Community-oriented St. Clair takes pride in its 175-year history
The rolling hills of St. Clair, a borough in Schuylkill County, are filled with older homes, staple businesses and neighborly people. “It’s a friendly, community-oriented area with a small-town feel,” says Nada Laguna, a Realtor with EveryHome Realtors, and a St. Clair local with over 20 years of experience selling homes. It’s compact, so residents can easily walk to nearby parks, markets and restaurants. The borough celebrated its 175-year anniversary in July 2025 with two days of community gatherings, and folks come together for more local and county-wide events throughout the year.
National-style homes starting at $75,000
Homebuyers can find National-style homes and rowhouses from as early as the late 1800s, as well as more modern ranch-style houses. “There are newer homes and some empty lots still available, but the town was founded over 170 years ago, so there’s a lot of older homes,” says Laguna. Properties are tightly arranged and sit close to the street, leaving just a small amount of backyard green space for each home. Driveways and garages are rare, so residents mostly rely on street parking. Homes tend to stay on the market for just four days and typically sell for $75,000 to $225,000.
Quick stops at DelCamp's, pizza at Vito's
Walmart is in the north end of St. Clair. DelCamp’s, a small market with a deli, pre-packaged goods and hot foods, has been a community staple for 75 years. There are also popular locally owned dining spots like Vito's Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant for pies and other Italian entrees. “We don’t go out as much anymore, but we used to go to Vito’s a lot,” says Laguna. “They usually have a band of some kind of entertainment going on during the weekends.” TNT Deli is another local favorite for subs, and The Wooden Keg Tavern has a private dining room they call The Speakeasy that's available for special events. Residents can also drive 3 miles south to Fairlane Village Mall for retailers such as TJ Maxx, Michael's and Kohl's.
Historical society's car show in St. Clair, Winterfest in Pottsville
In July, the St. Clair Historical Society Car Show brings together the community and awards prizes to the top vehicles. There are more events around the county, including Schuylkill Winterfest in Pottsville. The festival, which takes place in January, includes ice sculpture demonstrations, carriage rides and family activities. The National Civics Bee is held in Schuylkill Haven in April, giving middle schoolers the opportunity to qualify for the national championship in Washington. Schuylkill Haven also hosts the Schuylkill County Fair, a weeklong event in the summer with truck and tractor pulls, amusement rides, live entertainment and local vendors.
Route 61 leads to Pottsville
Nearby shops and parks may be walkable, but residents will want a car to travel beyond the community. State Route 61 runs through the borough and gets locals 3 miles south to Pottsville. There aren’t regular bus routes, but the Schuylkill Transportation System offers a ride-share program for seniors and people with disabilities. Lehigh Valley Hospital is 4 miles away. The closest airport, Lehigh Valley International, is 55 miles away.
Pottsville Area High partners with Schuylkill Technology Center
Students may start at Clarke Elementary Center, which receives a B-minus from Niche, before going to Lengel Middle, which also gets a B-minus. Pottsville Area High gets a B-minus, too, and partners with the Schuylkill Technology Center for programs in fields like health care and welding.
Basketball at Boone Park, off-road trails at Famous Reading Outdoors
On Third Street, Admiral Joel T. Boone Park has basketball courts and two playgrounds. The Northward Playground also offers basketball courts and a playground, as well as a baseball diamond where the borough’s Little League teams play. Three miles away, Famous Reading Outdoors offers hundreds of miles of trails for off-road vehicles.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
