The Longswamp Township in northern Berks County was first settled in 1754, named "long swamp" by the inhabitants because of the stretch of marshy land around Toad Creek. Most people lived at the area's highest point, dubbed "Top Town." Today, Longswamp is a primarily agricultural community, and Top Town has become the quaint borough of Topton. While there are local shops and restaurants in Topton, Longswamp is a primarily rural area, and residents should be prepared to make the 20-mile drive to either Reading or Allentown for big-city amenities like major employers, hospitals and airports.
A railroad stretches through downtown Mertztown in Longswamp, carrying freight.
Longswamp homes have the fortunate views of farmland.
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Houses from throughout the century
Along the streets of Topton, homes built at the turn of the nineteenth century go for around $200,000. Styles are mainly American Foursquare, with Victorian and Colonial influences. Some homes are packed in tight rows, others are more spacious, but all sit on gridded sidewalk-lined streets. Surrounding the older heart of the town, contemporary homes with quarter-acre lots cost around $300,000. In the rest of the rural Longswamp Township, ranch-style homes with quarter-acre lots start at $200,000, and Colonial-inspired homes with several acres go for $400,000. Properties out here are separated from their neighbors by stretches of farmland and forest and are often set back from main roads for privacy. The Mountain Village Community in the south of the township also offers mobile-home living ranging from $50,000 to just over $100,000.
Longswamp homes range from Cape Cods to bungalows, built with brick or wood.
Split-levels with two-car garages have spacious land and safe neighborhoods in Longswamp.
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Swampy spirit
"Longswamp's got some unique character," says Heather Wicke, the director of Topton's public library. "The biggest event is Swampfest, which includes a mushball tournament, fireworks and of course the swamp thing costume contest — people get really into it." Mushball is a version of softball where a 16-inch ball slowly gets more deflated, or mushy, throughout the game. In town, the Topton Community Outreach Club plans events all year round, but they are best known for their annual Halloween Parade, which offers prizes for the best float. People put out blankets and chairs early to reserve their spots along the route. The Club also supports golf tournaments and fishing derbies. Residents can also head to the Brandywine Community Library for weekly community crafting and book clubs. "We've got our own unique character, too," Wicke says. "Our mascot is Sheldon the turtle; we throw him a birthday party each year." Kids enjoy reading with Sheldon, a real live turtle, and the library has a teen program that offers field trips to places like Washington, DC.
Walkable schools with steps for success
The area is served by the Brandywine Heights Area School District, which has three schools. All are located within Topton, making them walkable for those living in town. Brandywine Heights Elementary School and Brandywine Heights Intermediate School both receive a B-plus rating from Niche. Brandywine Heights High School is rated C-plus and has a pre-engineering program designed to prepare students for classes at the college level. The high school also offers dual enrollment with several local colleges and a career pathways program with the Berks Career and Technical Center.
Children in Longswamp attend District-Topton Elementary School with a B+ on Niche.
Longswamp children complete their education at Brandywine Heights High School.
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Fishing and outdoor fun
The Topton Community Park offers big and little kids playgrounds, a basketball court that the teens enjoy and public restrooms for those who choose to stay a while. Locals are also proud of the Topton Mini Museum, a collection of town history, which boasts a Moon Tree — a tree grown from seeds that have been to outer space. Longswamp Community Park also offers sports courts and a playground and is a popular spot to go sledding in the winter. For those who enjoy fishing, Hunsicker's Grove, an old stone quarry filled with water, is seasonally stocked with fish. At the edge of the township, Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area offers white slopes in the winter and hiking trails when it gets warmer.
Hunsicker's Grove has a stocked pond popular for local fishermen in Longswamp.
Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion has a memorial to heroes from Longswamp.
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Local restaurants and nearby attractions
For most shopping and dining, residents of Longswamp head into Topton. Herman's Drive-In is only open in the summer and is known for its milkshakes served in a retro diner. Jak's Downtown Diner has been the go-to place for breakfast for many locals over the past 20 years. And Tony's Italian Restaurant and Pizzaria is a favorite for more than just pizza — locals also enjoy the sandwiches and fries. For groceries, Radcliff Bros is right outside Topton and has a selection of fresh produce and name-brand essentials. Kutztown, 6 miles north of Topton, has a selection of small boutiques and a Giant grocery store. And Reading and Allentown, both 20 miles away, have shopping malls and big box stores.
The Market Cafe, once a train depot in Longswamp, serves breakfast.
Longswamp residents head to the popular Jake's Downtown Diner for a breakfast meal with friends.
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Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
Colleen Carey
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