$173,384Average Value$118Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Summit Hill is a former coal town in the Panther Valley
In the Panther Valley area of Carbon County, Summit Hill is a rural borough and one of the oldest coal towns in the country. Near the end of the 18th century, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company began some of its earliest mining in Summit Hill after anthracite coal was discovered in the eastern end of present-day Pisgah Mountain. While the coal industry played a major role in establishing and defining this area, it no longer actively drives the community and its economy like it once did. “Other than some minor coaling done in nearby Lansford, the coal industry in this region has almost fizzled out at this point,” says Timothy Klotz, a local Broker/Owner of TNT Premier Real Estate who has over two decades of experience selling properties in the Panther Valley area. “Very few homes here are still coal-powered; most have converted to electric.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 3,100 residents living in Summit Hill as of 2020. Many of Summit Hill’s current residents are drawn by the borough’s relatively affordable housing costs, small-town community and slower pace of life in the countryside. The borough has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 4 out of 10, which is on par with the national average.
Sidewalks run all throughout the Summit Hill community, making it easy for pedestrians to get around.
Summit Hill has a long history as a mining town, with coal mining operations dating as far back as 1792.
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Affordable traditional-style housing options
With a median home sale price of $140,000, Summit Hill’s housing is relatively affordable when compared to home price medians at the state and national levels. Approximately 60% of the borough’s housing stock comprises single-family homes, and the remainder is made up mostly of townhouses and duplex properties. American Foursquares and traditional styles are common, but there are also homes in the heart of Summit Hill that feature Victorian and Craftsman-style architecture. In the more rural parts of the borough, residents can find larger lots with farmhouses, ranch styles and even a handful of colonial-styles. Turnkey single-family homes typically range from $100,000 to a little over $400,000, with houses over $300,000 usually located on larger plots of land in the borough’s countryside. Multifamily properties like townhouses and duplexes in good condition can cost between $50,000 and $180,000. Low-cost investment properties – often neglected homes built during the early to mid-20th century –also regularly come on the market in Summit Hill, with prices typically sitting below the $100,000 mark.
Many homes in Summit Hil were built from the early to mid-20th century.
Homes in Summit Hill are often packed tightly together along the residential streets.
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Zoning for the Panther Valley School District
Summit Hill is zoned for the Panther Valley School District, which receives an overall C-minus rating from Niche. Klotz says that the region’s name, Panther Valley, comes from the school district, which serves the boroughs of Lansford and Nesquehoning in addition to Summit Hill. Kindergarten through third-grade students can kickstart their education at Panther Valley Elementary, while grades four through six can attend Panther Valley Intermediate. Panther Valley Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades seven through 12. All three schools receive C ratings. The district has 11 sports, most offering teams at the varsity, junior varsity and junior high levels. Private, faith-based education options are located in the nearby borough of Tamaqua: St. Jerome Regional School, which is not yet rated by Niche, serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, while Marian Catholic High School is a B-plus-rated institution for secondary students.
Panther Valley Elementary School is park of the Panther Valley School District.
Panther Valley Intermediate School earns an overall C grade from niche.com.
Panther Valley Junior/Senior High School earns an overall C grade from niche.com.
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Borough parks and recreation at Mauch Chunk Lake
Summit Hill’s neighborhood green spaces include spots like Memorial Park and Ludlow Park, which have shaded lawns, walking paths and park benches. The local Little League team practices and plays games at Trooper Philip C. Melley Memorial Field, which also has some playground equipment, like a swing set, and an adjacent basketball court. On the opposite end of town is Phillip Ginder Field, an open, multi-purpose athletic space with a playground right next to it. When the weather gets warm, residents flock to the Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which has a covered picnic pavilion and a wide sandy beach along the lakefront. Residents can spend their day at the beach, relaxing in the sun or swimming in Mauch Chunk Lake’s cool waters. People can also rent non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks and paddleboats to take out on the lake. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers access to the pedestrian-only Switchback Railroad Trail, which extends nearly 13 miles between Summit Hill and the nearby town of Jim Thorpe. The trailhead in Jim Thorpe is located next to the Lehigh River and Lehigh Gorge Trail, part of the larger Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Switchback Railroad Trail spans 12.8 miles from Jim Thorpe to Summit Hill.
Boat rentals are one of many summer activities at Mauch Chunk Lake.
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Limited shopping and dining in Summit Hill
Commercial amenities in Summit Hill are mostly limited to a few local dining spots and gas station convenience stores like Miners Market. Restaurants include family-friendly eateries like The Mansion House and Russo’s Pizzeria, as well as a couple of sports bars like The Batter’s Box. Two miles up the road, Boyer’s Food Market in Lansford sells basic groceries and household items. “For the most part, if people in Summit Hill need to go shopping or run errands, they’re probably going to go to Lehighton or Tamaqua,” Klotz says. The Carbon Plaza Mall in Lehighton is 10 miles away and has big-box retailers like Walmart, Big Lots, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Marshalls. Tamaqua is a 15-minute drive from Summit Hill and has a small downtown area with local businesses, boutiques and a range of dining options.
Russo's Pizzeria is a local favorite in Summit Hill, serving pizza, wings, and sub sandwiches.
There aren't many shopping options in Summit Hill, but small markets and convenience stores like Miner's Market carry some basic essentials.
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Driving through Carbon County
The only numbered thoroughfare that runs through Summit Hill is Pennsylvania Route 902, a two-lane road that runs less than a mile outside the borough to merge with U.S. Route 209 in Lansford. Residents can take Route 209 to Tamaqua, where they can merge onto the north-south Pennsylvania Route 309. While Summit Hill is a primarily car-dependent community, the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANta) does offer limited bus routes through the borough that stop at popular spots like Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Klotz notes that Summit Hill commuters are a good 45 to 50-minute drive away from the Lehigh Valley, where major employers and urban hubs like Allentown are located. The Lehigh Valley International Airport outside Allentown offers commercial flights. Residents are 3 miles from St. Luke’s Hospital – Miners Campus in Coaldale, which has a 24-hour emergency department and is an accredited Level IV Trauma Center.
Written By
Hayley Simms
Photography Contributed By
Charles Kennedy
Video By
Dan Mack
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On average, homes in Summit Hill, PA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Summit Hill, PA over the last 12 months is $170,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 303 E Mountain Top Road, a beautifully situated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offering space, privacy, and comfort on a scenic 1.5-acre lot. Nestled in a quiet, wooded setting, this property provides the perfect blend of peaceful living and everyday convenience. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed layout with generous living spaces and abundant natural light. This home is waiting
This property offers excellent flexibility with the potential third-floor expansion located in the heart of Summit Hill. The combination of original character details (like the woodwork and architectural moldings) with practical modern features makes it an attractive option for today's market. First floor powder room is an added bonus along with a garage. The open concept main floor is perfect
Cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhome located in Summit Hill offering affordable living with modern updates throughout. Features include a spacious eat-in kitchen, updated bathroom, plank flooring, newer roof, new hot water heater and updated electrical. This home also offers a rear yard with storage shed. Conveniently located near Pocono attractions such as Historic Downtown Jim Thorpe, Lehigh River
Welcome home to this spacious and well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2 full bath property offering plenty of room for comfortable living. The generous-sized rooms throughout provide an open and inviting feel, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining.The home features a finished attic that offers flexible space for a home office, playroom, guest area, or additional living space. The
Welcome home to this nicely updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled on a quiet corner lot. Move-in ready and thoughtfully maintained, this inviting property offers a flexible layout to fit today's lifestyle. The finished lower level provides the perfect bonus space for a cozy family room, den, home office, or playroom—tailored to your needs. Stay comfortable year-round with an efficient mini-split
Unique two-unit property in Summit Hill offering great versatility and income potential! The front home features a spacious two-story layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The rear of the property includes an oversized 40' x 23' garage with 14-foot ceilings, perfect for storage, a workshop, contractor use, or hobby space. Above the garage is a 2-bedroom apartment providing additional
Welcome to 9 E. North Street in the historic Borough of Summit Hill! This 3-bedroom ranch, built in 1953, offers 1,328 square feet of comfortable one-floor living on an impressive 19,500-square-foot lot. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or searching for an investment opportunity, this home offers a wonderful combination of space, convenience, and potential. Inside,
Nestled at the edge of town and surrounded by nature trails, a park, and a nearby baseball field, this home offers the perfect blend of convenience and outdoor living. Start your mornings on the welcoming front porch chatting with neighbors or host summer gatherings on the spacious rear deck. Step inside to a warm and inviting living room that flows seamlessly into a generous eat-in
Single-family detached home in a fantastic area of town! Enjoy the convenience of nearby green spaces -- Ludlow Park and Ginder Field are just steps away, and there's a children's park across the street. Step inside from the large covered front porch into a welcoming foyer that opens to both the front parlor and a spacious living room. Continue through to the inviting eat-in kitchen with
Now offered at $78,300! Affordable income-producing opportunity in Carbon County. Tenant-occupied 2-bedroom, 1-bath half-double with current rental income of $1,000/month on a month-to-month lease. A great opportunity for investors, landlords, flippers, or buyers looking to build equity through cosmetic improvements. Property features electric baseboard heat, public water/sewer, covered front
Tons of potential with this 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhome located in Lansford offering affordable living and easy maintenance. First floor includes, sun room, living room, dining room and kitchen. Second floor offers two bedrooms. Lower level equipped with storage space, full bath and laundry room with exit to the rear porch and yard. Conveniently located near Pocono attractions such as Historic
Large clean apartment with a eating kitchen. Wash and dryer hook up. Shower room and toilet separate. Two oversized bedrooms, one with a divider, capable for 3 bedrooms.
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment nestled in the quiet, small-town charm of Summit Hill. Perfectly situated between Jim Thorpe and Lehighton, this location offers convenient access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and major commuting routes—giving you the best of both peaceful living and everyday convenience. Inside, you’ll find a generously sized front room that serves as a
3 bedroom home available in Summit Hill! Enjoy lots of outdoor space with a fenced in yard! Pets are welcome with an additional $25/month each pet. Tenant is responsible for all utilities. Oil heat. Visit to apply online or call our office for a self-guided tour
Affordable storage garage available for rent in Summit Hill for just $150 per month! This garage is ideal for storing a vehicle, motorcycle, tools, equipment, or seasonal items. Conveniently located with easy access, it offers a practical and cost-effective storage solution. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a viewing.
Located at 445 E Abbott St in Lansford, PA1st floor has a sunroom, living room, dinning room and kitchen.2nd floor has 2 bedrooms, and half bathroom.Attic for storage.Basement has washer/dryer hook-up and full bathroom. Tenant is responsible for the yard, weeds and shoveling snow.Security Deposit is $1500Rent: $950 .Tenant pays water, sewer,
Cozy and economical home. It might not be a huge home but it's got what you need. 2-3 bedrooms, 1 is a walk through. Nice kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. Extra storage space in the laundry/mud room and a bonus room on the 3rd floor. Will not last long at this price. Pets if approved require and extra fee of $35 month and $300 deposit. NO smoking. Tenant pays all utilities. Will not last
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