Farmland in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province
Miles Township, 26 miles from State College, sits between two ridges in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province. “We’re in the valley of two mountain ranges,” says Jacqui Chiarkas, a local associate broker and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Edge Realty Group, who has been in the real estate industry for 20 years. “The soil has a limestone base, so great for farming.” The flat terrain between the ridges is a patchwork of farmland crisscrossed by several state routes. Most residents and farm owners are Amish and live in the area because of its secluded location. Others are attracted to the region for the housing prices. “Most Amish do not want to drive 30 miles to get to State College or Lewisburg, so that area has remained very rural,” says Don Myers, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Centre Realty and farm owner. “Basically, the non-Amish live there due to lower price points because of its distance from State College, so people can afford homes in Rebersburg or Miles Township.” Most homes in the area are along West Main Street in Rebersburg and Madison Pike Road in Madisonburg, small communities within the township. The CAP Index crime score for this area is a 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Fishing in McCalls Dam State Park
Miles Township is near several state parks and state game lands. Part of the McCalls Dam State Park falls within the township and is known for its pastoral picnic area near White Deer Creek, where anglers may fish for brook trout. Raymond B. Winter State Park, 17 miles away, offers a swimming beach with a sand volleyball court and hiking trails. Birders may spot swallowtails, goldfinches and other species within the park. State Game Lands Number 295, 16 miles away, allows hunting and fishing.
Homes in Rebersburg and Madisonburg
Homes sit on large, manicured lots in gridded clusters off state Route 192, primarily in the communities of Rebersburg and Madisonburg. Others are situated on acres of farmland. Farmhouse, Colonial Revival and ranch-style houses are common. Homes here range from $175,000 to $300,000. The average home value in State College is $391,835, while the average in Miles is $320,246.
Literary journal at Penns Valley Area High
Penn’s Valley Area School District, which receives a B from Niche, serves the area. Children may attend Miles Township Elementary School and Penns Valley Intermediate School, both of which receive a B rating. Students advance to Penns Valley Area Junior/Senior High School, which also receives a B. Students with an artistic flair may apply to be part of the art and literary journal, Asylum, at Penns Valley Area Junior/Senior High School.
Shopping and dining in Millheim
While many farms in Miles are self-sufficient, most grocery shopping and dining needs are fulfilled in Millheim, 4 miles away. Elk Creek Café + Aleworks in Millheim serves locally sourced pub fare and craft-brewed ales. Local art hangs on the walls, and a stage is set up for local talent to perform. Weaver’s Store Inc. is a home improvement shop that sells everything from arts and crafts materials to gardening supplies. Nearby, groceries are available at Burkholder’s Country Market. For produce straight from the farm, Kinfolk, in Rebersburg, is part of a co-op of Amish family farms operating throughout Centre County. Hettinger's Grocery, a convenience store, can satisfy a quick shopping trip.
Commuters use state Route 192
Miles is a car-dependent area, and residents use state Route 192 to commute to State College. Other roadways, such as state Routes 445 and 880, reach locations outside the township and cut a path through the mountainous ridges bordering either side of the municipality. Here, cars share the road with horses and buggies. The State College Regional Airport is 30 miles away, and the Mount Nittany Medical Center is 27 miles away.
Ag Progress Days hosted by Penn State
Ag Progress Days is a three-day agricultural event hosted by Pennsylvania State University. Exhibitors come from around the nation and Canada to experience and share innovations in farming. The event is held in Ferguson Township in August. Religious services are held at St. Peters Lutheran, Valley Mennonite Church, Brush Valley Fusion of Faith and others within and outside the area.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
