Rolling hills and rural charm define Pike Township
Pike Township, which has existed as its own government since 1812, is a secluded rural collection of farmland and woods in the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania. Development happens slowly, if at all, which has ensured that Pike Township retains its rural character. “It’s so country and so quaint that we joke about there being more cows than people, but it’s actually true. They say it’s the rolling hills of the Oley Valley,” says Realtor Dianne Beck, an area resident of 25 years. “There are still dirt roads out here that the school buses can’t drive on, so you’ll see parents parked with their kids at the church lot every morning waiting for the bus. We’re stuck in an old era, but we’re fine with that.”
Farmhouses and older suburban builds on multi-acre lots
There has not been much new development in Pike Township, so the area retains its bucolic atmosphere. A few narrow residential streets and dirt roads crisscross through the patchwork of woods and farmland. “Most homes out here are older houses,” Beck says. “We have a lot of older farmhouses, but there’s no one dominant style in particular. There’s a good mix.” Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and cabins with Craftsman features sit on peaceful, multi-acre lots shaded by tall trees. Prices can range from $310,000 to around $555,000, varying based on build year, number of bedrooms and square footage. Some of the largest and newest homes in the area can fetch prices over $1 million.
Local sportsman’s club offers shooting practice and community
Because Pike Township is so rural, residents often choose to spend their free time hunting and fishing. Hunters can join the Pike Township Sportsmen’s Association, a local organization where members can learn about conservation and practice shooting. Residents can also head to the Earl Township Park, just across Highway 73, which has a small playground and several miles of walking trails.
Local dining options include restaurant at Sportsman’s Association
The area’s closest supermarket is the Weis Markets in Oley, although fresh produce and organic coffee are also available at the Local Leaf Market. The nearest Walmart Supercenter is just east of the township in Gilbertsville. Nearby eateries include Antonio’s Trattoria, Dan’s Deli and the restaurant at the Pike Township Sportsmen’s Association. “The association’s restaurant isn’t open every day, but the food is very good,” Beck says. This restaurant is open to the public, but only members of the association are allowed to purchase alcohol with their meal.
Oley Valley schools offer support for at-risk students
Pike Township is zoned for the Oley Valley School District, which earns an overall B from Niche. Oley Valley Elementary receives a B-minus, and Oley Valley Middle scores a B-plus. Oley Valley High, also rated B-minus, offers a comprehensive Student Assistance Program to help at-risk students achieve academic success. The district maintains a township-based enrollment system, without open enrollment or magnet schools. Out-of-district transfers may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Annual community fair draws thousands to Pike Township
Every third week in September, residents will likely find Highway 73 packed with traffic. “The Oley Valley Fair has been going on here for 78 years now,” Beck says. “It’s kind of like that book, Charlotte’s Web. There are contests for pigs, cows, goats and sheep, tractor pulls, prizes for the largest pumpkin, and all kinds of food – funnel cake, milk shakes, French fries and burgers. We see about 30,000 to 50,000 people come through every year just for the fair.”
A short drive down the mountain leads to nearby amenities
Pennsylvania Highway 73 is the only nearby thoroughfare, connecting Pike Township to Oley in around 10 minutes and farther on to Reading in just about 25 minutes. This road also provides the most direct route to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Gilbertsville. “We’re literally on the side of a mountain up here, so to get anywhere we have to come down it,” Beck explains. “Not that it takes very long – it’s only about a 5-minute drive – but that keeps us secluded.”
![Alec Oswald]()
Photography Contributed By
Alec Oswald
