Shenandoah is a former coal town seeing new life
Once one of the Schuylkill County’s largest coal mining towns, Shenandoah is seeing new life in the modern day because of its comparatively lower home prices. “Back in the 40s and 60s, it was one of the county’s biggest towns,” says Nada Laguna, a Realtor with EveryHome Realtors, and a St. Clair local with over 20 years of experience selling homes. “When the coal industry declined, so did the town. They are trying to revitalize the main drag, and there’s been a lot of people coming into that area recently.” It's located in the Kittatinny Mountain Range, which makes the region’s terrain hilly and rugged. The borough’s compact nature means residents close to the main drag are able to walk to locally owned businesses, some of which have been open for several generations.
Nationals and rowhouses starting in the $50,000s
There are national-style homes and rowhouses from as early as the late-1800s. Houses are tightly arranged on gridded streets with little or no yard space. Most properties also don’t have driveways or garages, so residents use street parking for vehicles. Homes tend to stay on the market for about three weeks and typically sell for $50,000 to $200,000. Some buildings have also been converted into townhomes that usually go for $50,000 to $200,000.
Local markets and restaurants along Main Street
Locally owned favorites line Main Street, including Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, a meat market that’s been around since 1911. “If you try to get in there during a holiday, you’re gonna be standing in a line out of the door,” says Laguna. Mike’s Seafood has been selling fresh catches and serving take-out options since 1984. There are also popular restaurants like Francesco's for Italian options, and La Casita De Familia for Mexican dishes. Boyer's Food Market is also on West Centre Street for essentials.
Kielbasi Festival, more events throughout the county
In May, the borough celebrates its heritage with the Kielbasi Festival. The celebration, which has been held annually for over a decade, draws thousands of people together for a parade, local vendors, live entertainment and family activities. Coal Cracker Christmas in November celebrates the holidays with carriage rides, a tree lighting ceremony and a live performance from the Shenandoah Valley Drama Club. There are more events throughout the county, including Schuylkill Winterfest in Pottsville with ice sculpture demonstrations, carriage rides and family activities. Schuylkill Haven also hosts the Schuylkill County Fair, a week-long event in the summer with truck and tractor pulls, amusement rides, live entertainment and local vendors.
Commuting via Routes 54, 924
State Route 54 connects to Interstate 81 for trips to Harrisburg, which is 64 miles away. Commuters can also take State Route 924 south 12 miles to get to Pottsville. Lehigh Valley Hospital is 12 miles away. The closest airport, Wilkes-Barre Scranton International, is 50 miles north.
Shenandoah Valley School District
Students may start at Shenandoah Valley Elementary, which gets a C from Niche, before going to Shenandoah Valley Junior/Senior High, which earns a C-plus.
Municipal parks, game lands nearby
In the east end, Bicentennial Park offers sports facilities for baseball, soccer and basketball, as well as a playground. The borough’s little league teams play at the baseball and softball diamonds on West Centre Street. Schuylkill County is also home to hundreds of acres of game lands that provide hunting and horseback riding opportunities.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
