Elk Township is a conveniently located slice of southern Pennsylvania
Carved into the lush green landscape of southern Pennsylvania, Elk Township offers a rural escape surrounded by the amenities of bigger towns. An eclectic mix of homes on spacious lots lines the area’s meandering single-lane roads. The township is an escape from city life. Still, it places residents within 15 miles of stores and restaurants in communities like Oxford, Pennsylvania, and Newark, Delaware — like some similar areas across Chester County. “I think people move to those areas, or stay in those areas, because it is so rural. That’s the draw,” says Alice Stewart of Coldwell Banker, who’s licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland and made Washingtonian magazine’s 2024 list of the region’s best realtors.
The rural streets of Elk Township await those looking to move to the farmlands of Pennsylvania.
Cyclists love to ride down the trails at White Clay Creek Preserve.
1/2
Homes spanning multiple eras offer access to the same environment
Some houses in Elk Township date to the 1800s, while others were built within the last 20 years. The community comprises a range of colonials, farmhouses and ranch-style homes. Most lots are at least an acre, and sometimes several acres. It’s an environment that sometimes attracts buyers from the region’s cities, like Philadelphia, who want a taste of rustic tranquility. “I have a family right now that’s looking in the area for that exact thing, coming from Wilmington, Delaware,” Stewart says. Properties sell for $310,000 to $750,000, depending on square footage and acreage.
Elk Township maintains a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is significantly better than the national average of 4.
Neighborhoods in Elk Township often feature New Traditional homes with long driveways.
Homes in Elk Township vary in age, and include homes built over 100 years ago.
1/2
Oxford Area School District has a comprehensive PTO
The area’s Oxford Area School District carries a B-minus rating from Niche. The district has a unified PTO for parents and guardians of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the group meets monthly. Students can start at the B-rated Jordan Bank Kindergarten Center before moving to the B-rated Elk Ridge Elementary for grades 1 and 2. Nottingham Elementary carries a B-minus grade and features grades 3 and 4, while Hopewell Elementary covers grades 5 and 6 and boasts a B-plus. The B-minus-rated Penn’s Grove School serves students in grades 7 and 8. Oxford Area High has a B grade and offers dedicated business and computer science departments.
Younger students in may attend Jordan Bank Elementary.
Elk Ridge Elementary School hosts students from grades PK-5.
Nottingham Elementary School teaches Elk Township students in grades 3-4.
Hopewell Elementary School in Elk Township educates students in grades 5-6.
Students in grades 7-8 can head to Penn's Grove School, which earned a B-plus from Niche.
Oxford Area High School has a B rating from Niche.
1/6
State routes carry drivers to more populated areas
Pennsylvania state Route 472 is a direct connection for the 6-mile trip to the borough of Oxford, a community with over twice Elk Township's population. Route 472 and Maryland state Route 273 take people 12 miles to Newark, Delaware’s third-largest city. Newark’s Christiana Hospital has over 1,000 beds. Travelers heading farther out of town can catch a flight at Philadelphia International Airport, just under 50 miles away.
Potato chips to pizza, the area has its own food footprint
Businesses in Elk Township may be few, but the area is home to Teo's Pizza & Grill, whose cheesesteaks are popular. Nearby West Nottingham Township has the headquarters for Herr Foods, known for its potato chips. The company offers factory tours where visitors can taste chips directly from the production line. Nottingham Inn Kitchen & Creamery, across an intersection from the factory, is a draw for breakfast and ice cream. Oxford offers big-box stores like Walmart and Tractor Supply Co., and other businesses. “Places to get your nails done, barbershops, beauty shops, grocery stores,” Stewart says. “Oxford’s where you would go.” People can also make the slightly longer trip to Newark for shopping, with no sales tax.
Herr’s Snack Factory recalls the brand’s roots near Elk Township.
Stop in for a slice at Teo's Pizza and Grill in Elk Township.
1/2
Natural terrain provides opportunities for hiking and more
Elk Township’s rustic setting includes preserved green spaces for recreation. Locals can explore attractions like the roughly 4-mile Springlawn Trail, which is open to hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The Chrome Serpentine Barrens here feature several more miles of trails and bird-watching opportunities. Serpentine barrens are stretches of metamorphic rock that foster rare plants like serpentine aster, a type of flower unique to Pennsylvania and Maryland. West Nottingham Township’s Nottingham County Park has three playgrounds and three fishing ponds.
Get your steps in on the walking path in the Chrome Serpentine Barrens.
Bikers and hikers can enjoy a day spent on the Springlawn Trail.
1/2
Factory lights up the holiday season
Community traditions in the area include the annual holiday lights display at the nearby Herr’s headquarters. The display features hundreds of thousands of lights, and visitors can drive through to see it from late November to early January. There’s also an annual Fourth of July celebration at Nottingham County Park, dubbed the Freedom Fest. The event includes live entertainment and fireworks. Oxford hosts a series of First Friday events from May through December. The Fridays feature themes like a Cinco de Mayo celebration and a “Hometown Harvest” in August, complete with a tractor parade.
Photography Contributed By
Scott Wiggins
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
For rent is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile home outside Oxford Borough. Propane forced hot air heat. Tenant mows and maintains yard and snow removal.tenant pays all utilities. No Smoking, No Pets. 615 Min. Credit Score $50 nonrefundable application fee required per applicant. $50 Admin fee if selected AGENTS READ AGENT REMARKS
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
