On the banks of the Susquehanna River in Northumberland County, historic Sunbury draws homebuyers and visitors with its vibrant riverfront, charming downtown, comparatively lower-cost housing and proximity to nearby Harrisburg and Williamsport. “We offer all the benefits of the big city in a small town,” says associate broker Aimee Buehner with the Bowen Agency. Buehner is a Sunbury native, has sold homes in the area for 17 years, and belongs to the regional chamber of commerce and local economic development organization. “Thomas Edison installed the first three-wire electric lighting system in Sunbury. Two branches of the Susquehanna River meet here, and residents can enjoy Lake Augusta in the summertime.”
Sunbury is also known for its decades-old businesses. Zimmerman Motors on Market Street started selling horse-drawn buggies, carriages, and sleighs in 1889 and now is the area’s leading Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealer. Weis Markets was also started in Sunbury in 1912 and has several stores, a corporate headquarters and manufacturing plants in town.
“The town stands out with mom-and-pop shops, a farmers market, an antique mall in the railroad station, and local events on the river and Market Street,” says Chantelle Jack with Exp Realty in Lewisburg. She and her partner Tracy Miloro have been in business for four years and have been local Realtors for at least seven. “The Sunbury River Fest is held on the riverfront in August,” Miloro adds. “There’s also the Augusta Lake Wine and Brew Festival in September.” Sunbury celebrates New Year’s by dropping a 20-foot by 10-foot light bulb outside Sunbury City Hall, an homage to Edison and his mark on the community. “It’s a diverse city with plenty to do,” Chantelle says.
On the banks of the Susquehanna River, historic Sunbury draws homebuyers and visitors with its vibrant riverfront and charming downtown.
Weis Markets started in Sunbury in 1912 and has several stores in town, including the original one.
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From Lake Augusta to Keithan’s Bluebird Gardens
With playgrounds around town, the high school’s Shikellamy Stadium, and Keithan’s Bluebird Gardens, a bird-watching area with flowering trees and shrubs, Sunbury is designed for outdoor enjoyment.
Lake Augusta is the most noteworthy part of Sunbury's recreation because it is temporary. The Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam along Sunbury’s southern tip is the world’s longest inflatable dam. From May until the fall, the dam is inflated to form a barrier that raises the Susquehanna River at least eight feet, creating 4 miles of unhindered boating, otherwise known as Lake Augusta. Sunbury’s floodwall and levee system, designed and built by the US Army Corps of Engineers, protect the city from hurricanes and other flooding events. The floodwall and levees form the eastern border of Lake Augusta, which is considered part of Shikellamy State Park. The park borders the lake to the north and west where residents can access a seasonal marina, boat launches, hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas.
Several parks in the city are designed for community events and sports, such as Merle Phillips Riverfront Park, which has an amphitheater that faces the river, or Cameron Park in the heart of downtown, with a gazebo for concerts and parking on two sides for classic car shows. Ballparks, tennis courts, a skate/BMX park and a large frontier-themed playground surround the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA, which includes a gymnasium and indoor pool. Next door, the James R. Eister Youth and Community Center offers a covered outdoor ice rink and community pool.
The Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA includes a gymnasium, indoor pool and walking track and a full sized basketball court.
On Friday nights, residents from all over Sunbury gather at Shikellamy Stadium to cheer on their hometown Braves.
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Falling crime numbers and the Sunbury climate
According to the Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Reporting System, violent and property crimes in Sunbury have declined by as much as 22% over the last five years. FBI crime data confirms this downward trend.
Residents enjoy all four seasons in Sunbury, which has a humid continental climate with an average high of 85 degrees in summer and an average low of 20 degrees in winter. Spring and summer have the most rainfall, a little more than the national average, and winter brings snow amounts on par with the national average.
Historic homes with lower-cost pricing
The median home price in Sunbury is $136,000, well under the national median price of $404,000. Most homes are historic, built between 1880 and 1925, designed in the colonial style as single-family homes, duplexes or townhouses. The conditions of the homes can vary greatly, from rundown properties needing renovation to well-maintained, grand residences. Homebuyers will also see newer colonial- and Dutch Colonial-styles, ramblers with built-in garages or carports, and Cape Cods with large second-floor living spaces.
“The median sale price in Sudbury is very good,” Buehner says, “The range of low to high prices attracts more buyers, too.” That variety opens the door for first-time homebuyers and retirees who can get more bang for their buck by returning to Sunbury to live. “It’s one of the last few affordable towns in the Susquehanna River Valley,” Jack says. “You can buy a home for under $100,000. It may not be perfect, but it’s livable and move-in ready.”
Most homes in Sunbury are historic, built between 1880 and 1925.
Sunbury is one of the last few affordable towns in the Susquehanna River Valley with its low median home price of $136,000.
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Downtown eateries, Weis Markets and the arts in Sunbury
Sunbury’s central commercial district is Market Street, which runs from the eastern edge of town to the Susquehanna River. Iconic businesses like The Squeeze-In, a hotdog restaurant with a storefront only 7.5-feet wide, have served the community for decades. Weis Markets’ original flagship store, built on Market Street in 1912, still stands ready to welcome grocery shoppers. It’s next to the Northumberland County Courthouse, a beautiful three-story Italianate brownstone with arched doorways and a clock tower.
Weis Markets’ ice cream and meat plants occupy most of Sunbury’s southern tip on Front Street. Southern BBQ and Ice Cream, a relative newcomer to Sunbury, is nearby, serving sandwiches and sides from a takeout window. The north end of town also has a large commercial center, with businesses like Bottle Works, a small dine-in shop serving cheesesteaks and beer.
The YMCA Arts Center, close to downtown on 5th Street, is where residents can explore their creative side. The Arts Center offers classes and workshops for pottery, drawing, painting, jewelry making and woodworking. Around the corner, the Albright Center for the Arts is a hub for education, music and performances, with a space that seats up to 600 in a historic church on Chestnut Street.
The Squeeze-In is an iconic hotdog restaurant in downtown Sunbury with a storefront only 7.5-feet wide.
The YMCA Arts Center in Sunbury offers classes and workshops for pottery, drawing, painting, jewelry making and woodworking.
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Sunbury public schools and nearby universities
The Shikellamy School District serves Sunbury and several neighboring townships. It receives a C-plus from Niche. The district offers four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Shikellamy High on Walnut Street is well known for its band and theatre programs. Students can also participate in clubs like Forensics, the Future Business Leaders of America, Ski Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Students can also attend the SUN Area Technical Institute, 14 miles west in New Berlin, for construction and mechanical trades.
Graduates can attend Lackawanna College Sunbury Center, a business school that awards bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificates. Bucknell University, ranked among the top national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report, is in Lewisburg. Susquehanna University offers 297 scenic acres in Selinsgrove. Both Bucknell and Susquehanna are within 10 miles of Sunbury.
College students in Sunbury can attend Lackawanna College, a business school that awards bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificates.
Shikellamy High School has 887 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1.
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Public transportation and healthcare resources
Sunbury is highly pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks on every street, a central downtown, and restaurants and small markets peppering neighborhoods. The only designated bike lanes are on Front Street along the waterfront. Route 61 is the main highway that comes through town. It connects with U.S. 15 that runs to Harrisburg, 54 miles south, and Williamsport, 35 miles north, where drivers can pick up Interstate 80.
The nearest hospitals are within 15 miles and include Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, featuring orthopedic care, physical therapy and a dedicated breast health center. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville offers comprehensive stroke care, pediatric emergency care and other specialties.
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Pamela Whitenight,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sunbury, PA sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunbury, PA over the last 12 months is $254,500, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This property is going to onsite auction 4/4/26 at 11:00 AM and is being sold with reserve. LISTED PRICE IS ONLY A SUGGESTED OPENING BID AND IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE FINAL SALES PRICE WHICH WILL BE BY SELLER CONFIRMATION DAY OF AUCTION. Terms: Down payment of $25,000 required day of auction. Settlement on or before June 4, 2026. Transfer taxes to be paid by buyer. Real Estate taxes shall be
Two-unit property offering excellent flexibility for owner occupants or investors. Both units have new flooring throughout all rooms (excluding kitchens), updated bathrooms, a new roof, and gas heat. One unit is currently rented at $950/month, and the second unit at $850/month. 230 Walnut St will be vacant at closing, allowing a buyer to occupy one unit while renting the other, or lease both
Charming circa-1890 brick two-story on a corner lot. This solid home features wood floors, a gas fireplace in the living room, atrium door with stained glass off of the foyer, and a pocket door between the dining room and den. The kitchen includes a back stairway to the second floor and a convenient first-floor laundry. The enclosed side porch serves as a comfortable sunroom, perfect for
This is your chance to own a Sunbury landmark, formely Kanes Taveren. Check out 3d tour of 1st floor. Firstfloor features 24 ft horse shoe bar, resteraunt seating,full kitchen,public restrooms walkin cooler.This income producing property curently brings in $1500.00 per month through room rentals. Incme is $1900.00 a month when fully rented, not counting first floor. Coin operated washer/dryer
Frank BellaceBRESSI & MARTIN REAL ESTATE, INC. - SHAMOKIN
Property is going to be sold at an onsite auction 4/4/2026 at 11:00 AM and is being sold with reserve. LISTED PRICE IS ONLY A SUGGESTED OPENING BID AND IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE FINAL SALES PRICE WHICH WILL BE BY SELLER CONFIRMATION DAY OF AUCTION. Terms: Down payment of $25,000 required day of auction. Settlement on or before June 4, 2026. Transfer taxes to be paid by Buyer. Real Estate taxes
Check out this complete two-story remodel tastefully redone and move-in ready. Brand new interior from top to bottom from drywall to flooring, windows, 200 amp panel box and electrical wiring, efficient natural gas hot water heat and much more. Beautifully updated full bath with adjacent 2nd floor laundry room and access to back balcony. Brand new kitchen with new cabinets, countertops,
Investment Opportunity! 4 Unit Residential Rental Property Now Available. Prime Central Location on Market Street, Sunbury. Solid Income Producing Property. Call Steve Slotter today to Schedule Your Private Tour Today at 570-850-6300.
Opportunity is knocking!Affordable half of a double with 3bedrooms and 1Bath. Featuring a large kitchen w/ a great layout, fenced-in yard w/ off-street parking, a rear deck to enjoy, a storage shed, and hardwood floors already exposed that just need sanding and finishing to shine again. An Attic space that offers storage and an additional room already started w/ drywall just needs finishing
Fantastic opportunity in Sunbury! This move-in ready double offers flexibility for investors or owner-occupants alike — live in one side and rent out the other. Each unit offers generous space with 5 total rooms, large kitchens, first-floor laundry, and oversized bathrooms. Don't miss out — contact Brittany today to schedule your showing 570.428.3255. One side is tenant occupied please give 48
ENJOY COUNTRY LIFE WITH PRIVACY BUT CLOSE TO TOWN..2 STORY WITH FLEXIBLE FLOOR PLAN. 3 BEDROOMS OR USE FIRST FLOOR BEDROOM AS OFFICE..1 CAR CARPORT.. SHEDS FOR STORAGE ..GREENHOUSE..LOVINGLY LANDSCAPED.. CALL DEBBIE BROUSE 570-286-6344 AGENTS READ PRIVATE REMARKS
The picturesque and quiet setting on an almost 1.5-acre wooded lot is the perfect setting for your dream home or vacation getaway. Located on Hollow Rd, Shamokin Twp., with a stream bordering the property and water, power, and septic already in place.
WELL KEPT BRICK 2 STORY HILL SUNBURY.. 4 BEDROOMS OR USE 1 FOR A PRIVATE HOME OFFICE..FIRST FLOOR LAUNDRY..ELECTRIC FIREPLACE IN LIVING ROOM..DINING ROOM WITH STAINGLASS WINDOWS..APPLIANCES INCLUDED..DETACHED 2 CAR GARAGE...CALL DEBBIE BROUSE 570-286-6344Square Footage is derived from County Assessor's records. Room sizes are approximate. Neither is guaranteed. BUYER / BUYER'S AGENT
1 and 2 Bedroom apartment for Rent at Riverview Apartment Complex.Available For Immediate Move In.Address of property is 750 North 8th Street. Sunbury PA 17801Utilities Additional1 Bedroom apartments rent for $7502 Bedroom apartments rent for $850Security Deposit is one months rent
Bright and remodeled 1 bedroom mobile home in town. NO SMOKING and NO PETS! Tenant NOT permitted to use detached garage. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants. Credit score of 675 or higher required.
This spacious 2 bedroom apartment offers a large 1st floor bedroom. Unique molding and high ceilings throughout with a lot of windows offering plenty of natural light. Rent includes water, sewer, and outside maintenance. Tenant responsible for paying gas heat, electric, and trash removal. NO PETS and NO SMOKING. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all
2nd floor studio apartment in Victorian home. Rent includes water, sewer, and outside maintenance. Washer and dryer hook ups are not available. NO SMOKING and NO PETS. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks are required for all applicants.
Remodeled, this is a 2nd and 3rd floor apartment with 3 bedrooms. Tenant pays electricity, electric baseboard heat, and hot water. Rent includes water, sewer, trash removal, and outside maintenance. One year lease required. NO PETS and NO SMOKING. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
Take a look at this updated 3 bedroom duplex with character and charm. No pets and No smoking. Rent includes the water and sewer. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
Remodeled 2 bedroom. 2nd floor apartment that includes water, sewer, and lawn maintenance. NO PETS and NO SMOKING. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks are required for all applicants. Tenant occupied must give 24 hour notice to show. Available new occupants Feb 1, 2026
2 bedroom, 1st and 2nd floor duplex. Rent includes water and sewer. One year lease required. NO SMOKING and NO PETS! Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
Remodeled 3 bedroom duplex with all appliances furnished. Tenant responsible for paying all utilities. NO PETS and NO SMOKING! One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
Remodeled 1st floor, 2 bedroom apartment in stately Victorian. Apartment features beautiful woodwork throughout, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. Rent includes water, sewer, outside maintenance. Tenant pays for electric heat, electricity, and trash removal. NO PETS and NO SMOKING. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants. Tenant
Highly visible commercial property located at the corner of 4th and Arch Sts in Sunbury!! Ideal for drive thru and has a Large, paved, well lit parking lot. Bring your business plan!!! Build out negotiable. Call Wendy today for a showing 570-847-4773!
*Freshly remodeled with fresh paint and new flooring!!Nice retail space to start a business. Bathroom. Great location with street parking. Call today for a showing. Show any time!! Background and credit will be run. Very busy business district.
KAREN LAGERMANVILLAGER REALTY, INC. - NORTHUMBERLAND
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