Port Carbon is a piece of small-town America
Port Carbon, 2 miles northeast of Pottsville, is a Schuylkill County borough offering peaceful living with home prices below the U.S. national median. "What's nice about Port Carbon is it's got the small-town feel," says David Pedron, a Re/Max Five Star Realty broker with over 19 years of experience in Schuylkill County. Homes have early- to mid-20th-century charm, and pocket parks dot the area. A handful of locally owned businesses are in the town center, but Pottsville is next door with more shopping and dining options. "It's a nice, quiet little town," Pedron says. "People keep to themselves but are friendly."
Detached row-style houses with Victorian influences
Port Carbon's narrow streets are lined with detached row-style houses and parallel-parked cars. Most single-family homes were built in the early- to mid-20th century and have brick or lap siding. Victorian-inspired features, like decorative trim, dormer windows and steeply pitched roofs, are common. "They were built well back in the day," Pedron says. "Most of them were built with coal heat, but 99% switched over to electric or oil in the '70s." Prices range from about $50,000 to $200,000, depending on a home's size, features and renovation needs. The median sale price here is $150,000, compared to the U.S. national median of $420,000.
Pottsville Area School District's schools are well-rated by Niche
Port Carbon is part of the Pottsville Area School District, rated B-minus overall by Niche. Kids may start at Clarke Elementary, before moving to Lengel Middle and Pottsville Area High, all rated B-minus. At the latter, teens can explore their interests in after-school clubs like ecology, esports and quiz bowl. Teens may also take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Kutztown University, Luzerne County Community College and Penn State.
Playgrounds and basketball courts at area parks
Schoentown Park is Port Carbon's go-to green space, featuring basketball courts, a T-ball field and a playground. A mile away in Palo Alto, Taylor Street Park has a picnic pavilion, basketball court and a couple of play structures. Up the street, Bacon Street Park offers the largest playground out of these parks. Nearby, anglers can cast their lines in the Schuylkill River for smallmouth bass and channel catfish. About 2 miles away, there are a few more pocket-sized green spaces in Pottsville, including Pottsville Skate Park and General Joulwan East Side Park, with another playground and basketball court.
Small businesses and no-frills dining around Pike and Coal streets
There are a handful of small businesses around Pike and Coal streets, including an optometrist, a florist and a mobility equipment supplier. For a quick bite, Mamma Mia's serves pizza, sandwiches and baked dishes, while China II has takeout classics like orange chicken and lo mein. Pep's Pub & Hotel is the local watering hole with darts, billiards and occasional events, like Friday comedy and paint-and-sip nights. Nearby, Port Bar and Grill serves up elevated pub fare, like bacon jam burgers and pan-seared crab cakes. Weiland's One Stop is a gas station, deli and convenience store with grocery basics. About 2 miles away, Weis Markets in Pottsville has a broader selection of groceries.
Holidays and get-togethers in Port Carbon
Port Carbon hosts holiday events throughout the year. For the Fourth of July, there's the Firecracker 5K Walk/Run, a town tradition since 2014. In December, residents look forward to the tree-lighting ceremony at the town gazebo and horse-and-trolley rides through the community. Santa also comes to town at the Port Carbon Senior Building, where he poses for pictures and hands out presents. Smaller events are often held at the Port Carbon Public Library, including concerts, raffles and fundraiser dinners.
The nearest highway, hospital and airport
U.S. Route 209 passes through Port Carbon, granting easy access to Pottsville. Residents generally drive to get around, but some streets, like Pike Street, are sidewalk-lined. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street is about a mile away, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is a 51-mile drive.
