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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
Photography Contributed By
TJ Engler
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Strickler,
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
Vacant land doesn't come often at such an affordable price. This .85 acre wooded lot is located in the sweet town of Mertztown, between Topton and Macungie with easy access to local grocery stores, ski resorts, restaurants and 15 minutes from major highways. This beautifully wooded property in Longswamp Township offers relatively level ground with no flood zone and adequate drainage as confirmed
Welcome to 638 State St in the heart of Mertztown! This charming single-detached home offers 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and approximately 1,300 square feet of comfortable living space—perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone looking for a place to call home.Step inside to find a warm and inviting layout with spacious living areas, plenty of natural light, and a functional floor plan
Welcome to Country View in Brandywine Heights School District, nestled in the peaceful community of Mertztown. Offering two spacious bedrooms and comfortable living spaces, this well-maintained residence provides an ideal setting for comfortable everyday living. Recent updates enhance peace of mind and efficiency, including a BRAND NEW (full) oil tank and new windows. Outside, a convenient 12' x
Kyle WagnerBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Cassidon Realty
Experience the rare opportunity to own a 50-acre estate that seamlessly blends refined living, unmatched privacy, and exceptional agricultural potential. From the moment you arrive, this property delivers a sense of grandeur and tranquility that is increasingly hard to find. The main residence has been thoughtfully updated with new hardwood flooring throughout the first floor and staircase,
Welcome to a truly exceptional 31.030-acre property in Macungie, just moments from Bear Creek Mountain Resort—where history, lifestyle, and opportunity come together. At the heart of the property is a remarkable circa 1770 original log home, thoughtfully expanded in the 1900s and again in 2008, blending preserved historic character with modern comfort. Featured in a 1975 issue of American
Brand New all 1 floor manufactured home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Very nice kitchen that flows into the living room. Open area laundry room. Front bedroom has a closet and its own full bath. Larger main bedroom also has its private bathroom with larger tub/shower and a nice closet as well. Concrete parking spot included. Base lot rent of $675 per month. Utility fees of $60 per occupant which
Craig ReinertKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Wyomissing
Brand New all 1 floor manufactured home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Very nice kitchen that flows into the living room. Laundry room next to kitchen. Front bedroom has a closet and its own full bath. Larger main bedroom also has its private bathroom. Base lot rent of $675 per month. Utility fees of $60 per occupant which includes refuse, water, sewer, common area maintenance including snow
Craig ReinertKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Wyomissing
Welcome to 100 Waldon Circle. This three bedroom two full bath home is ready for you, it's new owner!! Great floor plan!! Plenty of natural light. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. Enter into the living room and turn right to find the second and third bedrooms and full bathroom. Back through the living room you will love the large open eat-in kitchen with tons of storage and counter space. The
On the border of Lehigh & Berks Counties, this truly magical estate delivers refined luxury, privacy & resort-style living in a remarkably convenient location and only .8 miles from Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center. This exceptional 3.43-acre property showcases a stunning custom residence, impeccably appointed outbuildings, and unparalleled spaces for recreation and entertaining.
Opportunity Awaits at 19 Roth Ave in Mertztown! This mobile home offers incredible potential for the right buyer ready to bring it back to life. Located in a quiet, established community within the Brandywine Heights School District, this property is ideal for investors, DIY enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an affordable project. The home sits on a nice lot with room for outdoor enjoyment and
Welcome to 59 Mansfield Drive in the highly desirable Mountain Village Community of Macungie. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers over 1,700 square feet of comfortable, single-floor living with a spacious layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Step inside to an inviting open-concept living and dining area filled with natural light and plenty of space to relax.
Now Priced to sell! Opportunity awaits.Explore the possibilities of warehouse type development, solar field investments etc. on this relatively level and open 7 plus acre zoned Industrial land. It has recently been subdivided from the land across the railroad tracks where the new Dollar General is being built along State street so tax ID and actual taxes must be verified.This
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
