Carroll Valley blends mountain views with small-town charm
At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the borough of Carroll Valley exudes a serene and picturesque atmosphere, deeply rooted in the area’s natural landscapes and semi-rural charm. The community, established in 1974, is dedicated to maintaining its 5.5 square miles of farmland, orchards, mountains, and meadows. The presence of Liberty Mountain Resort brings a seasonal vibrancy to the area, significantly boosting the local economy by attracting skiers and snowboarders during the winter months. Carroll Valley is also home to three picturesque lakes: Lake Kay, Lake Carroll Lake May, providing tranquil settings for fishing and boating. Additionally, Tom's Creek, which flows north-south through the community, adds to the area’s natural landscape; however, it also poses a flood risk to nearby homes during periods of high water. State Route 16 connects Carroll Valley residents to surrounding major cities, including Baltimore, about 60 miles southeast, and Harrisburg, 60 miles northeast.
Popular lakes and park spaces provide outdoor recreation
Carroll Valley features several park spaces that offer a variety of recreational activities. Carroll Commons, centrally located in the borough, features a playground, athletic courts and a walking path that crosses Tom's Creek and leads to Lake Carroll. The lake is popular for fishing, but boating is not allowed. Carroll Commons hosts community events, including a July 4th celebration, Easter Egg Hunt, and Trunk or Treat. Adjacent to Carroll Commons is the Carroll Valley Library, a free public library. On the south side of the borough, Ranch Trail Commons offers playgrounds, athletic fields and a gravel walking path. Local boaters can launch into both Lake Kay, located on the borough’s north side, and Lake May, a slightly larger lake to the south. The 2-mile, forested Trout Run Trail weaves along Lake Kay.
Liberty Mountain Resort and Gettysburg attract visitors
A major draw of living in Carroll Valley is being near Liberty Mountain Resort, a local ski destination. Winter sports lovers can ski down a 1,190-foot mountain and explore 100 acres of skiable terrain. The resort features eight chairlifts, a snowtubing park and options for night skiing. In the summer, visitors can take to the links at Carroll Valley Golf Course, which offers an 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.
Carroll Valley residents also live close to the historic town of Gettysburg, located about 10 miles away. History buffs can visit Gettysburg National Military Park, where they can tour the famous Civil War battlefield and visit the interactive museum. Additionally, visitors can explore the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
Cabins and Colonial-styles offer mountainside escapes
The housing market in Carroll Valley is characterized by a diverse range of styles and a strong sense of community. With 93% of residents owning their homes, the market is quite stable, and houses typically sell after an average of 33 days. While the median sale price is around $345,000, there is a broad range of price tags for potential buyers. Ranch-style homes, typically starting in size of less than 1,000 and going up to 2,000 square feet, can cost $125,000 to $335,000. For those seeking more space, 1,500- to 3,000-square-foot two-level chalets and cabin-style homes are priced between $250,000 and $475,000. Some cabin properties are tucked away in the woods on a couple of acres, providing a serene and private setting. Additionally, contemporary colonial-style and Craftsman homes, including new constructions, offer larger living spaces of around 2,000 to more than 4,000 square feet. Prices can vary from $475,000 to around $750,000. Some of these more spacious properties are secluded on one of the borough's lakes or situated alongside the Carroll Valley Golf Course.
Local diners offer different cuisines and atmospheres
When it comes to dining out locally, the borough features a handful of local eateries. On Carroll Valley’s north side, Sander’s serves a wide range of menu items, from Mexican-inspired dishes like fajitas and tacos to Italian-inspired plates like lasagna and fettuccini alfredo. They also serve Hershey’s ice cream from a side window, allowing for a post-meal sweet treat. Taverna 5450 offers American fare in an intimate setting with dark wood interior decor, as well as patio seating. On the south side of the borough, Frontier BarBQ is a popular spot for wood-smoked barbecue platters. The cash-only establishment is known for its Apple Jack Ribs. While there are no grocery stores within Carroll Valley, residents can head to the neighboring town of Emmitsburg, about three miles away, where there's Jubilee Foods. For other home necessities, Walmart is about 15 miles away.
Fairfield schools keep students together from K through 12
The Fairfield Area School District serves Carroll Valley, enrolling less than 950 students that remain together from elementary through high school. Students can begin at Fairfield Elementary School, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche, before advancing to Fairfield Area Middle School, which has a C-plus. Fewer than 300 students attend Fairfield Area High School, which holds a B-minus rating. The high school provides an unobstructed view of the ski slopes of Liberty Mountain, adding a natural backdrop to students’ educational experience.
State Route 16 serves the area, and crime rates are low
State Route 116 and State Route 16 serve the community, connecting residents to nearby areas and highways. U.S. Route 15, about 3 miles east of town, leads commuters to major interstates and cities. Harrisburg is about 60 miles northeast, Baltimore is 60 miles southeast, and Washington DC is a 75-mile south. For further travel, all three cities have international airports. There is no public bus or train service Carroll Valley, so residents here rely on personal vehicles to get around.
According to data submitted to the FBI from 2022 to 2023, the most recent data on record, Carroll Valley has a significantly lower crime rate than both the state and national averages. However, in 2023, the borough experienced a rise in crimes related to burglary and theft, bringing these specific crime rates in line with state and national numbers.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
