East Union blends historic roots with modern residential life
East Union is a Schuylkill County township in the Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region. Established in the mid-1800s, it grew around mining and small-scale farming. The rural community made national news in 1963 when three miners were trapped 330 feet underground after a cave-in. Rescuers managed to reach two of the miners, but one was never found. This event was one of the first live, on-the-scene broadcasts on television and one of the first mine rescues to use boreholes for food, communication and eventually extraction, setting a precedent for later mining rescues worldwide. Realtor Jill Saunders with Saunders Real Estate, who lives nearby, notes that miners’ descendants still live in the region. “Generations of people stay in this area,” she says. “A lot of people came to work in the mine as first- or second-generation immigrants, and their families are still here.” Today, East Union is more residential than industrial, featuring subdivisions like Eagle Rock Resort and Cove Village, which offer homes near amenities like golf courses and swimming pools. Plus, this community is marked by rolling hills and woodlands, with many sprawling outdoor spaces nearby. “It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Schuylkill County,” Saunders says.
Subdivisions offer outdoor perks and homes near nature
Subdivisions in East Union cater to the area’s beautiful scenery and outdoor access. Eagle Rock Resort spans over 5,000 acres and offers single-family homes, one- and two-bedroom condos and undeveloped lots. Amenities include two golf courses, swimming pools, an equestrian center and a sandy beach. Price can range from $320,000 to $700,000, depending on size, age and condition of the home. The Cove Village Association is also in East Union. It mainly offers lots to be built upon, costing about $3,000 to $8,000, but buyers might find a single-family home for sale, typically for around $240,000. This community offers sports courts, a stocked fishing lake, a swimming pool, an ATV path, mini golf and more. In Eagle Rock and Cove Village, log cabins and New Traditionals are common.
Homebuyers can find New Traditional, ranch-style homes and small cottages outside these communities, and prices can range from $190,000 to $250,000. “Properties don’t last long,” Saunders says. “It’s big lots that still have low prices.”
Brandonville Dam restoration aims to revive local recreation
Eagle Rock Resort allows visitors to use its amenities and offers lodging. East Union is also surrounded by designated state game lands and state parks that provide hiking, hunting, bird watching and camping, with Tuscarora State Park and Locust Lake State Park less than 20 miles south of the community.
East Union is working to revitalize one of its most popular outdoor spaces: the Brandonville Dam, which locals call “The Pumpy.” The dam previously supplied water for the area, until it became a recreational area before shutting down in 2010. Today, a volunteer group, The Pumpy Association, is working to restore this hiking and trout fishing hub. A state grant for about $78,000 will fund a well and a pavilion.
Zoned for Hazleton Area School District
The Hazleton Area School District serves East Union. Valley Elementary / Middle School gets a six out of 10 from GreatSchools, and Hazelton Area High School gets a four out of 10. The high school also offers dual enrollment courses with Lackawanna County Community College.
Shopping options expand in Hazelton and Shenandoah
Aside from a handful of local restaurants, shopping and dining are limited within the township. Little Village Pizza & BBQ is a go-to for take-out, while Sundown Lounge’s pool tables, pub fare and drink menu attract those looking for a casual night out. Open seven days a week, Montfort Lounge and Motel and Cabana Bar hosts events like trivia night and live music performances. It has a diverse menu featuring everything from salads and sandwiches to burgers and tacos. Shenandoah is about 8 miles southwest of the center of East Union and has a Boyer’s Food Market and a Dollar General. Hazelton is about 10 miles in the other direction, offering more commercial options. Grocery stores include Weis Markets, Giant and Aldi. The Laurel Mall, which has various retailers, like Boscov’s, Shoe Department Encore and Maurices. A Walmart Supercenter is near the mall.
East Union also has an industrial presence, with distribution centers and warehouses in the northern part of the area.
Limited transit options make driving the main way to get around
East Union is car-dependent. Pennsylvania state Route 924 cuts through and leads toward other small towns. U.S. Interstate 81 is just outside of the township and travels throughout Appalachia. Scranton is about 50 miles northeast, Harrisburg is about 72 miles southwest, Philadelphia is about 107 miles southeast and New York City is about 137 miles east. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is about 42 miles northeast and Harrisburg International Airport is about 78 miles southwest. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton is about 10 miles away.
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Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
