Rouzerville has a small-town feel with easy access to Waynesboro
With less than 1,000 residents, Rouzerville may appear to some as just a pass-through town. But this south-central Pennsylvania community embraces that laid-back and small-town culture. “You drive down Route 16, go through Rouzerville, blink your eye and you’re in Waynesboro,” says Jeremy Burkholder, a local Realtor with JAK Real Estate who lives in neighboring Waynesboro. Burkholder explains that living in Rouzerville is like an extension of Waynesboro. “Anything that would be going on in Waynesboro would apply to residents it Rouzerville,” including annual events, farmers markets and popular eateries. However, Rouzerville can hold its own in some departments, as Red Run Park attracts a crowd and a local retail center makes for convenient shopping. State Route 16 bisects the community, with commercial businesses populating the north side and residential properties to the south. Additionally, the town sits at the foothills of South Mountain, allowing nature lovers proximity to hiking trails at Caledonia State Park.
Red Run Park and nearby Caledonia State Park offer fresh air
A point of pride for Rouzerville residents is Red Run Park, situated on the town’s north side. The green space provides recreation for all ages, as well as frequent entertainment. In addition to a playground and a walking trail that follows a creek, parkgoers can visit memorial sites like an old army tank and a statue of the Twin Towers. A family-friendly miniature train takes passengers for a shady ride in a circle, passing through a small train tunnel. Music in the Park is a summertime concert series each Sunday from June through the end of September. The park also hosts frequent car shows and seasonal events like the Halloween Party and Santa Express, when Santa ushers in the holiday season by riding the train around the park.
At the town's south end, outdoor enthusiasts can access the Appalachian Trail, an over 2,000-mile hiking trail from Georgia to Maine. “Caledonia State Park also has a lot of hiking trails. Usually, residents will go for a day trip, and there’s a stream that runs through where people will get in to cool off,” Burkholder says. “But they do have a community pool there and campsites, so some people make a weekend out of it.” Caledonia State Park, part of Michaux State Forest, offers public parking about 15 miles north of Rouzerville.
The retail corridor along Route 16 has big-box stores and local eats
A retail-heavy corridor north of Route 16 assists residents with their everyday needs, like grocery shopping and running errands. The commercial area features Walmart and chain restaurants, as well as a few local establishments. Postmasters is a trendy cafe and bakery with natural lighting and artsy decor, and Red Run Grill is a no-frills barbeque joint. Route 16 is also lined with establishments, from auto shops and department stores to gas stations and eateries. Michaux Brewing Company is a brewhouse with craft beers and a pub menu, and Blondie’s is a bar and grill known for hosting Bike Nights for Pennsylvania’s motorcyclists. Nearby, the shelves of Pen Mar Antique Market are stocked with second-hand collectibles, vintage gems and hand-crafted items. Across the street from the antique market, Rouzerville Christian Church keeps its members connected through an adult softball league and a Youth Group.
The town of Waynesboro, about 3 miles west down the highway, provides more options for shopping and dining. Residents can grab groceries at Martin’s Food Market or choose from a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Mexican and Korean. “There’s a downtown farmers market every Saturday in Waynesboro, and Main Street does car shows pretty often,” Burkholder says. “Also, if you have an emergency, WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital will welcome you, get you right in and have you hooked up right away.”
Ranch-styles and raised ranch-styles dominate south of Route 16
South of the main drag of Route 16, back roads extend through residential communities where ranch-styles on a half-acre are common. “There’s a pretty good mix of housing, with some newer Traditionals built within the 2000s,” Burkholder says. “But most are more established ranch-styles from the ‘70s.” As roads branch further south, more raised-ranch homes and Colonial-styles begin to appear. Lot sizes start to grow, and more oak and maple trees shade the residential lanes. Prices generally start around $220,000 for a 1,000-square-foot ranch-style home and rise to about $320,000 for a 2,000-square-foot raised ranch-style property. At Sunshine Mobile Home Park, located just off Route 16, buyers can find a newly remodeled 1,000-square-foot home for about $90,000. Residences located near Red Run to the north or Falls Creek to the south are at a higher flood risk than the rest of the community.
Class is in session at public Waynesboro Area School District
Waynesboro Area School District serves students living in Rouzerville. Young learners can begin at Hooverville Elementary School, which has a B-minus rating from Niche, before progressing to Waynesboro Area Middle School, which has a C-plus. Students can then attend Waynesboro Area Senior High School, which holds a B-minus rating and has championship-winning golf and swim teams. Also, Waynesboro High’s Quiz Bowl Team, the Brain Busters, won the 2025 National Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl.
State Route 16 bisects the car-dependent community
State Route 16, also referred to as Buchanan Trail or Main Street, runs east-west through the town. The community is car-dependent, as no public bus or train service the area. Hagerstown Regional Airport, located about 15 miles west, offers flights through Allegiant to select destinations. For more travel options, Harrisburg International Airport is a 70-mile drive north, and Dulles International Airport is a 70-mile drive south.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
