East Buffalo Township blends small-town charm with university life
The Susquehanna Valley’s fields and farmland surround East Buffalo Township. Home to Bucknell University and within driving distance of state parks, this Union County community combines country living with college-town charm. “The college and the town complement each other very well,” says Sabra Karr, a Lewisburg-based broker of Vilager Realty, Inc. “It’s a beautiful and well-regarded university in a beautiful town. Both are fortunate to have each other.” A drive down Market Street leads to Lewisburg, a historic riverfront community that extends East Buffalo Township’s charm with its beautiful architecture and local shops and restaurants.
Housing ranges from historic homes to new builds
“There’s a broad range of architecture,” Karr says. “You can find a two-story Colonial in a subdivision or a historic home downtown… a lot of them have been beautifully renovated, updated or maintained.” Linntown, the older downtown area, features 19th-century houses alongside Cape Cods, split-levels and ranch-style homes built between 1950 and 1980. Just south, near Bucknell Golf Club, New Traditionals and Colonial Revivals line sloping roads with mountain views. This part of town is manicured, with landscaped front lawns.
Regardless of their location, ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and split-levels can cost $200,000 to $350,000, while Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals range from $360,000 to $850,000, with well-preserved historic homes or new construction topping that range. On the western outskirts of town, large properties on multi-acres can reach $1.4 million. Undeveloped land is also available. Due to the Susquehanna River and its branching creeks, some properties may be at risk of flooding.
Lewisburg schools earn A’s and Bucknell University in town
Niche gives Lewisburg Area School District and all its schools A’s. Students can attend Kelly Elementary, Linntown Intermediate, Donald H. Eichhorn Middle and Lewisburg Area High, which offers dual enrollment courses with Lackawanna College.
Bucknell University is in East Buffalo Township. The private liberal arts college educates about 4,000 undergraduates and has notable engineering, management and liberal arts programs. “Bucknell brings a lot to the community,” Karr says. “The people here benefit from what the university provides to the community.” Many residents take walks through the Georgian-style campus, and students often remain in the area, drawn to its charming architecture and nearby outdoor spaces.
Golf, kayaking and hiking are all close to home
Fairground Road Park’s baseball diamonds are tucked behind the recycling center. From here, a small footbridge leads to East Buffalo Township Municipal Park, where a paved path passes a small duck pond, grassy areas and shaded benches. The semi-private Bucknell Golf Club’s 18-hole course has hosted many U.S. Open Qualifiers, and The Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness offers sports facilities and fitness centers. Nearby Turtle Creek Park’s undeveloped land spans nearly 80 acres. The park is undergoing renovations, creating a dog park, an ADA-accessible trail, pavilions, picnic tables and benches. This is just one of the township’s park projects. The new Spruce Hills Park will include a playground, walking trails and sports facilities. There is currently no estimated completion date. Lewisburg also offers various parks, including Lewisburg Area Recreation Park, where there’s a pool, skatepark, ice rink and more.
State game lands lie south, and the roughly 10-mile Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, a segment of the 500-mile Susquehanna Greenway, runs through. The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is east, offering kayaking, fishing and paddleboard opportunities, and Milton, Sand Bridge and Shikellamy state parks are less than 15 miles away.
Essentials covered in town, with local businesses in Lewisburg
In the northern part of town, the Penn House Commons shopping center has a Giant grocery store, CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks and more. Jackass Brewing Company, with a large indoor taproom and outdoor seating, is popular on the weekends.
In nearby Lewisburg, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants sit within historic buildings. Here, folks can dine at spots like Brasserie Louis, an upscale restaurant with small plates, meat and seafood entrees and swanky cocktails. All Star Bagels is popular in the morning, while Bull Run Tap House draws a crowd when the sun sets. The historic Art Deco-style Campus Theatre, whose single screen shows one film at a time, is also in Lewisburg.
From Halloween to ice festivals, events fill the calendar
East Buffalo Township and Lewisburg host various events throughout the year. Halloween in the Park occurs a few days before the holiday at Fairground Road Park. Local businesses set up tents, handing candy to trick-or-treaters, and folks compete in a costume contest. Every Wednesday, the Lewisburg Farmers Market offers fresh produce, plants, baked goods and more. The Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival takes place in early February, when the weather is cold enough for ice sculptures to line Market Street without melting. Racers in the Frosty 5k take a polar plunge in the Susquehanna after they cross the finish line.
In driving distance of Williamsport, Harrisburg, Philly and Pittsburgh
This community is car-dependent. U.S. Route 15 and Pennsylvania state Route 43 run through. Williamsport is about 25 miles away, Harrisburg, with Harrisburg International Airport, about 60, Philadelphia about 170 and Pittsburgh about 205. In case of emergency, WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital is in Lewisburg.
![Adreanna DeMarino]()
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Adreanna DeMarino
