Once fertile, rich farmland, the area surrounding Norristown has grown and developed into an attractive suburban and residential area for residents who work locally as well as those who commute to Philadelphia. Quiet, shady streets offer a wide range of housing options that vary from moderately-sized rowhomes and townhomes to spacious split-levels, ranches and stately Colonials. Historic Norristown Borough is also the county seat and political center for Montgomery County.