Smithfield Township Huntingdon neighbors a vast playground
Surrounded by hills and forests, Smithfield Township Huntingdon is a laid-back community that offers quick access to various outdoor activities. This Appalachian township of about 4,700 is located along the Juniata River, a popular paddling spot. However, many have long come here to be close to Raystown Lake. Located a few miles south of the township, the 8,300-acre reservoir anchors a larger area that includes trails, campgrounds, disc golf courses and a water park. “We have great opportunities for outdoor recreation, including Raystown Lake, Lincoln Caverns and many state parks to explore,” says Taylor Walters, broker and owner at Iron Valley Real Estate Raystown. She says that residents enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing and boating.
Residents in town live closer together than their rural neighbors
Homes in the township are along two-lane roads, with some lined by sidewalks and several parked cars. Many residents live close to each other, as seen off Mount Vernon Avenue, where several two-story homes are only a few feet apart. The township’s rural outskirts offer more space, with some lots going over 1 acre. Houses in the area include gablefront homes, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, bungalows and American Foursquares. Homes here don’t often go on the market. While a few investment properties and manufactured homes sell for under $100,000, homes in the township mainly run between $120,000 and $380,000. Just under half of the community rents.
Outdoor destinations include Riverside Park and Raystown Lake
Riverside Park offers some casual recreation with its walking trail and playground. Many dog owners come to the park to let their pets roam and play on the Juniata River’s grassy banks. The Raystown Lake area draws anyone from hikers and mountain bikers to kayakers and groups simply looking to have a pontoon party on the water. The surrounding forest has over 60 miles of trails, while places like Raystown Lake Dam offer a spot to fish and see bald eagles. “One of the newest things right now is fishing at the spillway and the river for these giant catfish,” says Alexis Thompson, broker and owner at Lake & Country Real Estate.
Local staples serve breakfast, sandwiches and frozen desserts
The township has restaurants and chain stores in a few strip malls and shopping centers off U.S. Highway 22. Staples here include Donna’s Family Restaurant, a casual spot for coffee and classic American breakfasts. An institution since the 1950s, The Meadows has treats like frozen custard, sundaes and ice cream cookie sandwiches. Brenneman’s Meat Market is a locally-owned butcher shop that also sells hoagie sandwiches and baked treats. The township’s chain stores include ALDI and Walmart.
The Huntingdon County Fair is an annual tradition
Many come to the fairgrounds in August for the annual Huntingdon County Fair. Its entertainment includes carnival rides, live rock and bluegrass bands and contests judging farm animals like hogs and rabbits. The fairground hosts other events throughout the year, including raffles, car shows and more.
Students may attend Huntingdon Area School District
Students may start at Standing Stone Elementary, which gets a C-plus from Niche. The other schools covering the township are Huntingdon Area Middle and Huntingdon Area High, both of which receive C-plus grades. Students looking to go into trades after graduation may take some courses at the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center. The center allows students to get an early jump in fields like welding and health care. The center also welcomes adults, preparing them to earn certifications in areas like phlebotomy. Huntingdon Christian Academy offers a private option and serves kindergarten to 12th grade.
Travelers are close to Amtrak and U.S. 22
Those traveling to some of the East Coast’s major cities may ride Amtrak. The service’s Pennsylvanian train stops in neighboring Huntingdon. Otherwise, commuters drive to get around the region. U.S. Highway 22 goes directly to nearby communities like Mount Union, over 10 miles southeast. Huntingdon has the 71-bed Penn Highlands Huntingdon, where the services include pediatric, surgical and emergency care. A major employer in the area is the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon. Located 45 miles north, the State College Regional Airport is one of the nearest hubs for commercial flights.
Newcomers should prepare for winter weather
Homebuyers who are new to the area should anticipate just under 30 inches of snow a year. However, that amount remains much lower than in other places like Philadelphia.
