Myerstown has a small-town atmosphere and rural surroundings
Under 8 miles from Lebanon, Myerstown’s little downtown and collection of homes often gives way to the sea of farmland surrounding it abruptly; some homeowners’ fences practically brush against fields of crops. It’s a small borough that isn’t experiencing a ton of growth, and for some people, that’s part of the draw. “It maintains that small town feel that people just love,” says Adrian Young, the team leader of the Adrian Young Team at Keller Williams Keystone Realty. He’s been selling homes in Myerstown for 8 years. “With that small town feel, you get block parties and all sorts of small-town celebrations on Fourth of July and things like that. It has that feeling where you know your neighbors, your neighbors know you, you wave to everyone on the street. It’s so peaceful and so nice.”
Relaxed local eateries on Main Avenue, bi-monthly farmers market
Much of Myerstown’s locally owned shops and restaurants are clustered on and around Main Avenue. Café 58 has the vibe of a coffee bar, and patrons often tuck into crepes alongside their cappuccinos or lattes. Olde Willow Tree Café serves up a more traditional American breakfast full of eggs, sausage and toast. “This is where people tell me, ‘Go there in the morning, go there for breakfast,’” Young says, recalling its friendly, small-town diner atmosphere. “The food there is excellent.” Friends meet up for dinner or drinks at DoGood’s Tavern, which feels every bit like a laid back pub and gives monthly to several charities, including animal shelters and children’s healthcare.
Beyond local spots, there’s a collection of regional and national chains dotted along U.S. Route 422, including Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Tosco Pizza and Domino’s Pizza. Dutch-Way Farm Market provides groceries less than a mile from the borough. Every other Friday during the summer, locals gather in Mission Church’s parking lot in the little downtown to pick up fresh produce and explore local artisans’ wares at the Myerstown Farmers Market.
Historic homes on small lots
Despite being surrounded by farmland, Myerstown itself has the feeling of a downtown area. Its colonials and American Foursquares sit close together, and some are semi-attached. They have small yards broken by ever-present sidewalks and often lack driveways, relying on street parking or little parking spots in the alleyways that thread behind them. Most of these homes were built between 1890 and 1920. There are also a few Cape Cods and ranch-style homes, but they’re less common. Fixer-uppers can dip as low as $125,000 and most homes max out at about $315,000.
Community pool and fishing at Myerstown Community Park, disc golf
Myerstown Community Park is the center of many outdoor activities in Myerstown. “There’s a public pool there, they’ve got basketball courts, there’s stuff for little kids,” Young says. “There’s a pond that they stock, so there’s great fishing. It’s one of those places where you can go and rent the pavilion and have a picnic or you can spend the day swimming.” Local kids often meet friends to play on Myerstown Lake Quarry’s roller hockey rink, and its pond is another quiet fishing spot. Fans of disc golf find themselves perfectly situated; the park also has a disc golf course, but it’s not the only one. There’s another, bigger course just outside Myerstown at Jackson Recreational Park.
Career planning and prep at Eastern Lebanon County High
The Eastern Lebanon County School District has a C-plus on Niche. Children in Myerstown can attend Jackson Elementary School, which has a B-plus, from kindergarten through second grade before moving on to Eastern Lebanon County Intermediate School, which has a C, for third through fifth grade. Eastern Lebanon County Middle School has a C and Eastern Lebanon County High School has a B-minus. At the high school, students choose one of five career pathways; they can also choose to enroll in dual enrollment or career or technical education programs.
Celebrating the Fourth of July in Myerstown
On the Fourth of July, Myerstown throws a parade and picnic. “There’s a lot of community involvement in something like that,” Young says. “It’s almost Norman Rockwell-ish, where you’ve got the bands in the parades, and the firetrucks come and they’re all decorated. It’s so small-town charming.”
Low chance of flooding along Tulpehocken Creek’s edges
After heavy rain, Tulpehocken Creek can rise and even flood, leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency to put homes directly along the creek’s edge in a flood zone. This isn’t a frequent concern by any means, but it’s an element for those looking at creekside homes to consider.
Route 422 and nearby hospitals in Lebanon
U.S. Route 422 runs along Myerstown’s northern edge, connecting the borough to communities on its east and west sides. About 8 miles to the east, Lebanon is home to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital and the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
Written By
Christina Norwood
