Marion is a township in Berks County, a primarily agricultural community which contains the small village of Stouchsburg. "When I was growing up in the village, it felt like one big happy family," says Susan Staaby, the township secretary. "Like when it snowed, people would help clear each other's driveways — I think the small-town feel is what attracts people to the area." The downside? "You have to drive to get anywhere or do anything," Staaby explains. The township straddles Route 422, just a stop on the way from Reading to Lebanon. But for those living there, the area's rural land and quiet beauty make it a place to call home.
Marion
Quaint living and farmland views
In Stouchsburg, American Foursquare homes built in the 1880s line the streets, going for $200,000 to $300,000. But most properties in the area are spread out in the surrounding rural landscape. Ranch-style and minimal traditional homes cost $300,000 to $400,000 and usually have an acre or more of land. Miles of farmland separate residents from their neighbors and many homes are set back from main roads for privacy. In the south of the township, approaching Womelsdorf, there is a recently constructed senior living community called Stonecroft Village, which offers a structured suburban feel. Contemporary homes on quarter-acre lots go for $400,000.
Community events and hunting spots
Hunting and fishing are common pastimes in Marion. For fishing, the Marion Township Rod & Gun Club, with access to Tulpehocken Creek, is a favorite neighborhood spot. Ten miles away, Blue Lake Marsh is popular for fishing but also boating and swimming during the summer. For hunting, locals tend to head a bit farther away, 16 miles up into Blue Mountain to State Game Lands 110, where deer and turkey inhabit the woods. Closer to home, "Marion community center hosts a few events," Staaby says. "There's a popular car show and community picnic in the summer and movie nights once a month."
Grown and sold in Marion
Marion is primarily an agricultural community, and farmers are happy to share their produce with the community. Weiler's Produce Market sells fresh produce and cut flowers from their farm during the warmer months. Blue Spruce Market also offers goods from local farmers and stays open during the winter for canned goods and baked treats. In the village of Stouchsburg, Twilight Acres Creamery & Bakery is known for its house-made ice cream. And Hi-Way Meat Market is a locally-owned meat grocery that has served the community since 1963. Residents like to shop locally but can also head 2 miles east to Boyer's Food Market for brand names.
Schools with an agriculture focus
Students in Marion are part of the Conrad Weiser Area School District. They start at Conrad Weiser West Elementary School, which gets a B rating from Niche, before moving on to Conrad Weiser Middle, which receives a C-plus rating. Conrad Weiser High School is rated B and is known for its nationally recognized agricultural program. The high school also offers a Career and Technical Education program at Berks Career & Technology Center that includes advanced courses in construction, engineering and healthcare.
Hop on Route 422
U.S. Route 422 runs through the township, offering easy access to Womelsdorf, 3 miles away, and Lebanon, 17 miles away. Locals travel 20 miles into Reading to reach big city amenities like hospitals and a regional airport. Many residents also commute to work in Reading, a drive that takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Danny Lambert
Video By
Britt Lyle
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Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Jennifer Augustine
Jennifer Augustine
Realty ONE Group Unlimited
(223) 216-2052
81 Total Sales
1 in Marion
$264,000 Price
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Chris Good
Chris Good
Keller Williams Elite
(717) 864-5979
103 Total Sales
2 in Marion
$345,000 Price Range
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Denise Bollard
Denise Bollard
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Cornerstone
(717) 937-2994
163 Total Sales
1 in Marion
$180,000 Price
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Erica Fair
Erica Fair
Iron Valley Real Estate of Berks
(484) 388-4814
140 Total Sales
2 in Marion
$345,000 Price Range
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Jeffrey Zimmerman
Jeffrey Zimmerman
Responds QuicklyPrime Home Real Estate, LLC
(223) 217-5422
379 Total Sales
1 in Marion
$270,000 Price
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Jesse Landis
JL
Jesse Landis
Responds QuicklyKingsway Realty - Lancaster
(717) 844-6031
57 Total Sales
1 in Marion
$43,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 5th to 8th
- Public
- K to 4th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Robesonia Playground
Penn Township Park
Womelsdorf Park
Frystown Playground
Jefferson Park
Umbenhaur Park
Transit
Marion Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Marion, Stouchsburg sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, Stouchsburg over the last 12 months is $355,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$346,000
Median Sale Price
$355,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$346,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$169
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
485
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1988
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,952
On par with the national average
1,925
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068
Open Houses
-
Saturday, Sep 201 - 4pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,956
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,612
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,429
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
74.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
18.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
% Population in Labor Force
60.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
15
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Jackson
Rural Lebanon County township with Myerstown borough amenities
Millcreek
Rural township in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country along a state highway
Tulpehocken
Homes styles spanning the centuries in rural Berks County
Robesonia
Historic small-town living in western Berks County
Heidelberg
Deep rolling hills of farmland and large Colonial-style estates
Jefferson
Rural living surrounding the small-town community of Bernville
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