Community pride persists in Pennside, a small town next to a mountain
Steep streets emerge from the hills of Mount Penn into Pennside, a suburban town just three miles from the City of Reading. Barry Sherman, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, grew up in the small town of Pennside and has lived there for about 55 years. “You get really close with your neighbors,” says Sherman, “and people keep their houses really nice. There’s just a great sense of pride here.”
Pennside has unique colonial inspired homes.
Locals from Pennside love the fine dining experience at Anthony's Trattoria.
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Quality construction help Pennside's early 1900s homes last
You’ll find various single-family homes from the early-to-mid-1900s along Pennside’s hilly residential streets. Sherman notes the high quality of these homes to be a significant factor in his decision to stay in Pennside. “I love that they’re built with real hardwood and plaster,” says Sherman, “They’re strong homes with a lot of character.” 2,000-square-foot split-level homes are the most common throughout Pennside, ranging from $250,000 to $300,000. Pennside also has some brick colonial-style houses in the same price range. Or, if you’re looking for something cheaper, you can get a 1,000-square-foot bungalow for around $175,000.
Beautifully maintained homes dot the landscape along Brighton Ave in Pennside.
Pennside is populated with many traditional duplex homes.
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Children may go to Antietam School District or Exeter School District
Most students in Pennside are part of the Antietam School District. That includes those who live on the central and west sides of town. Children can go to Stony Creek Elementary School, Kerry C. Hoffman Intermediate School and Antietam High School. The few students who live on the east side of Pennside are served by the Exeter School District, attending Jacksonwald Elementary and Exeter Township Junior High, both of which get B grades from Niche. Exeter Township Senior High receives an A-minus.
Younger students from Pennside may attend the Jacksonwald Elementary School.
Exeter Township Junior High School serves the Pennside area.
Exeter Township Senior High School is a great school for the teenagers of Pennside to attend.
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An old amusement park became Carsonia Park, a lakeside green space
Carsonia Park, which used to be an amusement park from 1896 to 1950, is still a frequent spot for locals to visit. Though there are no more roller coasters, the park is frequently visited by locals enjoying a walk around Crystal Lake or fishing for largemouth bass. Kids can have lots of fun at the park with a playground and basketball court. And you’ll also find adults hitting the ball fields for local softball leagues on the weekends. Right next door, you can cool off at Antietam Pool, a historic community pool where people have been coming to swim for more than 100 years. With Pennside in the foothills of Mount Penn, you can take a two-mile drive up the mountain to The Pagoda, which offers stunning views of Reading and beyond.
Local enjoy the outdoors at historic Carsonia Park, near Pennside.
Crystal Lake located at Carsonia Park, is a green space for Pennside residents to explore.
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Businesses include decades-old ice cream shop and new gastropub
While the small 1-square-mile town is primarily residential, it’s home to several businesses that have been serving the community for decades. In fact, Sherman’s dad used to own Pennside Drive-in. “People have been getting ice cream there for years,” says Sherman, “Even after my dad sold it, it continues to be a staple.” Pennside also has a few newer bars and restaurants, like Liberty Tap Room, a hip gastropub with indoor and outdoor seating. You can also enjoy drinks and pub fare at Klinger’s on Carsonia, a fun place to hang out during regular events like live music and trivia night. And when you’re in the mood for a cocktail and authentic Italian food, enjoy a nice sit-down dinner at Anthony’s Trattoria. Stop by Redner’s Warehouse Markets for all of your grocery needs. You’ll find more places to shop a couple of miles south at Reading Mall, which is right by Target, Walmart and several other big box retailers.
Pennside locals enjoy good food and a large selection of beer at the Liberty Tap Room.
Locals can grab some tasty pub food and enjoy local entertainment at Klinger's Pub, near Pennside.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Danny Lambert
Video By
Mark Barakat
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ed Freeman,
an experienced agent in this area.
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