Coal Township is cooling off from its industrial era
Located deep in the mountains of central Pennsylvania’s coal region, the aptly named Coal Township is working to bring new life to its community while preserving its historic industrial roots. Established in 1837 in Northumberland County, Coal Township was once known for its abundant anthracite coal deposits. However, as the coal boom slowly died down during the early 20th century, the regional economy began to slow down alongside it. Now, the township of approximately 10,100 residents is working to embrace its recreational amenities rather than its industrial ones. Examples of recreational tourism in and around the community include the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area and nearby Knoebels Amusement Resort. With the independent city of Shamokin at its center, the township encompasses the surrounding communities of Marshallton, Ranshaw, Edgewood, Fairview-Ferndale, Tharptown and Excelsior. One of the major employers in this area is the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township, a 43-acre fenced-in correctional facility where inmates can participate in community work programs. The township attracts those looking for lower home prices in a small-town community that is close to employment opportunities and close enough to larger cities for commuters and others seeking more urban amenities.
Affordable row homes and historic housing options
Homes listed for sale in Coal Township spend an average of 27 days on the market before selling, which is nearly half the national average number of days a home spends listed. The median home price here is approximately $80,000, significantly lower than state and national median. Historic single-family traditional row homes and Victorian-style house in decent conditions can range from approximately $40,000 to just over $200,000. Single-family homes built after 1950 typically cost between $100,000 and $280,000. Coal Township has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 4 out of 10, which is on par with the national average.
Zoning for the Shamokin Area School District
Students living in Coal Township are zoned for the Shamokin Area School District, which receives an overall C-plus rating from Niche. Shamokin Area Elementary serves prekindergarten through fourth grade and is rated C-plus. Shamokin Area Intermediate School for grades five and six and Shamokin Area Middle earn C ratings. Secondary students can attend Shamokin Area High School, a B-minus-rated institution. The district maintains a large outdoor sports complex, which is anchored by the 6,000-seat Kemp Memorial Stadium and has athletic facilities for football, baseball and soccer.
Coal Township has a growing recreation scene
As Coal Township leans more towards the recreation industry, several new outdoor attractions and locations have popped up during the 21st century. In the rural southern part of the township is the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, or AOAA, which opened in 2013 and encompasses more than 8,000 acres of land full of recreational trails for off-road vehicles and hiking. Only 10 miles northeast of the township is Knoebels Amusement Resort, which has been in operation since 1926 and has an accompanying campground. The park stretches across more than 150 acres and has six roller coasters, an arcade, numerous other thrill attractions and several on-site restaurants. Throughout Coal Township and Shamokin, residents can access a handful of community parks and athletic facilities, like Springfield Memorial Park and the Cabrini Baseball Fields.
Shopping and dining off Pennsylvania Route 61
While most locally owned dining options and mom-and-pop shops in this area are located within Shamokin’s city limits, Coal Township is home to a few non-chain businesses. Palmer’s Diner off Route 61 is an American retro-style diner that serves breakfast and lunch favorites. A little farther down the road is the Anthra Plaza shopping center, home to Two Guys from Italy Family Restaurant. The Anthra Plaza also has a Dollar General discount store. For a larger selection of big-box stores and national retailers, residents can head to The Plaza at Coal Township, which is also located off Route 61 and has a Walmart Supercenter, Tractor Supply Co., ALDI grocery store and several fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
Getting around Northumberland County
Coal Township is primarily car-dependent, but residents can still access a limited number of public transportation options via the Lower Anthracite Transit System, or LATS, which operates a network of fixed bus routes throughout the township and neighboring boroughs like Mount Carmel. Pennsylvania Route 61 is the township’s arterial highway, running throughout the community and offering commuters easy access in and out of the valley. Harrisburg International Airport is approximately 70 miles from the township, a trip that typically takes about an hour and a half. Just north of Shamokin and off Route 61 is the Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, which has a 24-hour emergency room.
