Branch is a rural Schuylkill County township with highway access
The West Branch Schuylkill River flows along the edge of Branch, giving this rural township of fewer than 2,000 a rather fitting name. “It’s a tiny little town,” says Nada Laguna, a Realtor with EveryHome Realtors who lives in the Schuylkill County area. “What’s unique about this part of the county is that it’s more agricultural, and you just have town after town with little patches of homes in between them.” Acres of farmland and dense forests surround U.S. Route 209, which passes through the township and connects residents to nearby cities, shops and restaurants that are otherwise outside of their daily orbit. “Route 209 runs the span of Schuylkill County and beyond, so it gets you to Pottsville and heading out towards Interstate 81,” Laguna says. “Location-wise, people like Branch Township because it’s convenient to the highway and very close to all the distribution centers.” Residents are less than a 10-mile drive away from several distribution centers along I-81, including distribution centers for major employers like Lowe’s, Wegmans and Walmart.
Housing options range from twin homes to spacious country builds
Mature woodlands cover the township’s southern half, and most residents live in the northern quarter near U.S. Route 209. The area features a variety of architectural styles, including traditional Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes. In the center of US 209 is the unincorporated community of Llewellyn, where National-style homes with shed-roofed porches are the norm. Split-level houses and twin homes are also common in these residential developments. "The houses are a little bit closer together there, and they actually have their own post office," Laguna says.
Farther from the highway, custom-built properties and raised ranch-styles have up to several acres of land. The median sales price for single-family homes is around $140,000, although prices typically vary widely depending on the size and condition of the property. The township’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
A car-dependent area with major routes connecting to nearby cities
The township lacks public transportation and is heavily car-dependent. U.S. Route 209 is its main thoroughfare and leads about 10 miles west to Interstate 81. Residents can follow the interstate to bigger cities like Harrisburg, about 50 miles southwest, and Scranton, around 72 miles northeast. The township is also just over 50 miles from Allentown. For flights, Branch is within 65 miles of Lehigh Valley International Airport, Harrisburg International Airport and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The closest hospital is the Miners Campus of St. Luke’s University Hospital, which is about 25 miles from the township and is an accredited Level IV Trauma Center.
The community is part of the Minersville Area School District
Residents live in the Minersville Area School District, which earns an overall grade of C from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Llewellyn Early Childhood Center serves prekindergarten and kindergarten students, and Minersville Area Elementary Center covers first through sixth grade. Both schools score a C-plus. Older kids can attend the C-rated Minersville Area Junior/Senior High School, where Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses allow juniors and seniors to simultaneously earn high school and college credit. Nearby private schools include Saint Nicholas School, a Catholic institution serving prekindergarten through 8th grade.
Recreation includes parks in Llewellyn and nearby State Game Lands
Llewellyn has a handful of outdoor spaces for township residents to explore. Llewellyn Community Park has a playground, merry-go-round and swing set for kids. It’s across the street from a basketball court and a ball field that is home to the Schuylkill County Teener League. Llewellyn is also home to the Good Intent Hose Company No. 1, a local fire department that hosts various events for the township. Past festivities include bingo games, live music nights, community dinners and an annual darts tournament.
Branch is within 30 miles of several State Game Lands (SGLs). Popular hunting spots include SGL 80, which also attracts hikers following the Appalachian Trail as it traces the top of Blue Mountain. Golfers can play a round at the public Hidden Valley Golf Course, less than 15 miles away, while racing enthusiasts frequent the Big Diamond Speedway, about 5 miles from the township.
Branch has a few favorite restaurants, with more options in Pottsville
Shopping and dining are limited in Branch, although there are a handful of businesses along U.S. Route 209. The Station House is a local restaurant where beer memorabilia hang on the walls and string lights illuminate the ceiling, creating a cozy atmosphere where residents can enjoy American classics. An old-fashioned sign along the highway advertises Blu Tavern Restaurant & Motel, a family-owned spot that’s been serving up homestyle food for nearly 80 years. Residents can get the essentials at Dollar General. The closest grocery store is Boyer’s Food Market, about 3 miles east along US 209. There are more shops and restaurants in Pottsville, just over 5 miles from Branch.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
