Cornwall has an array of homes in a wide swath of central Pennsylvania
The vast, rolling hills of Lebanon County serve as home to the quiet but conveniently located community of Cornwall. This area is the nation's largest borough by geographic size, but its population of about 4,600 ensures it still feels like a small town. “It is out of the way from things, but yet close enough that you’re not driving a half an hour to get to the necessities,” says Denise Bollard, a local Realtor with Re/Max Cornerstone, who grew up in Cornwall and has over 30 years of realty experience. Homes are spread out across quiet streets, but still close to restaurants, grocery stores and more.
The community's housing selection is still evolving
Settled in the 18th century and once known for its robust iron industry, Cornwall still has some classic Georgian and gable-front homes dating to the 1800s. On the opposite end of the spectrum, new houses are popping up in this area, whose population grew about 11% from 2010 to 2020. “There’s a mix of everything,” Bollard says. “There's townhomes and duplexes. There are some older, well-kept developments and also a lot of new construction going on right now.” Relatively new developments include the 55-plus community Alden Place and Cornwall Junction, where homebuyers can find roomy New Traditional-style options with attached garages. The Cliffs at Iron Valley is another development on the way, slated for 130 lots across 124 acres. “Those lots range from a third of an acre to over 2 acres,” Bollard says. “There’s a good blend of lot sizes and lot topography.” Most of Cornwall’s single-family properties sell for $190,000 to $690,000. Townhouses go for $190,000 to $360,000.
Area schools welcome family involvement
Cornwall is part of the Cornwall-Lebanon School District, which receives a B from Niche. The B-plus-rated Cornwall Elementary has an active Parent-Teacher Organization supporting events like family skate nights and movie nights. Cedar Crest Middle has a B grade and includes a Parent-School Partners program that encourages parent communication. Cedar Crest High also maintains a B and has groups, including an anime club and a Technology Student Association chapter.
Multiple interstates surround Cornwall
Drivers in Cornwall can head about 5 miles south to hop on Interstate 76, part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This interstate leads to Harrisburg , the capital of Pennsylvania, about 30 miles west. Philadelphia is roughly 80 miles east on I-76. Nearby I-78 is a connection to Allentown , located about 70 miles away and Pennsylvania’s third-largest city. People heading farther out of town can make the 15-mile trip to the Lancaster Airport for connecting flights to Pittsburgh and Dulles, Virginia. WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital is the closest medical center, about 5 miles out.
Historic eateries serve comfort food favorites
Locals don’t have to leave Cornwall for a bite to eat. The Blue Bird Inn is considered one of the oldest businesses of its kind in the state, open since 1859. Updated multiple times over the last 30 years, the Inn offers a warm wood and stone interior, where diners enjoy crab cakes, chicken Alfredo and more. Boyer’s Tavern has a similarly long history, housed in a former hotel built in 1887. The tavern is where patrons can swing by to pick up a cheesesteak or sit down for one of the popular shrimp dishes. Tony’s Mining Company Restaurant offers more of an upscale experience, Bollard says, a draw for those celebrating anniversaries and other milestones. Just outside Cornwall, Quentin Road is a hub for shopping, lined with Target, Kohl’s, T.J. Maxx and a Giant supermarket.
Cornwall’s parks and trails provide space to play and explore
Outdoor amenities in Cornwall include the Miners Village Sports Park, home to a roller hockey rink and a ball diamond. Rexmont Goosemont Park also has a ball field, plus a playground. Fairview Golf Course and Iron Valley Golf Club have a combined 36 holes that are open to the public. The roughly 15-mile Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails path cuts through Cornwall, following a passage forged by the Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad in the late 1800s. “People love the Rails to Trails,” Bollard says. “It’s no motorized vehicles, but people bike on it, they horseback ride on it. It’s great. It’s used constantly.”
Summertime fair is an annual tradition
The Lebanon Valley Fair in July draws tens of thousands to the area fairgrounds, about 2 miles from Cornwall. The fair, around since 1957, features a midway with all sorts of food, rides and a petting zoo. The fairgrounds host an assortment of other events over the course of the year, too, from a dog show to Christmas at the Expo, a holiday gift show.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
