South Manheim offers quiet countryside and Poconos-style gated living
South Manheim is a rural township that takes farmland, country roads and forested hunting grounds to the mountainous southern edge of Schuylkill County. While the beauty and bucolic calm of the Blue Ridge Mountains roll across most of the region, South Manheim is unique for hosting part of a planned, amenity-rich community that’s more often found deeper in the Pocono Mountains. “We ended up in Lake Wynonah because my husband and I enjoy kayaking and fishing. When you say ‘gated community,’ it sounds pompous. But really, that’s mostly to keep people from putting boats into the private lakes all day,” says Meg Wagner, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who lives in South Manheim. “Outside the community, I can take a motorcycle ride and see views of cornfields, hills and valleys that are pretty spectacular. Whoever’s looking for peace, they’ll find it out here.”
Bear Creek adds to South Manheim’s scenic countryside with peaceful mountain views and rustic charm.
Quiet, winding roads weave through South Manheim’s forested neighborhoods, offering a calm rural escape.
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Single-family homes on acreages and in Lake Wynonah
The rolling hills of southern Schuylkill County fill South Manheim with a blend of family farms, forests and single-family homes that range from manufactured to ranch-style to New Traditional. “The township as a whole is what I’d call residentially rural,” Wagner says. “There are a lot of homes, but there’s not congested development like you see in some places. Even the neighborhoods you do see near farms are pretty spacious.” Prices for homes on small acreages range from around $110,000 to $370,000.Entry gates mark Lake Wynonah, a private community that's been growing on the border of South Manheim and Wayne townships since the 1970s. The development markets “Life on Vacation”, a promise that attracts both year-round residents and seasonal homebuyers to purchase homes on woodsy lots surrounding two picturesque, recreation-ready lakes. Most houses in Lake Wynonah can sell for around $200,000 to $490,000, but waterfront homes go for around $640,000 to $1.1 million. New residents will pay an initial capital contribution fee plus annual homeowners’ association dues equal to around $120 per month.
Historic farmhouses add to the rural character of South Manheim’s countryside neighborhoods.
Split-level homes in South Manheim sit on wide lots with open views of the surrounding hills.
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Private and public recreation areas around South Manheim
Lake Wynonah’s residents spend their time in the outdoor swimming pool, hitting the pickleball courts and fishing or boating on the community’s lakes. “Every morning, there are people jet skiing or water skiing; I think it’s a couple of specific people,” Wagner says. Outside Lake Wynonah, the Auburn Desilting Basin was initially designed to protect the Schuylkill River from coal silt pollution. Since the midcentury, it’s become a tranquil spot for boating and freshwater fishing. Across the basin, cyclists can hop onto the Schuylkill River Trail. State Game Lands 110 makes up the township’s southern border, a more than 10,000-acre area for visitors to hunt big and small game, fish the Schuylkill River or hike up onto the ridgeline to follow the Appalachian Trail.
The iconic horse statue and waterfall mark the entrance to Lake Wynonah in South Manheim.
Many homes in South Manheim enjoy private docks and easy access to the water, making boating and fishing a daily convenience.
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Township businesses and shopping around Schuylkill Haven
Residents might order locally raised beef from South Manheim businesses like Honey Brook Farm or browse the butcher counter at Summer Hill Meats. Sunny Cupboard is a short drive from Lake Wynonah’s western entrance, a large roadside market known for its fresh subs, baked goods and thriving greenhouse plants. More locally owned businesses, like the nostalgic, chrome-coated Manheim Diner, are about 5 miles away in Schuylkill Haven. Redner’s Warehouse Markets, Bill’s Produce and GIANT are just outside the borough for groceries.
Attending Schuylkill Haven Area School District
South Manheim is served by the Schuylkill Haven Area School District. Schuylkill Haven Area Elementary Center earns a B from Niche. Schuylkill Haven Middle School and Schuylkill Haven Area High School each score a B-minus. High schoolers can earn credit at Pennsylvania State University Schuylkill Campus through the district’s dual enrollment program.
Schuylkill Haven Elementary rates as the third best elementary school in Schuylkill County.
Schuylkill Haven Middle School features a student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
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Events in Lake Wynonah and Schuylkill community hubs
Lake Wynonah’s neighbors get together for holiday weekend activities like the Fourth of July party and boat parade throughout the year, alongside countless other smaller social events. The Schuylkill County Fairgrounds are just west of South Manheim, its namesake county fair a weeklong celebration full of truck pulls, agricultural displays, fair food and live music that returns each summer. A few small churches offer religious services around the township; St. Paul’s Summer Hill United Church of Christ holds a “bring your motorcycle to church” Sunday once a month.
Commuting around and outside of Schuylkill County
Pottsville, the Schuylkill County seat, is about 9 miles from South Manheim. Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital is only around 8 miles away. Taking Interstate 78, Allentown is about a 40-mile drive, and Harrisburg is roughly 50 miles in the opposite direction. Lehigh Valley International Airport is around 45 miles from home.
Flood risk along Bear Creek
Waterways like Bear Creek may flood nearby roads and homes after unusually heavy rain. Buyers can look at maps to understand their potential risk and need for flood insurance.
Written By
Julia Szymanski
Photography Contributed By
Logan Cox
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff Dieffenbach,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Build your dream home and experience Life on Vacation! Level, cleared lot on a cul de sac. Private , gated lifestyle with 24 hour security. 2 lakes, one for powerboating and one for recreation. HOA gives access to poll, snack bar,tennis,pickleball, lounge and restaurant Located withdriving distance of Allentown, Harrisburg, New York and Philadelphia. See what The Lakes has to offer!.
An amazing opportunity - This beautiful home is priced $120,000.00 under October 2025 appraised value due to the Lake Wynonah Dam rehabilitation project. Align yourself for the future! Nestled on an expansive 1.09-acre lakefront lot with a relatively easy stroll to the waterfront area, this stunning 3-4 bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 2,016 square feet of beautifully updated living space with
Abby NelsonKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Schuylkill
Experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty in this stunning lakefront home located in the desirable Lake Wynonah community. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms, all with Lake views, and 5 full bathrooms, this exceptional property offers ample space for both everyday living, entertaining and recreation. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed interior with an open concept
Jennifer WaltonBHHS Homesale Realty - Schuylkill Haven
Position yourself for the future - Purchase this beautiful home at a reduced price due to the Lake Wynonah Dam rehabilitation project. SELLERS ARE WILLING TO OFFER 15K BUYER CREDIT FOR PROBABLE LAKE WYNONAH DAM REHABILITATION ASSESSMENT. Think forward! Welcome to your meticulously maintained, personal mountain retreat in the beautiful, gated Lake Wynonah community. This charming three-bedroom,
Abby NelsonKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Schuylkill
Welcome to the Lake! Only a few 100 yards away is "Dock F" where you can check on your boat or just check on the Lake! This Colonial Home with three (3) bedrooms, two (2) and a half baths is in very good condition and ready for you. The flow of the home is great, with the entrance leading down the hallway to the kitchen with plenty of counter space and cabinetry. The Dining Room is bright and
Dandelion Farm - Your 69acre Equestrian Dream Home Awaits. -The former Dandelion Farm Equestrian Center sits on 69 acres and centers around a beautiful 4016 sq ft farmhouse that dates all the way back to 1850. It's been lovingly updated over the years keeping all the original charm while giving you the modern comforts you need. When you walk through the front door you will immediately see where
Impressive opportunity! Plant seeds for tomorrow. One-acre + a 3,842 square foot home significantly reduced due to the Lake Wynonah Dam rehabilitation project. Discover your own private sanctuary on a spectacular one-acre lot that perfectly blends rustic charm with modern comfort. This 3,842 square foot partial log home showcases five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, thoughtfully designed
Ray MajorinoKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Schuylkill
Prepare for the future - Discover one of the last remaining chances to build your custom home in one of Pennsylvania's most sought-after communities. Situated on a generous half-acre lot along the main section of Lake Wynonah, this rare parcel offers an unbeatable combination of scenic views, desirable positioning, and recreational potential. With southern exposure and stunning westerly sunset
Abby NelsonKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Schuylkill
Great 0.4 acre building lot! This unimproved parcel has not yet been perc tested for a required septic system to build and is not connected to utilities. Lake views are possible with clearing of the lot! Lake Wynonah is a gated community, featuring 2 gorgeous, pristine, spring-fed freshwater lakes (Lake Wynonah is approximately 90 ft. deep and Fawn Lake 45 ft. deep at deepest areas). Amenities
Kamryn BrennanKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Schuylkill
Welcome to the perfect setting to build your dream home and enjoy life at the lake. Bring your own builder and design a home that fits your lifestyle in this highly desirable gated lake community, where recreation and relaxation come together. You’ll love the incredible amenities offered for low HOA dues, including two pristine freshwater lakes ideal for boating, fishing, wakeboarding,
Welcome to the perfect setting to build your dream home and enjoy life at the lake. Bring your own builder and design a home that fits your lifestyle in this highly desirable gated lake community, where recreation and relaxation come together. You’ll love the incredible amenities offered for low HOA dues, including two pristine freshwater lakes ideal for boating, fishing, wakeboarding,
Be the first to call this brand-new ranch-style home your own! Completed new construction in the sought-after Lake Wynonah community, this property offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms — perfect for comfortable single-floor living. Step inside to find a fresh, modern layout featuring a bright living area, a thoughtfully designed kitchen with granite countertops, island, all-new cabinetry, and
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