Selinsgrove is a small community with a “big heart”
Selinsgrove is a small borough located among the hills and woods of the Susquehanna River Valley. “My wife and I moved to Selinsgrove about 23 years ago. We wanted to get closer to where we grew up, but also be in an area that offered a lot of things,” says Steven Slotter, a Realtor with Re/Max Bridges. “We’re an hour from Harrisburg and less than 1 hour from Williamsport. So, the Little League World Series is like 45 minutes away.”
Despite being relatively close to some top state attractions, Selinsgrove still offers plenty to do. The borough has a historic and walkable downtown with anything from cafes and barbecue joints to breweries and clothing boutiques. Adding to these attractions is a close-knit community far from the crowds of the state’s largest cities. “I would describe it as a small-town community with a big heart,” says Kristine Horten, an associate broker with Bowen Agency Realtors. “The people are friendly and welcoming.”
Homes range from bungalows to modern New Traditionals
Many homes in Selinsgrove line roads with no sidewalks. While some homes are just a few feet apart, others are on spacious lots that are nearly 1 acre. The borough has several Craftsman bungalows and American Foursquares surrounded by mature oak and maple trees. Other houses include ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals. The area around Salem Manor Court has a community of manufactured homes. Homes under 2,000 square feet may sell from $120,000 to $360,000. Several homes that are larger or on lots greater than 1 acre run between $330,000 and $630,000. Buyers looking for more affordable options can find townhouses from $100,000 $400,000.
Students may attend Selinsgrove schools
Students here complete their elementary years at different schools. Selinsgrove Area Elementary covers kindergarten to second grade, and Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School serves third to fifth graders. Selinsgrove Area Elementary gets a B from Niche, while Selinsburg Area Intermediate receives a B-plus. Students may then go to Selinsgrove Area middle and high schools, both of which get a B-plus. The high school’s football team was the district champion in 2023. The other notable institution here is Susquehanna University, a private college with programs like business, computers, pharmacy and real estate.
Community’s quaint downtown has pizza, barbecue and craft beers
Many restaurants and shops are in Selinsgrove’s historic downtown, which has features like red brick sidewalks and a mix of Italianate, Second Empire and Neoclassical buildings. “It has a nice, quaint downtown with a lot of shops,” Slotter says. Many may start their day at the Wagging Tail Coffee Co., which has seasonal drinks, scratch-made treats and special pup cups for dogs. Bella’s Pizza has various specialty and traditional pies, sandwiches and Italian comfort foods. Bella’s has retro-style seating and charges no delivery fees to anyone who lives within 5 miles of the restaurant. Red Line BBQ is the place for downhome cooking, while Selin’s Grove Brewing serves craft beers in a historic, stone Georgian house built in the early 19th century. The Monroe Marketplace in Hummels Wharf offers grocery and retail shopping with chains like Target and Giant.
Outdoor activities include kayaking, fishing and golf
Many can launch a kayak on the Susquehanna River from a ramp on the Isle of Que. On the 5-mile-long peninsula, Front Street provides a jogging and biking path along the water. Penns Creek borders the peninsula to the west and offers a popular trout fishing stream. The borough’s Major Anthony Selins Park provides areas for youth soccer, horseshoe and pickup basketball games. Other amenities there include a dog park and the Kidsgrove Playground. The private Susquehanna Valley Country Club offers its players an 18-hole course and views of the surrounding hills.
Selinsgrove hosts several seasonal celebrations
Each September, the community kicks off fall with the Annual Selinsgrove Market Street Festival. Over 12,000 people visit downtown Selinsgrove to shop for crafts, try various foods, meet sheep and goats and listen to Selinsgrove Area High’s marching band. The community hosts a parade during Halloween and invites children to go trick-or-treating downtown. “It’s a busy and diverse community with a little bit for everyone,” Horten says.
Route 15 goes to the state capital and a hospital
Commuters have quick access to U.S. Highway 15, which provides a direct route to the state capital, Harrisburg, less than 50 miles south. The area around the state capital is home to the Harrisburg International Airport. About 15 miles north, the WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital outside Lewisburg is one of the nearest facilities for services like emergency care and general surgery.
Snowfall and flooding can occur
Selinsgrove gets just over 20 inches of snow annually, a similar amount to Philadelphia, but lower than some of the communities in Western Pennsylvania. Flooding is another concern, with the Isle of Que being one of the most at-risk areas.
