Milton is a semi-rural, semi-industrial town on the Susquehanna
Milton is a quiet borough on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, in the heart of the Susquehanna River Valley. The community was settled in 1770 as a trading post and timber and agricultural hub. While the town remains surrounded by farmland, over the last century its economy has become centered around manufacturing, with much of the southern part of the borough occupied by factories and warehouses — notably a large Conagra Foods factory that makes Chef Boyardee products. “It’s a nice, sleepy town with a lot of history,” says associate broker and area resident Christopher Arnold of Bowen Agency Realtors. “It’s a pretty relaxed, rural way of life here, with a lot of nice outdoor space.”
From row houses to modern subdivisions
Housing in Milton is fairly typical of a small central Pennsylvania borough. Most of the residential streets around the center of town are lined with row houses built around the turn of the century: these two-story homes feature minimal front yards and modest back yards, and only a few feet of separation from neighboring homes. “You’ll find some really nice historic homes with classic architecture around downtown,” says Arnold. “Along with some gems in the rough.”
As one might expect, the farther one gets from the heart of the town, the newer the houses get. Midcentury ranch-style homes line the streets south of downtown, while modern subdivisions can be found in both south and north Milton, mostly offering new traditional two-story homes with large yards. Row houses and midcentury ranch-style homes go for anywhere from $70,000 to $350,000, while modern properties usually sell for between $280,000 and $430,000. Some homes in the area may be subject to significant flood risks, because of proximity to the river, which can affect insurance premiums.
Vibrant downtown Milton
Larger retailers like Weis Markets grocery store and Tractor Supply Co can be found along Mahoning Street, a major local thoroughfare. However, most of Milton’s shopping and dining is concentrated in its historic and walkable downtown area along the Susquehanna River. Downtown Milton is known for its vibrant murals, classic architecture and impressive restaurant scene. Dining options range from the old-school Lisa’s Milltown Deli to colorful Dominican eatery Casa de Fe. Central Milton is also home to a burgeoning entertainment scene, which includes multiple bars, a bowling alley and a climbing gym.
The Annual Harvest Festival in September draws crowds
The main event, so to speak, on the local event calendar is the mid-September Harvest Festival, which runs for several days. It includes arts and crafts vendors, races, parades and a pet parade; it’s the town’s largest annual event and draws visitors from across the valley.
Easy to get to Milton State Park
Milton State Park is the borough’s most prominent green space. Situated on an island midway across the river from downtown, the 82-acre park has trails, soccer fields, a playground and a boat launch. The park is a frequent stopping and launch point for paddlers on the Susquehanna, which itself is a major recreational draw for boating and fishing. The borough is also home to several smaller public parks, including Brown Avenue Park, home to the Byers Memorial Sports Complex and the Milton Skatepark.
Milton public schools
Public schools in the community are overseen by the Milton Area School District. White Deer Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche, while Milton Area Middle School receives a B-minus. Milton High School also scores a B-minus grade and offers Career and Technical Education courses through a partnership with the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Straightforward highway access
Milton is bracketed by state Route 147 to the east, U.S. Route 15 to the west and Interstate 80 to the north. There isn’t any public transit in the area, so locals generally rely on cars to get around. It’s about 5 miles to the slightly larger town of Lewisburg and Bucknell College, and about 25 miles to Williamsport Regional Airport. It is a bit of a drive to the nearest major cities — Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City are all around 2.5 to 3 hours away by car.
