Generations of farmers have settled Albany Township
It can take Albany residents more than 20 minutes to reach the nearest grocery store, but along the way, they may pass dairy cows, fields of oats or an apple orchard. This township west of Allentown lacks many stores or restaurants; instead, its businesses are farms and feed stores, many of which have been in the same families for generations. Except for Hawk Mountain to the west, crop fields and pastures dominate Albany’s landscape. When Hallie Kunkel was growing up in the township, she didn’t appreciate the rural setting that forced her to travel 20 minutes to school. However, Kunkel says she has come around on the close-knit community where most residents know each other. “When you’re younger, you see it as not a great thing,” says Kunkel, who works in Albany. “As you get older, you appreciate it more.” Still, Albany isn’t devoid of a social scene, as locals turn out for events such as the annual Kempton Fair and monthly dinners at the fire company.
Hawk Mountain rises above Albany with overlooks across farms and forest.
Albright’s Mill storefront has welcomed Albany customers since 1964.
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Abundance of land defines local real estate market
Most homes come with at least 3 acres, and more than 200 properties have 10 or more acres. Barns stand behind stone Colonial Revivals built in the 1800s, and ranch-style homes are perched on hilltops. Some houses in the communities of Kempton and Stony Brook are exceptions to Albany’s spacious lots; historic houses were built in tight rows along a highway in these village centers. Prices usually range from $250,000 to $450,000. However, a few large custom homes and antique properties from the 1700s have cost between $725,000 and $1.7 million. The CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Albany country homes often sit on 3 to over 10 acres with long driveways.
Albany homes sit along quiet country roads, with prices typically ranging from $250k to $450k.
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Children zoned to Kutztown Area School District
Students have to go outside the community to attend public schools. Greenwich-Lenhartsville Elementary School is just south of the township, while Kutztown Area Middle School is 8 miles outside of Albany. Both schools get B grades from Niche. Kutztown Area High School, located next to the middle school, receives a B-plus. The high school’s internship program lets teens earn course credits while working paid or unpaid internships. There’s even a Career Exploration Internship that allows students to intern in different fields throughout the school year.
Kutztown Area Middle School features an 11 to 1 student to teacher ratio.
Kutztown Area High School near Albany offers a Career Exploration Internship program.
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Hawk Mountain, Leaser Lake among recreation spots
Those who join the Kempton Community Center can play tennis outside and pickleball inside. Next to the community center, an old depot sells tickets for the WK&S Railroad, a 40-minute train ride through the region’s pastures and hillsides. More than 8 miles of trails wind through Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, leading to rocky points overlooking the rest of Albany. The sanctuary was founded to research and protect various raptor species, and visitors may see eagles, hawks and falcons flying around the mountain. State Game Lands No. 106 encompasses nearly 10,000 acres of land conserved for hunting. However, Kunkel says people typically hunt on private land owned by friends or family. Anglers can head north of the township to fish at Leaser Lake, she adds. People may bring paddleboards, kayaks and sailboats to the 117-acre lake.
Hawk Mountain near Albany offers miles of trails where visitors can spot local raptors.
Leaser Lake sits just north of Albany for fishing, paddling, and family picnics.
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Events include the Kempton Fair, spaghetti nights at the fire station
A carnival held in 1957 kicked off an annual tradition now known as the Kempton Fair. For three days in June, tractor pulls, livestock shows and line dancing draw crowds to the Kempton Community Center. During the rest of the year, locals can gather at the Kempton Fire Co.’s monthly spaghetti suppers. The volunteer fire company frequently hosts dinners, auctions and vendor fairs, with demand often outpacing the number of tickets. “If I wanted to get a ticket, I’d have to get on a waiting list and wait until someone gives up their tickets,” Kunkel says.
Historic businesses in Kempton and farm stands in the countryside
Albany’s few businesses are clustered in Kempton. Albright’s Mill has made and sold livestock feed since the 1880s, while across the street, The Kempton Hotel has served meals and drinks since 1874. The bar and restaurant also hosts weekly eight-ball pool tournaments. Locals can get fresh food from the farms in the area, such as milk and eggs from the self-service store at BAD Farm, but they have to drive a few miles to reach a grocery store. About 10 minutes away in Hamburg, there are Weis Markets, Walmart and other retail chains. It takes at least 30 minutes to get to St. Luke’s Miners Campus, a hospital in Coaldale.
BAD Farm’s self‑serve store offers local milk and eggs in Albany.
Weis Markets in Hamburg is about 10 minutes from Albany for weekly groceries.
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Nearby I-78 provides a route to Allentown
State highways such as Pennsylvania Route 737 ramble through Albany and connect its various communities. To the south, Interstate 78 passes the township on its way to Allentown, 25 miles away. Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown offers nonstop flights to more than a dozen cities, including Chicago, Denver and Orlando.
I‑78 just south of Albany connects to Allentown about 25 miles away.
Lehigh Valley International Airport is near Albany for regional flights.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Dan Mack
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Todd Sell,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Welcome to your private retreat on 16 sprawling acres with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Hawk Mountain’s peak. Set back on a private drive, this custom-built ranch home (2001) offers over 3,000 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, seamlessly blending comfort, function, and flexibility.Inside, the home showcases a gorgeous custom kitchen,
If you’ve been searching for the perfect blend of seclusion, scenery, and year-round outdoor enjoyment, this property delivers. With a balance of open fields and wooded cover, it sets the stage for a dream homesite or recreational retreat. Gentle slopes rise to a flat buildable area overlooking fertile farmland, offering breathtaking views and a quiet backdrop for a future residence or
Your rare opportunity has presented itself. Boasting 12.55 beautiful serene acres of agricultural/residential Bliss. Did you ever stay at a lodge or cabin and not want to leave? Do you love a rugged and rustic architectural design. Welcome to Little Round Top Road. Your piece of paradise boasting 5 Bedrooms and 2 full baths is coming soon. The tree lined rural driveway leads you to this
Welcome to your private retreat on 16 sprawling acres with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Hawk Mountain’s peak. Set back on a private drive, this custom-built ranch home (2001) offers over 3,000 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, seamlessly blending comfort, function, and flexibility.Inside, the home showcases a gorgeous custom kitchen,
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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