Sweeping landscapes are often in view in Sugarloaf Township
Life is all about the scenery in Sugarloaf Township. The Luzerne County enclave, resting in the ridge-framed Conyngham Valley outside Hazleton, is primarily farmland with its namesake mountain rising in its center. “The views in Sugarloaf are truly unmatched — rolling hills, tree-lined backroads, and those golden hour skies that make you pull over just to take it all in. It’s no surprise so many people want to plant roots here,” says Amanda Orzolek , a Realtor with The Land and Residential Connection who’s lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania for more than 35 years. “Sugarloaf is the kind of place people dream about when they say they want a little land, a little peace and a lot of beauty,” Orzolek adds that with golf clubs, parks and an equestrian center nearby, Sugarloaf Township often attracts those who like to spend time outdoors. “The lifestyle here is active and elevated, without feeling busy or commercialized.”
A variety of single-family homes on spacious lots near Hazleton
Single-family homes in Sugarloaf Township dot narrow country roads that rise and fall with the enclave’s hilly and sometimes wooded terrain. These properties, ranging from farmhouses, bi-levels and ranch-style homes to Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals and custom builds, often have views of mountains and pastures. While some homes rest on several acres, others sit closer together in small subdivisions. The median single-family home price in Sugarloaf Township is around $360,000, below the national median. Most homes cost between $140,000 and $370,000. While properties typically sell after about 83 days on average, significantly longer than the national average, Orzolek says the market is often active. “It’s one of those markets that stays strong because the lifestyle sells itself.”
Potential buyers should note that multiple creeks flow through Sugarloaf Township, and according to FEMA’s National Risk Index, Luzerne County has a relatively high risk of riverine flooding.
Golf, equestrian trails and youth sports shape life in Luzerne County
Sugarloaf Township and the surrounding counties offer many outdoor adventures, from hiking the many trails at Nescopeck State Park in the Pocono Mountains to fishing along the Susquehanna River. Sugarloaf Golf Club, one of several golf clubs in the region, offers a public 18-hole course and is a destination in November and December for its walk-through holiday light display. Eagle Rock Equestrian Center offers trails and riding lessons. The Valley Chiefs, a youth football and cheerleading program with more than a 50-year history in the township, play and practice at Joe LaRock Recreation Field and Community Park. In addition to a multi-purpose field, the park offers a playground, tennis courts and baseball fields. Nearby, hiking trails connect Conyngham ’s sports-focused Whispering Willows Park to its secluded Nature Park, which offers views of mountains in the distance. Memberships for the CVCO Recreation Center provide access to an outdoor pool, a rec center, members-only events and youth programming.
Small businesses are in town and Hazle Township has familiar retailers
Visiting the shops and restaurants sprinkled across Sugarloaf Township often involves long drives down country roads. “When I take clients through Sugarloaf, I always tell them, ‘Don’t just look at the houses, stop and feel the town,” says Orzolek, who recommends having a meal at Sally Pursell’s Country Inn, a quaint, tavern-like spot for American fare. “The food there is incredible, but it’s more than that; there’s this warmth the second you walk in. It feels like coming home.” The family-owned Pecora’s Creamery scoops up small-batch ice cream, while The Lookout House offers a relaxed and rustic vibe for fine dining. Yost's Country Store is a staple for hardware and animal feed, and Burger’s Farm Market is the stop for local produce and goods. National retailers and name-brand stores are in neighboring Hazle Township, home to the Lurel Mall, which has more than 60 retailers.
Education options in Luzerne County, from grade school to university
The Hazleton Area School District serves Sugarloaf Township and earns a C overall rating from Niche. The district has about 12,000 students and 16 schools. In Sugarloaf Township, students can attend Valley Elementary/Middle School, which Niche does not yet rate. The school, however, receives a 5-out-of-10 rating from Great Schools. Hazleton Area High gets a B-minus and is part of a sprawling campus that includes the Hazleton Area Career Center, the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences and the Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy. Students interested in the academies must take a test or audition to get into the programs. The public Penn State Hazleton, a satellite campus of the Pennsylvania State University, is in the township’s far southeast corner.
Interstates 80 and 81 are close by for commutes across Pennsylvania
Interstate 80, a major east-west route across Pennsylvania, passes through Sugarloaf Township and connects to Interstate 81 nearby. The capital city of Harrisburg is about 85 miles away, while Philadelphia is a little less than 120 miles away. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, which offers the closest commercial flights, is around a 35-mile drive. State Route 93 connects the township to nearby communities, such as Hazleton , which is known for its wealth of employers in skilled trades. The city also has the closest full-service hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton. Commuters who carpool can utilize the Tomhicken Park & Ride off I-81. While the community is largely car-dependent, Hazleton Public Transit has several bus stops in and around Penn State Hazleton.
