$373,634Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Schaefferstown is known for having the first chartered waterworks in the U.S.
Residents take pride in Schaefferstown farms and history
Right at the heart of rural Heidelberg Township is Schaefferstown, a small but historic town at the crossroads of multiple Pennsylvania state highways. What the town lacks in its sparse number of businesses, it makes up for in spades with its tight-knit community that celebrates and preserves the area’s storied past, which dates back two and a half centuries. “Schaefferstown has been around for a long, long time. It’s rich in history and it’s rich in agriculture,” says Stephanie Butler, a lifelong Lebanon County resident and Realtor with Suburban Realty. “It has some truly beautiful architecture and a couple of museums, but if you blink while driving through it, you’ll miss it. It really is a little town.”
From historic homes to brand-new builds
Though there’s a handful of bi-level and ranch-style homes from the 1970s and ‘80s, plenty of homes in Schaefferstown predate the 20th century. Near the historic town center, one- or two-story cottages line the streets in a neat grid, made from sturdy materials such as brick, stone or even logs. While older homes sell from $185,000 to $450,000, they can be rare to list compared to more recent builds. A new community called the Copper Ridge began construction in 2024 on the outskirts of Schaefferstown, adding contemporary Craftsman-inspired townhouses and single-family homes to the market. These homes are spacious, typically with upward of 2,000 square feet on a third-acre lot. New single-family homes list from $425,000 to $600,000, while townhouses are priced between $330,000 and $410,000. Schaefferstown currently holds a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Traditional architectural styles line the main strip through Schaefferstown.
Ranch homes are a popular choice for a modest home in Schaefferstown.
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Explore the town’s past with Historic Schaefferstown museums and events
Historic Schaefferstown is comprised of three museums that preserve the hardworking spirit of the area’s early German and Swiss settlers. Alexander Schaeffer, the town’s namesake and founder, built multiple of the present-day buildings in Schaefferstown. He also created the town’s water system, which is one of the oldest in North America. Today, the water still flows freely at Fountain Park and at troughs along Market Street. Schaefferstown’s storied past is still celebrated today at seasonal events hosted at its museums, which include the Alexander Schaeffer House, Thomas R. Brendle Museum and Gemberling-Rex House. “I got to tour one of the old mansions during the Cherry Fair, which they do every year,” Butler says. “They have antique demonstrations, community activities, every cherry dessert you can think of and then some. People really take pride in the local history and the Pennsylvania German culture.” The Early American Craft Show held during the event invites visitors to experience how the area’s original residents would’ve lived, with artisanal wares on display and interactive games to enjoy.
Explore the history of Schaefferstown throughout the many stops at old town landmarks.
Explore the most prominent member of Schaefferstown's early residents at the Rex House.
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Students head north to Eastern Lebanon County Schools in Myerstown
Schaefferstown homes are zoned to the Eastern Lebanon County School District, with most schools directly to the north near Myerstown. Jackson Elementary serves students in kindergarten through the second grade, while Eastern Lebanon County Intermediate houses grades three through five. Both schools score a B-minus from Niche. Eastern Lebanon County Middle earns a C-plus, while Eastern Lebanon County High receives a B-minus. In the 2023 school year, ELCO High opened its new architecture, technology and engineering wing, which features amenities such as a greenhouse, woodshops and an animal room.
Family fun at Heidelberg Township Park
Heidelberg Township Park is on the cusp of town and is home to the community’s baseball and softball fields, as well as a newly installed playground. The combined basketball and pickleball court was also resurfaced during the park’s 2023 renovations. Hunting clubs in Schaefferstown frequent the nearby State Game Lands No. 46 and Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, located just southeast. “Hiking, wildlife watching and biking are all big out near Middle Creek,” says Butler, noting that the park has numerous trails and even a public archery range.
Enjoy the petting zoo with kids at Patches Family Creamery near Schaefferstown.
Let kids enjoy time with the farm animals
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Local art, pizza and produce along Main Street
Though there are only a handful of businesses in town, residents have enough to get by on without traveling far. BB’s Grocery Outlet and Dutch-Way Farm Market & Family Restaurant are convenient places to stock the pantry, while Good’s Store provides everyday retail. Caruso’s of Schaefferstown is a casual, no-frills Italian restaurant that offers pizza delivery for busy weeknight dinners. Right across the street, the Tweed Weasel Folk Art & Primitives draws visitors to peruse its eclectic, handmade wares with a yard full of metalwork sculptures. A sparse collection of gas stations, churches, banks and other small businesses dot Main Street between the historic buildings.
Stock up for fall from the fresh produce at Dutch Way Farm Market in Schaefferstown.
The Schaefferstown town center has kept all of the historic buildings that give it character.
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North of Lancaster and south of Lebanon
“If you’re someone needing to travel for work, you’ve got some options from Schaefferstown,” Butler says. “It’s along some major roads, like state highways 419, 501 and 897. Lebanon and even Lancaster aren’t too far away.” Lancaster is roughly 25 miles south, while Lebanon is about 7.5 miles northwest. Harrisburg, the state’s capital and where the nearest international airport is located, is approximately 40 miles away. Schaefferstown is also just north of Interstate 76, which runs 75 miles east to Philadelphia, and a few miles south of U.S. Highway 422.
PA interstates are a short drive from Schaefferstown making travel a breeze.
People enjoy fishing and boating at the reservoir in Middle Creek Wildlife Area.
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Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Video By
Joseph Bury
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Beachy,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Schaefferstown, PA sell after 3 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Schaefferstown, PA over the last 12 months is $302,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 3320 W. Oak Street! You will love this well-maintained ranch-style home situated on nearly half an acre. As you enter the home, you step into the main living room, which flows into the eat-in kitchen, which has large windows overlooking the back yard. Off the kitchen, there is a main floor laundry room with a door into the attached 1-car garage, and also the screened-in back porch.
Farmhouse look, Modern conveniencesNew: HVAC split system w 2 back ups, blown in insulation, Siding/capping spouting, South wall replaced, Trex Decks, Main Door opener, kitchen, appliances,baths,most plumbing, some electrical, flooring Prior electrical and replacement windows Heated 30 x 32 Garage w water and 12 x 30 upstairs
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – AVAILABLE THIS FALL: This 2-story, end-of-row townhome includes a first-floor owner’s suite, a 2-car garage, and durable vinyl plank flooring. The family room, with an ample amount of natural light, opens to the rear deck offering stunning views. The kitchen is well-appointed with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a large center island that opens to a dining
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.
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