Leesport, a rural borough
Homebuyers move to Leesport for its direct access to local dining, outdoor recreation, quality schools and neighboring localities like Reading. Most businesses are concentrated north of the Schuylkill River, which runs through the center of Leesport. Most of the suburbs and parks are to the south of the river. Much of the borough’s culture is rooted in farming. “The little towns in this area blend together quite well. Leesport, like the rest, is a peaceful old-school borough,” says Associate Broker and Realtor Rose M. Beck, who sells homes in the area for RE/Max of Reading. “There’s not a whole lot of attractions inside the town itself, but people who move here aren’t looking for an exciting nightlife.”
Desirable suburban housing
“The real estate in Berks County, on average, spends about 17 days on the market, as opposed to Schuylkill County to the north, where the average is 35 days,” Beck says. “Homes sold in Berks County have an average price of $282,000, while in Schuylkill, it's around $150,000.” Three-bedroom 1980s townhomes sell for between $180,000 and $200,000. Three-bedroom 1960s ranch-style houses in the suburbs are valued between $200,000 and $280,000. Homebuyers can purchase a turn-of-the-century four-square with a detached two-car garage for $395,000. People can also buy a seven-bedroom colonial-era stone mansion with panoramic rural views for $575,000. Homebuyers sensitive to noise should know that a freight line runs through the community.
Nearby public schools and universities
Some children attend Schuylkill Valley Elementary School, which has a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a 57% proficiency in reading. Schuylkill Valley Middle School has a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a 26% proficiency in math. Most teens move on to Schuylkill Valley High School, which has a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a 95% average graduation rate. All three schools have B Niche ratings. Leesport is less than 12 miles southwest of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
Nearby shopping and dining
There are several restaurants just off Pennsylvania Route 61, which runs north of the Schuylkill River. Andali’s Family Restaurant & Pizzeria has been a local staple since 1989. People come to the Village Tavern to eat hot wings, shoot billiards, listen to live music and drink draft beer. Locals shop for groceries at Redner’s Warehouse Markets, which is 100% employee-owned. The Leesport Farmers Market on Gernants Church Road has been owned and operated by the same family since 1922. Aside from its produce sales, the business holds a flea market and livestock auctions. Some locals work at the nearby Ashley Furniture Industries’ manufacturing and distribution center.
Plenty of outdoor recreation
Many of the recreational opportunities are to the south of the Schuylkill River. Folks take their children to Leesport Playground to play baseball, shoot hoops and use the swings, teeter-totter and slide. Local hiking enthusiasts have immediate access to the 75-mile Schuylkill River Trail. Leesport Pool is a popular destination on hot days. Folks drive less than 3 miles east to Lake Ontelaunee, which allows hunting, fishing and hiking. Residents can travel less than 6 miles southwest to spend the day at Willow Hollow Golf Course.
Activities that bring people together
Schuylkill Valley Community Library offers a selection of clubs and activities for people of all ages. Adults participate in knitting, crochet, puzzle and book clubs at the library. Children and families visit for story times and movie nights. There are also events specifically for teens that allow local kids to get together and play board games. Leesport Farmers Market holds events like craft shows, sports memorabilia shows, collectible toy shows and a fall festival involving food trucks, hayrides and vendors. Folks travel to Reading to watch new films at its IMAX theater.
Getting around Berks County and beyond
People can drive 30 miles northeast to Allentown via Pennsylvania Route 73 and U.S. Route 222. Most residents receive medical treatment at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown. Allentown is also home to Lehigh Valley International Airport. Residents drive 13 miles south to Reading via Pennsylvania Route 61. Folks travel 74 miles southeast via Interstate 76 to reach Philadelphia. Many streets have sidewalks, but most residents get around using cars. The Berks Area Transportation Authority runs a bus route that connects Leesport residents to the rest of the county. Reading has a regional airport served by charter airlines.
Written By
William Palicia
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
