$374,268Average Value$177Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
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.”
Schaefferstown is known for having the first chartered waterworks in the U.S.
Schaefferstown centers around a small strip of homes and businesses on Heidelberg Road.
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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.
Eastern Lebanon County Senior High School has 752 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
Jackson Elementary is the start of Schaefferstown students' academic journey.
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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.
Kids can play with farm animals at the petting zoo in Patches Family Creamery.
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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.
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
Stephanie Shepherd,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Schaefferstown, PA sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Schaefferstown, PA over the last 12 months is $309,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
AUCTION PROPERTY. AUCTION DATE- WEDNESDAY, May 27th @ 5PM. Listed price is opening bid price only and is not indicative of the final sale price. Property must go to auction. TERMS: 10% down day of auction, balance 60 days or before. Buyer pays both transfer taxes (2% of sale price). REAL ESTATE: 2 1⁄2 story farm house updated thru out! 1924 SF. Beautiful eat-in kitchen w/custom cabinets & exposed
This craftsman style, 2-story home features 9’ ceilings on the first floor, a 2-car garage with an additional storage area, and a mudroom entry complete with a powder room and closet. Stylish vinyl plank flooring flows throughout the main living areas. The foyer is flanked by a formal dining room and a versatile, carpeted flex room. A butler’s pantry connects the kitchen and dining room along
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – AVAILABLE THIS WINTER: This 3-story townhome includes a 2-car garage with a large storage area and a patio for outdoor living. On the main level, the spacious living room opens to the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen features attractive cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and access to the rear patio. The 2nd floor owner’s suite includes a private
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER: This charming home features an owner's suite on the main level and a 2-car, lower-level garage. Upon entering the foyer, there is a private study and stairs to the main level. Stylish vinyl plank flooring flows throughout the main living areas. The kitchen is well-equipped with enhanced cabinetry and appliances, quartz countertops with tile backsplash,
This brand new 2-story plan includes a welcoming front porch, 9’ ceilings on the first floor and a 2-car garage. Upon entering the home, there is a versatile, carpeted flex space to the right and spacious family room with a linear fireplace that flows seamlessly into the kitchen. Stylish vinyl plank flooring adorns the main living areas. The kitchen is well-appointed with enhanced cabinetry and
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – AVAILABLE THIS WINTER: This 3-story, end-of-row townhome includes a 2-car garage with a large storage area and a patio for outdoor living. On the main level, the spacious living room opens to the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen features attractive cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and access to the rear patio. The 2nd floor owner’s suite includes
Ideal first-floor living with private owner's suite tucked away in its own corner of the home. With over 1,800 square feet, 2 bedrooms, and 2 full baths, plus open living areas, this is a perfect home for entertaining guests. The kitchen is open to a spacious family room and the sunny dining area. Off of the 2-car garage is a convenient mudroom entry.
One of our most popular models and for good reason! This house has curb appeal and it doesn't stop with the exterior. Interior is well-appointed with a first-floor owner's suite, vaulted great room that flows into an eat-in kitchen with generous pantry, cabinets, and counter space. Formal dining room and study flank a traditional foyer with view of the 2-story great room.
This newly constructed 2-story townhome includes a 2-car garage and durable vinyl plank flooring throughout the first floor. The kitchen provides sliding glass door access outdoor living. Across from the kitchen is a spacious family room with an ample amount of natural light. The 2nd floor boasts an owner’s suite with an expansive closet and a private bathroom, 2 additional bedrooms, a full
This 2-story townhome includes a 2-car garage, a 10ft basement with outdoor access, and durable vinyl plank flooring throughout the first floor. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a large center island. Across from the kitchen is a spacious family room with an ample amount of natural light and a dining area that provides access to the rear deck. The 2nd floor
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – AVAILABLE THIS WINTER: This 3-story, end-of-row townhome includes a 2-car garage with a large storage area and a patio for outdoor living. On the main level, the spacious living room opens to the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen features attractive cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and access to the rear patio. The 2nd floor owner’s suite includes
Distinguished, elegant exterior offers a timeless design with all the amenities you need for your busy lifestyle. The ample eat-in kitchen features abundant countertops and cabinets. Open and spacious family room perfect for entertaining or growing families. Many custom features at attainable prices.
This 2-story townhome includes a 2-car garage, a 10ft basement with outdoor access, and durable vinyl plank flooring throughout the first floor. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a large center island. Across from the kitchen is a spacious family room with an ample amount of natural light and a dining area that provides access to the rear deck offering
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