Honey Brook grew after rail connected it to major cities
Surrounded by rural farmland in Pennsylvania Amish country, Honey Brook is a small town with about 2,000 residents and a small collection of businesses that anchor the community. Honey Brook grew significantly around the start of the 20th century, as the community started building sidewalks, street lights and a water utility after the opening of a railway line between Philadelphia and Lancaster in the late 1800s. Originally named Waynesburg, the newly formed borough adopted its modern name, inspired by its origin as a section of nearby Nantmeal Township, which means 'sweet water' in Welsh. Honey Brook lives up to its name with freshly made fruit pies, other treats from the farmers' market and the surrounding natural beauty.
Ranch-style and Colonial Revival homes reflect local history
Locals will find an eclectic mix of housing styles even within the town center, where most of the area's homes are concentrated. Some Colonial Revival and farmhouse-like homes date to the mid-1800s and early 20th century. Since then, however, builders and developers throughout different eras have constructed homes using architectural styles that were popular at the time. Horizontal and L-shaped ranch-style homes from the 1950s are typical, reflecting mid-century building trends. Modern Colonial Revivals and townhouses are also available and under construction in new housing tracts near Honey Brook's original town center. Manufactured homes start at about $50,000 in parts of the community. With an average sales price of $375,000, however, home prices vary greatly. Newer build from the last 25 years, with at least 1,500 square feet of living space, cost at least $400,000.
Learning in the Twin Valley School District
Students in the community are part of the Twin Valley School District, which Niche ranks as the 5th best school district in Berks County with a B-plus rating. Kids in the community start at the Honey Brook Elementary Center. At the secondary level, students take the bus or drive a few miles to Twin Valley Middle School and Twin Valley High School, both located on campus about 10 miles away, between the towns of Morgantown and Elverson. With a curriculum that prepares students for college and life after school, the high school offers more than 168 courses and career and technical education programs.
Kids play sports at local parks and McCormack-Doshier Field
Next to the Honey Brook Borough Hall and Police Department is a playground and hard surface courts for bocce, basketball and tennis. At the other corner of town, kids compete and learn lessons about sportsmanship playing with the Twin Valley Little League. Disrupting the pattern of farm fields and small housing developments, the Honeybrook Golf Club's 18-hole course and driving range, opened in 2000, spans 165 acres of an old dairy farm.
Casual dining options and the Amish Farmers Market
Little Anthony's pizzeria and grill serves Sicilian-style pizza and classic Philadelphia cheesesteaks. For an even more retro experience, locals plop down in one of the vinyl-seat booths or a countertop chair at Wimpy and Dee's Diner. The expansive menu features many options, including gluten-free dishes and classic malt milkshakes. Residents can visit the Amish Farmers Market for fresh produce, flowers and other homemade goods from a small country store off the electrical grid on Route 10.
Written By
Christopher Suarez
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
