Mount Carmel is a borough steeped in the coal industry
Mount Carmel is a Northumberland County borough that got its start during the coal boom in East-Central Pennsylvania that spanned from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. Although coal mines in the area are still in active operation in this area, albeit on a much smaller scale, the coal industry is no longer the driving force behind Mount Carmel’s economy. In stark contrast to its coal-mining history, the borough is working today to recast itself as a center for businesses focused on green and renewable energy. Additionally, Mount Carmel Downtown Inc., or MCDI, is a local nonprofit organization working to promote the borough’s burgeoning downtown area through community events and small-business support efforts. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mount Carmel had a population of just over 5,700 residents in 2020. In the 21st century, this borough draws people looking for affordable housing options and a small-town sense of community.
Affordable housing options in Northumberland County
Mount Carmel’s gridded streets are lined with a variety of row homes and housing styles dating back to the early 20th century. Single-family homes often cost between $40,000 and $160,000, while historic townhouses and traditional-style duplexes in row home styles mostly range from $20,000 to $110,000. With a median home price of $70,000, homes in Mount Carmel are significantly more affordable compared to state and national housing prices. More than 60% of residents are homeowners, which still leaves a large portion of renters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, renters in Mount Carmel pay a median monthly rent of about $800, much lower than the approximate $1,200 monthly rent for all of Pennsylvania. The borough has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 4 out of 10, which is on par with the national average.
Students served by Mount Carmel Area School District
Students living here are zoned for the Mount Carmel Area School District, which receives an overall C rating from Niche. Mount Carmel Area Elementary serves prekindergarten through sixth grade, while grades seven and eight can attend Mount Carmel Area Junior High; both schools are rated C. Secondary students can head to C-plus-rated Mount Carmel Area High School or learn construction and mechanical trades at the Northumberland County Career Technology Center. The district has almost a dozen athletic teams with state-of-the-art practice facilities to accompany each sport.
Mount Carmel has community parks and state forests
Mount Carmel residents have several options for outdoor recreation. At the center of the borough is the square-shaped Town Park, a community hub with shaded picnic benches, walking paths and a central covered gazebo. Also at the Town Park is the Anthracite Fire Company fire station; local events are often hosted in the park near the station, including summer concerts, Mount Carmel’s Picnic in the Park series and more. The North Oak Street Municipal Park and Recreation Complex in the northern part of the borough is home to a community swimming pool, playground and several athletic facilities, including a complex for the Mount Carmel Area Junior Baseball League. Additional playground equipment and a shaded picnic pavilion can be found at Atlas Park, adjacent to the Mount Carmel Township Municipal Building. For hiking trails and outdoor scenery, residents can head to the nearby Weiser State Forest, home to 33 miles of trails used for both mountain biking and cross-country skiing, as well as the 184-acre McWilliams’ Reservoir, which allows non-motorized boats and catch-and-release fishing.
Oak Street has local shopping and dining
Mount Carmel has a mix of local and chain commercial establishments. Residents can find mom-and-pop shops along Oak Street, like Catino’s Candy & Gift Shop and The Closet Door Resale & Consignment Boutique. Popular local eateries include Mattucci’s Willow Café, Vine Street Sandwich Shop and Shaulinski’s Bar. Most people living here are within walking distance of a place to shop or grab a bite to eat. From June through November, the Mount Carmel Farmer’s Market is hosted every Saturday morning near the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 61 and Pennsylvania Route 54. Residents can do their weekly grocery shopping at Boyer’s Food Market, which sits adjacent to a CVS Pharmacy. Less than 6 miles away are Walmart Supercenter, several other national retailers and fast-food chains.
Commuting via Pennsylvania Route 61
Commuters have nearby access to Pennsylvania Route 61 and Pennsylvania Route 54, two major regional thoroughfares that connect with surrounding Northumberland County communities. As Route 61 passes through Mount Carmel, it briefly transitions into West Avenue, East Avenue, Market Street and, finally, 5th Street. A network of fixed bus routes is also available throughout the borough, operated by the Lower Anthracite Transit System, or LATS. The nearest airport, Harrisburg International Airport, is approximately 66 miles away, a trip that typically takes about an hour and 15 minutes. The Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital offers 24-hour emergency room services off Route 61, less than 10 miles from Mount Carmel.
Potential air pollution from a coal fire burning since 1962
4 miles down State Route 61 is the near-abandoned town of Centralia, where the remnants of the region’s mining era are apparent in the ongoing coal fire that continues to burn beneath the town’s streets. It has been burning since 1962, widely believed to have started when a fire at a landfill built on top of the abandoned mine ignited the coal beneath it. The smoke from the fire is released through a series of natural vents throughout Centralia, but the amount of smoke isn’t enough to significantly impact air quality in this area.
