Before he helped save multiple species of endangered birds and championed the passage of the Endangered Species Act, conservationist Robert Porter Allen developed a love for nature growing up at a riverside home in Armstrong. More than a century later, the Pennsylvania township south of Williamsport can still stoke a similar affinity for the outdoors through the conserved areas spread across its rugged hills. The spot where Porter Allen grew up is now a nature area where hikers can see more than 100 species of birds, and even the water filtration plant in Armstrong has popular walking trails winding through its property. Recreation opportunities are the highlight of Armstrong, which is mostly uninhabited forests broken up by small clusters of houses. The township neighbors South Williamsport, a more developed borough where people go for restaurants, shops and events.
Rustic farm buildings can be scene at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area, near Armstrong.
Armstrong residents enjoy the fresh air while walking at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area.
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Hiking through wetlands, historical sites
Robert Porter Allen Natural Area conserves a swath of wetlands alongside the West Branch Susquehanna River. The group that oversees the park has secured county and state grants as part of an ongoing project to restore habitats, flesh out the trail system and create a spot where paddlers can launch onto the river. The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority watershed on Mosquito Valley Road doubles as a nature preserve. Members of the public can park on site, check in on the water authority’s website and hike behind the Water Filtration Plant. A trail through the woods passes remnants of a century-old settlement, including a schoolhouse and farms. To the north, State Game Lands No. 126 encompasses nearly 600 forested acres set aside by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Hunters can see deer, squirrels and turkeys, and birdwatchers may spot bald eagles. A mile north of the township, the large South Williamsport Park Complex encompasses playgrounds, baseball fields and a dog park. The park connects with Robert Porter Allen Natural Area by a roughly 2-mile trail. In between the two parks, Central PA Tennis Center operates six indoor courts where members and nonmembers alike can play and take classes.
Hidden amongst the trees, Armstrong residents can hike the Williamsport Water Authority Trails.
While walking the trails at the Williamsport Water Authority Trails, Armstrong locals have great mountain views.
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Acre-plus lots in the Pennsylvania hills
Homes are concentrated in the northern half of Armstrong, closer to the development along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Groups of ranch homes and mobile homes are scattered around the township, with houses typically spaced out on lots of at least an acre. Home sales are rare in Armstrong, and there may be only one home on the market at any given time. Prices generally range from about $150,000 to $400,000. Mosquito Valley Road follows the general path of Mosquito Creek, which is surrounded by flood zones. Houses along Mosquito Valley Road may be in one of these flood zones, which could potentially require a homebuyer to purchase flood insurance.
In the Armstrong neighborhood, ranch-style homes are on spacious lots.
In the Armstrong neighborhood, you'll find colonial homes with a front porch.
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Neighboring the Little League World Series
As many as 470,000 attendees head to the Williamsport area in August for the Little League World Series, a tournament consisting of the world’s best youth baseball teams. The series, held immediately north of Armstrong in South Williamsport, is not only a boon for local businesses but homeowners as well, says Williamsport Business Association Administrator Michaela Henne. “A lot of people rent their homes to attendees during the Little League World Series. You can probably pay your taxes for the year from that.”
The Armstrong neighborhood is home to the Little League World Series.
Minutes from the Armstrong neighborhood in August is the Little League World Series.
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Central Elementary School gets upgrades
Most homes are 5 miles or less from public schools in South Williamsport. Central Elementary School gets a Niche grade of C-plus, teaching kindergartners through fourth graders. South Williamsport Area School District updated Central Elementary in 2023 and 2024, adding a new gym and renovating the classrooms. Fifth and sixth graders can go to Rommelt Elementary School, which earns a B-minus, while older students may attend C-rated South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School.
Grabbing biscuits, ice cream in South Williamsport
The neighboring community of South Williamsport is where people can shop or eat out. Southern Avenue is lined with spots to grab casual meals, such as breakfast plates at The Buttery Biscuit or pizza slices from The South Side. The road also has a Dollar General and Save A Lot grocery store. Two blocks from West Southern Avenue, patrons at The Potting Bench’s patio snack on ice cream while surrounded by pots of flowers and ferns. They can buy a plant along with a salted caramel pretzel sundae because The Potting Bench is both an ice cream shop and a greenhouse.
Locals enjoy breakfast or lunch at The Buttery Biscuit, minutes from the Armstrong neighborhood.
Enjoy a meal at The South Side Restaurant Wednesday thru Sunday near the Armstrong neighborhood.
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Little League World Series traffic
Residents in the car-dependent township can take several roads to reach the more populated communities to the north. Route 654 and Jack Hollow Road connect those living on the west side to Duboistown and Williamsport. Route 15 extends from the east end to South Williamsport and Williamsport. Some locals report congestion on Route 15 when the Little League World Series is in town, but Henne says fans aren’t on the roads that often. “People have this idea there’s a crazy amount of traffic, but the reality is the crowds are at the games throughout the day.” Less than 2 miles outside Armstrong is an on-ramp to Interstate 180. From there, it’s 5 miles east on the interstate to Williamsport Regional Airport.
One on the main roads to get around in the Armstrong neighborhood is Rt-15.
Residents in the Armstrong neighborhood can use Rt-654 to get to shopping areas.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
Video By
Matthew Link
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Missy Magargle,
an experienced agent in this area.
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