$166,715Average Value$110Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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 40 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 $162,950, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A remarkable find—this private 3-acre parcel features a generous two-story storage garage and breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Located in scenic Summit Hill Borough, Carbon County, PA, the property is right next to Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Boat Ramp B entrance. Enjoy the serenity of a secluded setting without sacrificing convenience, as you're only moments away from the
ATTENTION INVESTORS-CASH ONLY-This very large single-family home is waiting for you and your tools to bring it back to life! Located at the top of town with woods across the street and extra parking. Backyard. Small Garage in disrepair also. LOTS of work NEEDED!!
Charming Lansford Twin offering comfort and value! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home features a spacious kitchen with dishwasher, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy additional attic storage for convenience, plus a covered porch ideal for relaxing. The property includes a yard and a 1 car detached garage for added storage or parking. Efficient oil heat with a boiler that's only 2 years
Welcome to 112 E Amidon Street — a charming, move-in ready home offering comfort, space, and incredible value. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the inviting covered front porch, perfect for relaxing with your morning coffee or unwinding at the end of the day. Step inside to a bright, functional layout featuring a spacious living room that flows into a formal dining area, creating an
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
Welcome to 143 W Fell St, an updated income producing property in Summit Hill Borough. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and upgraded recessed lighting gives this home a modern feel. The first floor has an open concept floorplan. A spacious kitchen with ample storage and a convenient first floor mud room / laundry room complete the space. Three nicely sized bedrooms and an updated full bath
Located in the borough of Summit Hill, this 2-bedroom, 11⁄2-bath home offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to add their personal touch. The property has been cleaned and is livable, while still offering room for updates and improvements. As you enter the home, you’ll find a spacious living room that leads into the main living areas, providing a functional layout for everyday living. The
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 its garage. The open concept main floor is perfect
Bring your vision to life! This fenced lot offers street access from both Abbott and Kline, plus two older one-car garages ready for storage or workshop space. Affordable opportunity at the edge of town -- perfect for parking and tinkering. Offered at just $15,900 -- call today!
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,
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
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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