Huntingdon offers rural experience and a massive lake
Huntingdon is a borough in a hilly and wooded region of Pennyslvania that many seek out for its slower pace and abundance of recreation. This borough of fewer than 7,000 people is located a few hours from the state’s major cities. “One of the big reasons people move to Huntingdon is because of the rural lifestyle,” says Taylor Walters, broker and owner of Iron Valley Real Estate Raystown. Despite its rural setting, Huntingdon has a quaint and walkable downtown, where the businesses include restaurants, bars, boutiques and a historic movie house. However, one of the area’s leading attractions is Raystown Lake, a winding, forest-lined reservoir with nearly 120 miles of shoreline. “The biggest attribute to our area is Raystown Lake,” says Alexis Thompson, broker and owner of Lake & Country Real Estate. “We have houseboats and two marinas with several hundred slips for people who seasonally store their boats there. There are lots of fishing charters and opportunities for fishing.”
Community has dense neighborhoods with early 20th century homes
The heart of Huntingdon has dense groups of two-story homes built between the Victorian age and the mid-20th century. These homes are right next to each other and line roads with sidewalks and many parked cars. This area has many gablefront homes and others with Colonial Revival and Queen Anne designs. In other parts of the borough, two-lane roads run across hilly and more spacious neighborhoods with Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes. Huntingdon homes mostly sell between $110,000 and $370,000, while costs below that range are typically for investment or potential rental properties. Nearly half of the community rents, and Huntingdon has housing geared toward retirees.
Raystown Lake area draws anyone from kayakers to cyclists
The Raystown Lake area offers a wide variety of water and land recreation. The lake’s shores have two marinas and seven public docks for those who often take to the waters on pontoons, speedboats and even houseboats. The lake is a popular fishing spot with plenty of trophy bass and trout. The surrounding forest spans over 20,000 acres and has more than 60 miles of trails. As they travel on the leaf-covered paths, mountain bikers and hikers may get overlooking views of the water. Other activities around Huntingdon include kayaking on the Juniata River and afternoon games on the Raystown Golf Resort’s public 18-hole course.
Dining options include bar fare and American cuisine
Downtown Huntingdon’s staples include Muddy Run Tavern, a watering hole popular for its cocktails and Buffalo wings. The restaurant has an upstairs bars, several TVs showing sports and space for live music. Huntingdon’s cafes include Standing Stone Coffee Company, which many stop by for its cold brews, lattes and panini sandwiches. Located in a ranch-style building, Kelly’s Korner is a casual community institution that serves American comfort foods. “That’s a historic place, and it’s been around for a while,” Thompson says. ALDI is one of a few grocery stores here, while Walmart offers retail shopping.
Students may attend Huntingdon schools and begin learning trades
Students may start at Southside Elementary or Standing Stone Elementary, both of which earn C-plus grades from Niche. They may then go to Huntingdon Area middle and high schools, both of which also get a C-plus. The high school has an accelerated program for students going to college. At the same time, the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center offers courses in high-demand trades like welding and electrical work. In addition to public schools, Huntingdon has Juniata College, a private liberal arts institution with programs in areas like business, engineering and education.
Huntingdon County Fair draws many from across the state
The Huntingdon County Fair in August is one of the area’s signature events. Ferris wheels, carousels and other carnival rides light up the fairgrounds at night, while many browse vendor and game booths. Demolition derbies and bands playing bluegrass, classic rock and country music make up just some of the entertainment.
Huntingdon has access to Amtrak and to U.S. 22
Huntingdon is a stop for the Pennsylvanian, an Amtrak train running between New York and Pittsburgh. Otherwise, commuters usually drive and have quick access to major roads like U.S. Highway 22. Residents, however, don’t always need to leave Huntingdon for needs like medical care. The community has Penn Highlands Huntingdon, which has services like emergency care and surgeries. About 45 miles north, the State College Regional Airport is one of the nearest facilities for commercial flights. The airport connects to other hubs and includes non-stop services to Philadelphia and Washington.
Buyers should expect snow
Prospective buyers should prepare for winter weather. The community gets 26 inches of snow a year, but that amount is still far lower than in other parts of the state like Philadelphia.
