Eldred Township Schuylkill offers a rural Pennsylvanian landscape
Eldred Township Schuylkill is tucked in a low-slung area of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. The community lies between two ridges in eastern Pennsylvania, offering a rural landscape of rolling swaths of farmland and spread-out properties. "It’s a nice, quiet area,” says Christine McAfee, an associate broker with Re/Max Unlimited Real Estate. “There aren’t a lot of developments going on up there. I think the draw is more or less the quiet tranquility, and people can utilize the USDA, so that's a benefit for farms and preservation.” Schuylkill County as a whole qualifies for USDA Rural Development Loans, and the ability to live amid farmland and have space on their properties attracts homebuyers to the area. Though larger cities like Harrisburg and Allentown can be an hour or more away, the fact that those cities are within driving distance for Eldred Township residents is another selling point of the area.
Homes on acreage in Eldred Township
The Eldred Township community offers a wide variety of architectural styles, but most homes in the area are ranch-style homes and farmhouses. Many properties can be on an acre or more of land. “There aren’t really any developments close to each other,” McAfee says. “You’re looking at older homes. You can get a good deal up in that area. The taxes are good.” Prices can also vary widely, but generally fall between $100,000 and $400,000.
Two schools nearby for Eldred Township Schuylkill students
Students here are served by the Tri-Valley School District, which earns an overall grade of C-minus from Niche. Mahantongo Elementary School serves kindergarten through sixth grade and receives a C rating. Tri-Valley Junior/Senior High School spans seventh through 12th grades and also receives a C. Sports at Tri-Valley Junior/Senior High include baseball and softball, both of which have won district titles.
Recreation on the outer edges of Eldred Township
Few parks are in or near Eldred Township, but State Game Lands 132 sprawls across over 1,300 acres along the community’s southern boundary. Visitors can hunt in certain areas, but the rest of the land, which has forested areas as well as wetlands, is open for hiking, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. About 10 miles north, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area offers a large system of off-road trails for vehicles, dirt bikes and ATVs.
Local restaurants in the Eldred Township area
On the west side of Elder Township, Jack’s Spot is a local favorite for its bar-and-grill atmosphere and classic menu. The restaurant puts on live music performances and hosts events revolving around karaoke and trivia. Kenny Stehr and Sons Farmer’s Market sells local produce in eastern Eldred Township. The market also puts on events, many centered around specific seasons, including a Christmas Festival and Spring Fling. Other celebrations include Apple, Peach and Pickle Festivals, all of which feature local vendors, entertainment and more. Grocery shoppers can go to Redner’s Warehouse Markets about 10 miles south.
Transportation around eastern Pennsylvania
There is no public transportation nearby, and residents here rely heavily on personal vehicles to get around town. The closest major highway is Interstate 81, accessible about 11 miles from Eldred Township. The highway links the area with Harrisburg, about 60 miles south, and Allentown around 70 miles east. Philadelphia is over 100 miles away. “Eldred Township is centrally located – there isn’t anything outside your back door, but within an hour, you can get to those cities,” says McAfee. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill S. Jackson Street is about 22 miles east in Pottsville and Lehigh Valley International Airport is about 17 miles south in Hanover.
