looking to find out your home’s value in minutes?
📋 Interested in viewing all active and coming soon listings?
🏠 Looking to help someone buy or sell a home in Upper Merion?
SPONSORED BY: Carolyn Kaufmann, Realtor
If you answered yes to any of the above, CLICK HERE to connect with Carolyn, your trusted local expert for all things Real Estate in Upper Merion!
Keller Williams Main Line
Brought to you by MainLineJobs.com | Local jobs, for local residents, run by local companies.
King Shooters Supply Grand Opening: Expanded Facilities and Exciting Giveaways
Flyer courtesty of King Shooters Supply Facebook Page
King Shooters Supply is hosting a grand opening on February 2, 2025, from noon to 6 PM, celebrating their new building addition, which includes a second indoor shooting range, expanded rear parking with a new entrance, and a front sidewalk. The event features a live broadcast by Nick Kayal from 1210 WPHT (2–4 PM), a firearm raffle sponsored by FOAC Institute with two Glock 43x pistols, a range membership giveaway, door prizes, store-wide discounts, and Zac’s Burgers Food Truck on-site.
See their offical announcement HERE.
Wassail, Apples, and Local History: The Rambo Legacy
The King of Prussia Historical Society shares the fascinating tradition of orchard wassailing, a centuries-old custom to bless apple crops for a fruitful harvest. Participants gather in orchards to sing, make noise, and toast the trees with cider or wassail. This tradition, originating in Southern England, has spread globally and includes events like Princeton, NJ’s annual Orchard Wassail. Locally, the Rambo family, early settlers of Swedesburg, brought apple seeds from Sweden in the 1600s, giving rise to the Rambo apple—a variety still grown today. Discover this and more about the Rambo legacy on the King of Prussia Historical Society's Facebook page.
Support Night to Shine: Celebrate Guests and Caregivers
Image courtesty of Night To Shine KOP Facebook Page
Hope Community Church’s 10th annual Night to Shine will take place on February 7, 2025. This prom night for people with special needs (14+) includes VIP experiences, dancing, karaoke, and a special Caregiver Lounge, a respite space for parents and caregivers featuring a catered meal, coffee bar, live music, and raffles. The event is free, and raffle basket donations for the Caregiver Lounge are needed to show appreciation for caregivers.
Learn more at nighttoshinekop.com, email [email protected], or contribute via this raffle donation form.
Last Chance: Early Bird Lacrosse Discount Ends January 31st
Flyer courtesy of the Upper Merion Lacrosse Club Facebook Page
Don’t miss out! The early bird discount for K-8 boys and girls lacrosse sign-ups ends January 31st. Secure your spot and save by registering today! Lacrosse is a fantastic way for kids to stay active, learn teamwork, and have fun. Sign up now at https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/457497 and get ready for an exciting season on the field! 🥍
Rising Voices Competition: Calling 5th–12th Graders
Get ready for the first-ever UMPA Rising Voices Competition, a new local series bringing our community together through music and performance. Here’s what you need to know:
Who Can Participate: Open to 5th–12th grade students in our area.
How It Works: Audience members decide the winners — $1 = 1 vote.
Prizes:
Top 5 performers: Future opportunities to perform with UMPA.
Top contestant: Monetary prize.
Sign Up: Only 12 spots remain! Closes February 12th or when full. Sign up here.
Event Leadership:
Director: Nir Kitaro
Producer: Daniel Isajiw
UMPA has even more exciting opportunities coming up! For details, visit www.umperformingarts.com.
Celebrating Cookie Season - And The Businesses Hosting Them
Cookie season is officially underway, and it’s always an exciting time for the community. A HUGE THANK YOU to the businesses hosting cookie booths this year. Booths are a big commitment, and their support means so much as fewer locations are able to participate. Check out the list below to find a booth near you, grab your favorite cookies, and show your appreciation for these local businesses that make it all possible!
If you’re crunched for time or want no part of getting out in this blustery weather (who could blame you) you can also order online HERE. Delivery is available for Upper Merion Township, and the Boroughs of Bridgeport and West Conshy.
Please Note: Many variables, including weather, can affect the operational times of the booths
Cookie Booth Locations & Times (Jan 31 - Feb 2)🍪🍪
📍 Walmart
🕒 Saturday & Sunday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 Michaels
🕒 Friday | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
🕒 Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📍 Liquor Store
🕒 Friday | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🕒 Saturday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🕒 Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 UPS Store
🕒 Saturday | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
📍 Kunda Beverage
🕒 Saturday | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
📍 KOP Beer
🕒 Friday | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Workhorse Brewing
🕒 Saturday | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
🕒 Sunday | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
📍 Dunkin
🕒 Saturday & Sunday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Famous George's
🕒 Friday | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
🕒 Saturday | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Want The Spotlight?
We love sharing community events for free. For businesses looking for extra visibility, our spotlight features are available, perfect for highlighting what makes you special.
Interested? E-mail us: [email protected]
SPECIAL EVENTS
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Live Music: Richie Angelucci
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Dan Ward
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:00 PM20th Century Music Trivia
📍 Workhorse Brewing | 🕒 6:30 PMTrivia with Mark Shepperd
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 7:00 PMMusic Bingo
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Live Music: Danny Lynch
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:30 PMOpen Mic Night
📍 118 North | 🕒 7:00 PMLive Music: DEEJ
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMQuizzo
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Live Music: Jack Mangene
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Dan Rendine
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:30 PMLive Music: Bloom & Decay Band
📍 118 North | 🕒 8:00 PMRum Tasting (Complimentary)
📍 Paladar | 🕒 5:00 - 6:30 PMLive Music: Danny Lynch Project
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 6:30 - 9:00 PMLive Music: Sounds of Phoenix
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
Friday, January 31, 2025
Live Music: Jon Ditcher
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Dave Cudrak
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:30 PMLive Music: Steve Tesluk
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Tommy Conwell & Houserockers
📍 118 North | 🕒 9:00 PMLive Music: Acoustic Happy Hour Featuring Sean Breslin
📍 Workhorse Brewing | 🕒 5:00 - 7:00 PMLive Music: Velvet Snow Duo
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMLive Music: Chillin' with Charlie
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
RECURRING/UPCOMING EVENTS
Upper Merion Camera Club
📍Upper Merion Baptist Church (Room 25) | 📅 Wednesdays | 🕒 7 PMONLINE cooking class: Italian Winter Favorites
📍 Sur La Table | 📅 View Available ClassesADULT Climbing and Fitness
📍 Reach Climbing and Fitness | 📅 View CalendarClassroom Instruction
📍 Kings Shooters Supply | 📅 View ClassesRange Instruction
📍 Kings Shooters Supply | 📅 View ClassesIn Store Cooking Classes
📍 Sur La Table | 📅 View Available ClassesDaily Orientation Film
📍The Theatre at Valley Forge | 🕒 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. | every ½ hour | watch onlineBird Watching
📍 John James Audubon Center | 🕒 Trail and Museum HoursArt Exhibitions
📍Jenkins Arboretum | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
📍 Upper Merion Community Center | Business hours
KID Climbing and Fitness
📍 Reach Climbing and Fitness | 📅 View CalendarBluey CAMP Experience
📍 King of Prussia Mall | 📅 Check Schedule
QUIZZO
📍 TJ’s Restaurant and Drinkery | 📅 Tuesdays | 🕒 7-9 PM19th Annual Revolutionary Run
📍 Valley Forge National Historic Park | 📅 April 13th | 🕛 8:30 AM
LOOKING FOR A BIGGER ADVENTURE?
Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line’s Exclusive Disney+ Subscriber Offer!
Disney+ subscribers, here’s your chance to create magical memories at sea! For sailings from January 3 through June 13, 2025, third and fourth Guests (ages 17 and under) can sail for half price when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom.
Choose from select cruises aboard the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish.
Don’t miss this limited-time offer to set sail on a Disney Cruise Line adventure filled with unforgettable experiences for the whole family!
Have questions? Contact the Pros ([email protected]) to see how you can take advantage of this new promotion!
👇Don’t see your event listed? Click here to add your event(s). 👇
UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
Monday, January 27, 2025
Beginner Chess Club
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 January 27, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📚 Categories: Elementary School
👥 Audience: Elementary School
Knit Nite
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 January 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Adult
👥 Audience: Adult
Family Occupation Exploration
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 27, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📚 Categories: Middle School
👥 Audience: Middle SchoolWednesday, January 22, 2025
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Preschool Storytime - Winter Wonders
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 28, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: Preschool
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 January 28, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Teen Programs
👥 Audience: Teens
Adult Book Discussion: 'The Night Circus'
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 January 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📚 Categories: Book Discussions
👥 Audience: Adults
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Toddler Storytime - Animal Adventures
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 29, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: Toddlers
STEAM Club: Building Bridges
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 January 29, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Children's Programs
👥 Audience: Elementary School
Evening Yoga for Adults
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 January 29, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📚 Categories: Health & Wellness
👥 Audience: Adults
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Family Storytime - Snowy Stories
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 30, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: Families
Chess Club for Kids
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 January 30, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Children's Programs
👥 Audience: Elementary School
Author Talk: Local History with John Smith
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 January 30, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Author Events
👥 Audience: Adults
For event details and a full look at the event calendar, click here.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Programming for Seniors
📍Upper Merion Senior Center | 🔗 Visit Website | 📅 View CalendarRambler Informational Session
📍Upper Merion Senior Center | 📅 February 5th | 🕛 11:00 AMGroup Exercise
📍Upper Merion Community Center | 📅 Today’s classesOpen Gym
📍Upper Merion Community Center | 🕒 Today’s Open Gym TimesWinter/Spring Programming Guide
MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS
UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP
Click HERE for community resources
BRIDGEPORT BOROUGH
Click HERE for community resources
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN BOROUGH
No meetings scheduled
Click HERE for community resources
🌤️ Upper Merion Weather Outlook: Your Week at a Glance
Tuesday: ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | High: 36°F | Low: 27°F
Wednesday: ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | High: 44°F | Low: 23°F
Thursday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 34°F | Low: 28°F
Friday: ☁️ Cloudy | High: 43°F | Low: 29°F
Saturday: 🌧️ Light Rain | High: 38°F | Low: 29°F
Sunday: 🌧️ Light Rain | High: 43°F | Low: 34°F
HOW DID WE DO?