Groundhog Day puts Punxsutawney on the national stage
In the Pennsylvania borough of Punxsutawney, the most famous resident is a groundhog named Phil. The immortal mammal has an important job to do every Feb. 2 — if he sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring will come early. The annual tradition dates back to 1887 but is perhaps best known from the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day." The holiday is a major attraction for the town with several events and activities.
But groundhogs are a year-round fascination for Punxsutawney, affectionately known as Punxsy. “Visitors enjoy walking through our town to find all the groundhog statues scattered throughout,” says Tara Runk, a Realtor with Realty One Group Landmark who grew up in the area. While the event brings droves of tourists, the borough otherwise has a small-town sensibility. “We have an active community that supports each other and our town,” Runk says. “If you are looking for a slower-paced life, Punxsutawney is it.”
A mural dedicated to Punxsutawney's most famous resident can found near the center of the city.
Punxsutawney rests among the rolling hills of Pennsylvania's Jefferson County.
1/2
Punxsutawney offers both rural and in-town housing options
“Whether you are looking for in-town living or rural Punxsy, we have it all and everything in between, from new builds to 1900s Craftsman homes,” Runk says. Older homes under 2,000 square feet from the late 1800s up to the 1960s range from $27,000 to $250,000. Homes over 2,000 square feet are often newer, built in the 2000s and onwards. They sell for between $260,000 and around $600,000. Homes stay on the market for around 100 days, double the national average of about 50. The median lot size is just over a quarter of an acre. Some properties have driveways, while others utilize street parking.
Newer homes in Punxsutawney are often over 2,000 square feet.
Large homes built from the 1800s to the 60s can be found near the center of Punxsutawney.
1/2
Top-hatted Inner Circle members host the big annual celebration
The town goes all out for Groundhog Day. Festivities include a banquet, a ball and an all-night party. “It’s a whole week of events and entertainment,” Runk says. The Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle is a group of community members who don formal clothes, including top hats, and have weather-related nicknames. They plan the celebration and take care of Phil. Punxsutawney has other non-groundhog-related events throughout the year. “We have a festival in the town park every week of the Fourth of July and Music in the Park throughout the summer on Thursday evenings,” Runk says.
Punxsutawney residents enjoy the easy access to Barclay Square.
Statues of Punxsutawney Phil show the towns history at Barclay Square.
1/2
A trail connects to parks, playgrounds and Punxsutawney Phil’s burrow
From neighborhood playgrounds to miles of trails, Punxsutawney has opportunities for outdoor recreation. Barclay Square Memorial Park is a downtown green space next to Punxsutawney Memorial Library, where Phil and his family currently live in a manmade burrow with a window for visitors to look through. There will soon be a tunnel allowing the groundhogs to travel between the library and a new zoo at Gobbler’s Knob, where Phil makes his prediction each year. Harmon Field is next to the community pool and has a playground and basketball court. Mahoning Shadow Trail is 15 miles of trails along former railroad lines. For indoor fun, Groundhog Lanes is a bowling alley with mini golf.
Punxsutawney children play on the playground at Harmon Field.
Punxsutawney residents can hike or bike along the Mahoning Shadow Trail.
1/2
Private and vocational options expand local education choices
Punxsutawney Area Elementary serves kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a C-plus rating from Niche. Students can continue to Punxsutawney Area High, which gets a C grade, for seventh through 12th grade. The high school’s sports teams are called the Punxsy Chucks, as woodchuck is another name for a groundhog. Jefferson County-DuBois Area Vocational-Technical School, also known as Jeff Tech, has a C rating and has programs like automotive technology and digital media arts. Punxsutawney Christian School is a B-plus-rated private option for preschool through 12th grade. Indiana University of Pennsylvania has a campus in Punxsutawney that houses the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts programs. The school has a B-minus rating.
Parents start their kids at Punxsutawney Area Elementary School.
IUP Punxsutawney offers academic and culinary career courses.
1/2
The weather museum and local businesses reflect the town's identity
Runk says that many of the shops and restaurants in Punxsutawney are locally owned. Downtown has boutiques, gift shops and souvenir stores. Neko's Restaurant & Lounge has an expansive menu and daily specials. Sandfly Brewing Company is the area’s first craft brewery. “On the weekends, they have food trucks and live entertainment to enjoy,” Runk says. Hometown Market and Aldi are two grocery stores in town. Punxsy Plaza has Marshalls and Tractor Supply. Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center educates people of all ages on the science behind weather. The town identifies as the weather capital of the world.
Several boutiques and eateries can be found in Punxsutawney's downtown area.
Punxsutawney Pizza is a popular spot for pizza and drinks.
1/2
Public transit includes a local bus route with key stops
There is some walkability around downtown. Area Transportation Authority has multiple bus stops in Punxsutawney on the Punxsy Shadow route, including a stop at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. U.S. 119 and State Route 36 intersect in town, and Pittsburgh is around an 80-mile drive. Pittsburgh International Airport is closer to 100 miles away. Punxsutawney Area Hospital is a few miles from the center of town. The area has a major flood risk, including residential properties.
Homes on large lots can be found on the outskirts of Punxsutawney.
State Route 36 cuts through Punxsutawney and is lined with shops and local businesses.
1/2
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Jaried Frogosa
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kenneth Bowser Jr,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Punxsutawney, PA sell after 2319 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Punxsutawney, PA over the last 12 months is $99,700, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Two Homes, One Incredible Opportunity! Ideal for owner-occupants or investors, this unique property offers two separate, updated homes on one parcel, perfect for living in one while generating rental income from the other. 105 Orchard Ave features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, with recent improvements that enhance comfort and functionality. A mud room and enclosed front porch. 140 Church Aly offers
Potential Find of a Lifetime! This well-designed home, situated in a rural setting on 2 acres in Bell Township, has sat empty for years and has broken pipes, needs a new furnace/heating system and electrical upgrades are needed. Utilities are currently OFF. The residence contains 3 bedrooms, a sunken living room, 1 full bath, kitchen, dining room and a full basement. A detached garage and
Two Homes, One Incredible Opportunity! 105 Orchard Ave features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, with recent improvements that enhance comfort and functionality. A mud room and enclosed front porch. 140 Church Aly offers ven more space with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, also benefiting from thoughtful updates throughout. a private back patio with outdoor fireplace for comfort and relaxation.
Let yourself become immersed in the tranquility of the surroundings as you relax in your favorite chair on the wraparound porch. This is such an amazing opportunity with a new home built in 2022, a 60'x40' pole barn with full-length lean-to, an additional outbuilding, and a respectable ratio of cleared vs wooded areas... all sitting on 35-acres just outside of Punxy and slightly north of Indiana.
This 30' x 60' 2-Story Structure features Board/Batten Exterior, Post & Beam Construction, and 40-year Architectural Shingles. 8' Garage Doors. Heated Concrete Floor. The Double Loft Area has an Open Concept with Spiral Stairs to Larger Loft. Wood Burner. FULL Bath Room Suite. 1000-Gal Propane Tank and 18 KWT Back-up Generator. Star Link is available for exceptional Wi-Fi to this
116 & 116?1/2?Clark Street is a charming two-unit building offering a total of 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, suitable for investors or owner-occupants. Recent updates include a brand-new roof installed in 2023 and a fresh second-floor deck, enhancing both curb appeal and tenant comfort. With separate units, modern upgrades, and prime placement in Punxsutawney near schools and local
This Commercially Zoned Property covers 12.9 acres and is strategically located across from the Walmart Plaza in Punxsutawney, PA. With 1,204 feet of road frontage along PA-119, it offers excellent visibility and accessibility for potential commercial development. This prime location could be ideal for retail, service businesses, or other commercial ventures looking to benefit from the
Escape to Country Living in this Brick Ranch Home on approximately 5.0 Acres, just minutes from Downtown Punxsutawney. Bilt in 1974, this well-maintained property offers a Cut Stone Fireplace - perfect for those Cool Evenings. Features an Attached 1-Car Garage, and also a Large Detached Garage, which is Ideal for Extra Storage, Workshop, or Hobby Space. Pears, Apples, Peaches, and Grapes
This Secluded Country Retreat on 4.5 Acres, with Option to Purchase Additional 230 Acres! Situated ONLY 10 Minutes from Punxsutawney/Gobbler's Knob is located on a Native Brown Trout Stream. 1000-Gal Propane Tank and 18 KWT Back-up Generator. The 30' x 60' 2-Story Structure features Board/Batten Exterior, Post & Beam Construction, and 40-year Architectural Shingles. 8' Garage Doors....
Income producing property, with a luxurious feel, conveniently located near Downtown Punxsutawney. The both floors of this duplex contain an eat-in kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a side porch. The fenced in back yard of the property leads to the two-car, detached garage that is situated behind the duplex.
Country Living on 60 acres in Canoe Township, Indiana County. This secluded listing features a two-story home, a 60' x 60' bank barn, a 36' x 48' outbuilding with stalls for horses or livestock, acres of pastureland and an orchard. FREE GAS. Well & Spring water.
Property Id: 2212970This is a brand new 22' Maverick Tiny Home. It is available immediately for one person. This is one of three tiny homes (more to come) in a community for women survivors of domestic abuse. It is partially furnished and has 1 full size bed, 1 bath, connections for a stackable washer/dryer. Tenant pays electric. Contact us for more details.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
