Lowhill

Lowhill Township's working farms and vineyards showcase its deeply rooted agricultural heritage. A rural suburb about 15 miles from Allentown and 64 miles from Philly, Lowhill is characterized by backcountry roads stretching for miles and the Trexler Nature Preserve, home to the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Established in 1753 and part of the broader culture of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lowhill is where residents immerse themselves in the outdoors and tend to their land. This agricultural tradition is shown at Willow Haven Farm, whose passion for farming is reflected through its 60 years of service, where locals sign up for fresh organic produce deliveries. Then there's Monterre, whose orchards produce grapes for local wineries and Edge of the Woods Plant Nursery, which houses hundreds of native blooms. With its larger parcels of land, stately homes and copious greenspace, the Allentown suburb of Lowhill Township offers its residents a nature-saturated lifestyle. On Game Preserve Road is the Lehigh Valley Zoo leading to the Trexler Nature Preserve, the biggest park in the county, offering several modes of relaxation and recreation. "Everyone loves the nature preserve; it's one of the best mountain biking areas. The zoo is within the preserve, and it's a quick outing to take the kids," says John Cummings, Realtor with Better Homes & Gardens Cassidon Realty for five years. It is home to native bison and white-tailed deer, whom travelers will find wandering amid hikes on the mountainous trails, horseback riding and biking. In that same sphere, the township grants access to State Game Lands for ethical game hunting during the open season; "Hunting is pretty big around here, but fishing is even bigger," Cummings says. Beechwood Street is a model for suburban living in the country reflecting late 90's and early 2000's Colonial Revival, Cape Cod and Neo Traditional architectural influences built with stone and two-car garages. Contemporary and custom country estates are found in The Manor community, situated on rolling hills and well-maintained lots. Down Claussville Road and Pennsylvania Route 100, white colonial homes and ranch-style houses provide sprawling acreage, usually with long driveways and a reasonable distance from neighbors. And, of course, there are traditional farmhouses, where locals live and work, tending to the land and providing locally grown produce and sustainable meats to the community. Prices may range from $280,000 for modest homes starting at 1,100 square feet to well over $800,000 for mansions hovering over 5,000 square feet. Parents can expect the kids to be a part of the Northwestern Lehigh School District, which provides a digital academy for flexible learning opportunities. Younger students may attend Northwestern Elementary or Weisenberg Elementary on Golden Key Road, with a B ranking according to Niche. Across town is Northwestern Lehigh Middle School, where Niche grades a B, and Northwestern Lehigh High School a B-plus. Students in both middle and high school will have the opportunity to be a part of a vast recreational department hosting football games at Tiger Stadium, as well as wrestling, cross country and even golf. The Lehigh Carbon Community College is east on Education Park Drive. Weis Market is in Schnecksville, about 5 miles away for essentials, and 12 miles southeast is the Lehigh Valley Mall for a shopping weekend. Weathered Vineyards & Winery invites locals with its Therapy Thursdays and wine tastings, where even doggies are welcome. Retriever Brewing is pouring up local stouts and lagers with an inviting outdoor space with food trucks to cozy by the fireplace and jam out to live music or play trivia with friends. "The local farms and wineries are really where you'll see a lot of local events happening and where people hang out," Cummings says. Leather Corner Post Bar & Grille is a long-standing watering hole where locals come for karaoke and burgers. Norma J's on Pennsylvania Route 309 is the place for comforting homestyle diner staples. Down the street is Grill Life Barbecue, smoking up smoked brisket and wings for a taste of the south. Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre on Shankweiler Road showcases vintage movies under the moon. The Weisenberg-Lowhill Township Historical Society is where residents can learn about the township's history and meet neighbors at craft events, farmers' markets and fundraising events. State Highway 476 and State Highway 78 are the nearest arteries. Most people are either self-employed on their farm or heading to Upper Macungie for work, a hub for trucking and manufacturing industries. Lowhill Township is 4 miles from Health Center at Fogelsville and 17 miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport.