Shamokin is a former coal town undergoing a transformation
At its peak population during the early 20th century, the city of Shamokin was embroiled in the coal mining and silk industries. Surrounded by Coal Township and located in the heart of central Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region, this area was deeply impacted by the fall of the national coal industry. As the country pivoted to oil and the Great Depression loomed, Shamokin’s nearly century-long decline took hold. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the city had a population of almost 7,000 residents. Today, one of the largest draws to living in Shamokin is its relative affordability; the cost of living and home prices here are much lower than at the state and national levels. The city’s Department of Community and Economic Development continuously works to implement local programs and economic initiatives that improve the quality of life for Shamokin residents. Current efforts include transitioning the city from an industry town into a destination for recreation by opening places like the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, which was established in 2013.
Low prices on historic homes in Shamokin
With a median home price of approximately $60,000, Shamokin’s housing costs are significantly more affordable than state and national costs. Many single-family homes have been converted into multifamily properties like duplexes and townhouses. The vast majority of properties here were built during the first half of the 20th century, and many need repairs or are considered “fixer-uppers” because of their age. Historic row homes, Cape Cods and houses with traditional-style architecture are common. Victorian-style homes are also interspersed throughout the city and usually sport eye-catching tower features and bright-colored exteriors or brick designs. Older, smaller properties like row houses and duplexes or those needing renovation often range from approximately $20,000 to $100,000. In comparison, standalone Victorian homes in good condition can cost upwards of $120,000 but usually no higher than $280,000. Shamokin has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 5 out of 10, slightly higher than the national average of 4.
Students served by Shamokin Area School District
Students living here are zoned for the Shamokin Area School District, which receives an overall C-plus rating from Niche. Shamokin Area Elementary serves prekindergarten through fourth grade and is rated C-plus. Shamokin Area Intermediate School for grades five and six and Shamokin Area Middle earn C ratings. Secondary students can attend Shamokin Area High School, a B-minus-rated institution. The high school is known for its football team, which plays at the 6,000-seat Kemp Memorial Stadium. The stadium is part of a larger outdoor sports complex maintained by the school district and has other athletic facilities like fields for baseball and soccer and various practice areas.
Community parks and off-road adventures
The City of Shamokin oversees the Claude Kehler Community Park, three neighborhood playgrounds and the Strausser Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool, which opens during the summer through Labor Day. People can access the pool by purchasing either daily admission or seasonal passes. Located on Shamokin Creek, the Claude Kehler Community Park is scheduled to undergo future renovations and beautification projects led by city leaders and volunteer efforts. One of the most popular recreation activities in this region is off-roading, and just south of Shamokin is the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, or the AOAA, which covers approximately 8,000 acres of land and features off-roading trail experiences that can accommodate ATVs, full-sized vehicles and dirt bikes.
Market and Independence Streets have commercial amenities
Shamokin’s shopping and dining options are mainly concentrated around Market Street and Independence Street, which run along Shamokin Creek. People can head to Weis Markets for weekly grocery runs, while Rite Aid, CVS and Dollar General all sell everyday convenience items and household necessities. There are also a handful of small businesses, mom-and-pop shops, local restaurants, and fast-food chains scattered across the city. Local favorites include Heritage Restaurant & Pub and The Original Italian Pizza & Restaurant. Coney Island Lunch is a late-night spot that specializes in hot dogs. Several breweries and bars also line Market Street and Independence Street, including the Covered Bridge Brewhaus, Lost Mined Brewing Company, Redmen Club and Ale House Bar & Grill. Just down the road from Shamokin is The Plaza at Coal Township, a shopping center with ALDI, Walmart Supercenter, Dollar Tree and several other national retailers and businesses.
Getting around Northumberland County
Shamokin is a mostly car-dependent community, but residents can still access a few public transit amenities. Pennsylvania Route 61 is the city’s major thoroughfare, connecting residents with the rest of the surrounding region. Just north of Shamokin and off Route 61 is the Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, which offers 24-hour emergency care services. The Lower Anthracite Transit System (LATS) provides public transportation for the community via a series of fixed bus routes. The LATS also operates in the nearby borough of Mount Carmel. The only operational railway that runs through the city is the commercial 27-mile Shamokin Valley Railroad, a non-passenger railroad part of the larger North Shore Railroad System. The nearest major airport, Harrisburg International Airport, is approximately 70 miles from Shamokin, taking roughly an hour and a half to drive to.
