Located deep in the heart of Pennsylvania and along a bend of the Susquehanna River, the community of Rupert is fully immersed in the wooded nature of the Susquehanna Lowlands. Founded in 1788 and named for the Rupert family of pioneers, Rupert originated as a frontier ferry settlement. This community has never lost its frontier character, as residents will find themselves surrounded by thickly forested hills or gazing out at panoramic views of the lowlands from their hillside homes. Just over 150 people call Rupert home, but local roads and bridges connect them to the local hub of Bloomsburg, ensuring that residents can make the most of their peaceful seclusion while also having ready access to local supermarkets, job opportunities and modern conveniences.
Outdoor adventures and an amusement park
Rupert’s nature-immersed setting makes for plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. The Indian Head Campground is a locally popular site for natural excursions, offering spacious campgrounds for rent and immediate access to the winding Susquehanna River. “You will want to step back into history as you visit the Indian Head Campground,” says Montour Township historian Tom Long. “Rupert once had a flourishing sawmill and slate plant, and canal boats coursed as far as the Erie Canal. The beautiful stone pillars of the locks of the canal are still at the campground; the construction is simply amazing.” Families from near and far can enjoy daily activities like jungle gyms, tree houses, playgrounds and even spaces for dogs to frolic. Locals can also treat themselves to a day of fun at America’s largest free-admission park, Knoebels Amusement Resort, just 10 minutes out of the city. When visitors take a rollercoaster ride at this park, they may be able to view the wealth of Susquehanna Valley woodlands as they make their ascent up these recently installed, award-winning rides.
Shopping around the block
Rupert has no local shopping or dining conveniences to speak of, being a purely residential, remote area. However, nearby Bloomsburg, accessible within a 2.5-mile drive, serves as the center of life for area residents, whether for schooling or shopping. At the far end of Columbia Boulevard, stores of all kinds offer every imaginable convenience, from Weis Markets and Giant supermarkets to liquor stores, brand-name restaurants, hardware and auto shops and even clothing stores and a florist. 2.5 miles south of Rupert, Catawissa is another venue for shopping, with a more smalltown feel; a few local restaurants like a prominent Cracker Barrel serve up Southern, Mexican and diner-style cuisine.
Driving into downtown Bloomsburg
Because of its remote, rural location, Rupert residents rely on cars to commute to work. In fact, Rupert is home to the Rupert Covered Bridge, built in 1847 and functioning as both an automobile-friendly crossing of Fishing Creek and as a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Bloomsburg is accessible within a 2-mile drive, with Highway 11 serving as the main mode of transportation into the town. The major regional hub of Wilkes-Barre is accessible within a 50-mile drive up Interstates 80 and 81.
Residences in Rupert
Rupert has a very small housing inventory; the 2020 census indicated that Rupert had only 65 households within its single square mile. Most houses here were built in the mid-20th century, the vast majority of them featuring Colonial Revival and bungalow styles. The majority of residents own their homes, indicating a well-established, permanent community. Because of Rupert’s remote location, housing prices have remained relatively low. The median home price falls around $130,000, significantly lower than the national housing median.
Education and extracurriculars at Bloomsburg schools
Students can attend the Bloomsburg Area School District, which sports a B rating from Niche. Bloomsburg Area High School, which also receives a B from Niche, offers a diverse array of extracurriculars like the Animal Resource Club, Outdoors Club and the Fly Fishing Club to help students make the most of the Susquehanna Valley’s alluring environment. Many students go on to attend the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, a local campus of the larger, state-owned Commonwealth University.
Public safety
Rupert is served by the Montour Township Police Department, which reported a violent crime rate significantly below the state and national rates and a property crime rate far lower than Pennsylvania’s and the U.S. figure.
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.
