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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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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
Impressive Brick Estate with Sweeping Valley & River Views - Just outside of Sunbury, discover over 5,000 sq. ft. of refined living in this stunning two-story brick home, perfectly situated on 22.67 private wooded acres. A long paved drive welcomes you to this secluded retreat, offering breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding valley. Inside, you'll find 5 bedrooms and 3.5
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
Welcome to this well maintained home right in the heart of Sunbury, Pennsylvania! You'll be just minutes from local recreation, dining, and all your daily needs. This beautifully refreshed property boasts a fully remodeled kitchen, fresh paint throughout, new floors, and updated railings. The front and rear porches have been refreshed with new roofing and paint. Plus a single-car garage and
Timeless charm and character explode in this Victorian style classic. Will it be your home and a home based business? Will it be a few rental units and a business? (2 current residential rental permits). Will it be a bed and breakfast or a café again (IYKYK)? So many uses have ''lived'' here, nearly anything could be possible. A love of historic properties, an admiration for the original beauty
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
MOVE IN READY 2 STORY WITH 3 BEDROOMS..GAS HEAT AND CENTRAL AIR..DETACHED 1 CAR GARAGE..BONUS FEATURE.. THERE IS A SUNBURY RENTAL PERMIT.... CALL DEBBIE BROUSE 570-286-6344 Square Footage is derived from County Assessor's records. Room sizes are approximate. Neither is guaranteed. BUYER / BUYER'S AGENT is to verify both''. AGENTS PLEASE READ PRIVATE REMARKS
A nice price for a well maintained house in a pretty convenient location. Bring your personal touch and you have a 3 bedroom 1 bath home with a yard and off street parking for 2 cars under the carport. There is also a shed for outdoor storage. Get a look quick and make this one home. Square footage and lot size taken from county assessment data.
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.
Call or text Drew Sassaman at 570-490-1996 today to schedule your private showing before this rare opportunity is gone. This custom-built home on 27+ beautiful acres was thoughtfully designed with no corners cut--from the grand front entrance to soaring ceilings in the dining room that make an unforgettable first impression. Quality craftsmanship shines throughout. Step onto the back porch and
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
Full house 2 bedrooms. 1 parking spot. Close to town. Must have 650 plus credit score. No pets and No smoking. All applicants we run credit and criminal background checks on.
KELLY STRAUBBOWEN AGENCY INC., REALTORS SELINSGROVE
You NEED to see this completely remodeled, 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathroom house located in the Hill Section of Sunbury. The rooms are spacious and featuring natural light. Great back deck to enjoy the outdoors. One year lease required. NO SMOKING. 1 Pet MAY be considered at the discretion of the landlord and with an additional fee. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
*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
2nd Floor Apartment, cute and convenient location. NO PETS, No smoking, minimum one year lease. Application required. Tenant pays gas (heat), electric, internet/cable, trash removal. Owner pays water/sewer/snow removal. No off street parking.
Remodeled 2nd floor, 2 bedroom apartment. Rent includes heat, water, sewer, trash removal, lawn maintenance, and snow removal. Tenant is responsible for paying electricity and hot water. No laundry hook-ups. TENANT OCCUPIED MUST GIVE 24 HOUR NOTICE TO SHOW. One year lease required. NO PETS and NO SMOKING. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
All refreshed and ready, and a great location. Owner pays water and sewer, tenant pays gas heat/electric baseboard heat, and electricity. Contact Keri for showings. Tenant application required, non refundable app fee to be paid when applying. No pets and no smoking.
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
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
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.
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!
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