Clearfield blends rural beauty with access to Penn State’s main campus
Clearfield is a quiet rural borough, with multi-generational locals, a historic little downtown and countryside charm. When including the nearby communities of Plymptonville and Hyde, the area has about 8,000 residents who get a lot out of their secluded, yet convenient, location. "It's got that small-town feeling with great people and a lot of community involvement," says Kimberly Kovall, a Realtor with Realty One Group Landmark who lives in Clearfield. "People also commute to State College and Penn State from Clearfield," she says. "It's only about 50 minutes away." The Pennsylvania State University has many locations across the state, with its main campus only 40 miles from Clearfield, in the Borough of State College. Commuter or not, Clearfield's residents enjoy quiet and natural surroundings close to home.
Rural areas offer larger homes and more yard space
The West Branch Susquehanna River runs through the borough's center, curving past the small downtown and residential neighborhoods. Near the area's center, late-1800s cottages, early-1900s bungalows and Cape Cods sell for $50,000 to $90,000. Neighborhoods become more rural and sprawling as they extend away from the main area, especially into Hyde and Plymptonville. Styles from later decades with more yard space and square footage, like ranch-style homes, split-levels and Colonial Revivals, range between $100,000 and $310,000. "You can get more bang for your buck than in State College," Kovall says. "The same home that costs about $300,000 in Clearfield would cost half a million in State College or the closer suburbs."
According to First Street, homes in the area are at severe risk from flooding, especially those closest to the river. Additional flood insurance may be necessary in addition to standard insurance.
Interstate 80 and local transit support regional travel
Interstate 80, one of the state's main east-west highways, passes north of Clearfield. However, the primary route commuters use is U.S. Route 322, which goes through the borough and heads about 40 miles to Penn State. Larger cities, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg , are each about 125 miles from the area, both with an international airport. Area Transportation Authority of North Central Pennsylvania has three Clearfield routes that stop throughout the borough and connect to Curwensville . One stop is at Penn Highlands Clearfield, the local hospital and a significant employer.
Clearfield schools earn average ratings but shine in sports
Clearfield Elementary School is rated C by Niche and teaches kindergarten through sixth grade. Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School, for seventh grade through graduation, earns a C-plus. "Athletics are a big deal at Clearfield's school district – especially football," Kovall says. "The whole community goes to games, and high school has had many kids who continue to play at college with scholarships." The school's most well-known football alumnus is Andrew Janocko, who played at Pittsburgh and is the current quarterback coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Clearfield Alliance Christian School is a private Christian school in the area, rated B-minus by Niche.
Converted railroads and pocket parks are along the river’s banks
Upper and Lower Witmer Park have walking trails, playgrounds, picnic tables and fishing docks along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Residents play baseball, soccer, basketball and pick-up football in Lawrence Township Recreational Park. David S. Ammerman Trail is a former railroad converted into a recreational trail. "It runs from Clearfield to Grampian, so that's a popular spot for biking and hiking," Kovall says.
Seasonal events support strong ties among locals
Community ties are strong in Clearfield, and annual events bring new and old residents together. The longest-running event is the Clearfield County Fair, which will celebrate its 165th year in July 2026. A parade, carnival rides, food, games and competitions fill the week-long event, and fireworks cap off the final night. "We also have a fall festival, and the Chamber of Commerce does a wine and beer tasting with local businesses, nearby wineries and breweries," Kovall says. September's Original Music Festival is a new addition to the social calendar, highlighting musicians from the county.
A charming downtown has historic buildings and local restaurants
Downtown has a few historic buildings, including the Clearfield County Courthouse and the Dimeling Hotel, two locations on the National Register of Historic Places. The walkable center has office buildings, restaurants and shops, and "Citizens volunteer their time to decorate the downtown area before any big holidays," Kovall says. "It's beautiful during winter, and we decorate big for the Fourth of July and Memorial Day." Spanky's Courthouse Café dishes out heaping servings of supersized omelets and French toast for breakfast, and sandwiches, fish and fries for lunch. J.G. Food Warehouse, chain restaurants and national retailers are in small shopping strips, and Walmart and Lowe's are north towards the interstate.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
