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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Located just beyond the hustle of town, this spacious ranch offers convenient one floor living with a flexible layout and finished lower level. The home can function as a five bedroom or provide space for offices, hobbies, or additional living areas. Property is ideal for downsizing or as a starter home with room to grow! This classic brick ranch features a covered porch, metal roof, & a concrete
BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY in SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP !!Spacious and remodeled throughout. Nice lot with covered porch, deck and pool. Fenced in area for your furry friends and a nice play space. 1st floor laundry and 3/4 bath, mud room and office - open concept living room to kitchen featuring a tile backsplash and a bar/island, perfect entertaining space for the upcoming holiday season. Upstairs you will
Modern home ready to move in! This 3 bedroom home features large kitchen, first floor laundry, and half a bathroom on the first floor for ease of living.Second floor has three bedrooms and full bath. Also has spacious attic for storage.New hot air gas furnace and brand new decking on front and back porch.Make your appointment today!
Perched atop 22+ private acres, 1299 Edison Heights presents a rare opportunity to own an exceptional estate with commanding, panoramic views of The Susquehanna River Valley - Sunbury and Northumberland. Encompassing over 5,000 square feet, this distinguished residence offers 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, thoughtfully designed to blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. The primary suite serves
Duplex investment opportunity in Sunbury! This 2-unit property features two 3-bedroom, 1-bath units. Unit 352 is on the 2nd floor, rented at $850/month month-to-month, with baseboard heat and laundry hookups for a stackable washer/dryer. Unit 354 is on the 1st floor, expected to be vacant soon; see private remarks. It features gas hot-air heat and laundry hookups in the basement. Property offers
Investor special! Bring your tool belt and your vision! The first floor is already started for you being completely gutted and ready for your vision and final touches!
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Affordable living in the heart of Sunbury! Seller offering $1,000 sellers' credit towards buyers closing costs! Freshly updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Sunbury featuring new flooring, fresh paint, and updated light fixtures throughout. This charming home blends modern updates with timeless Craftsman-style character. Enjoy the cozy front porch, fenced backyard offering added privacy, and
This charming ranch-style home, built in 1978, offers a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. With three bedrooms and a full bath, the layout is designed for easy living. The inviting eat-in kitchen flows into the family room, creating a warm space for gatherings. Situated on a picturesque 1-acre lot, the property features a mix of cleared and wooded areas, providing a serene backdrop with
Approximately 23.58 wooded acres in Clay Township, Butler County, just outside West Sunbury. Offered primarily as a two-parcel package, the property combines approximately 20.62 acres along Dingle Road with approximately 2.96 acres along Thompsontown Road. Purchasing both parcels together provides the greatest overall value and creates a versatile stretch of land with frontage and access
Rare single family gem fully updated from top to bottom with new flooring and paint awaits your offer:) Schedule your showing todayfor it is to late...
Quaint &Affordable family home on a quiet street! Cute kitchen with newer appliances, newer furnace, new front door, large fenced in yard and garage with a new roof & workshop! Great Starter home! Call Wendy 570-847-4773 for a tour today. Prequalified, conventional or cash buyers please. Sq footage taken from County Assessment card.
1 bedroom basement level apartment. No laundry hookups available. Rent includes heat, water, sewer, trash removal, and outside maintenance. Tenant is responsible for paying electricity and Cable/ Internet. No smoking and No pets. Available for 6 month lease term and then lease will renew month to month. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants. Minimum credit score of 700
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Beautiful 2nd floor apartment with 1 bedroom. 1 off street parking spot. All applicants we run credit and criminal back ground checks on any one over 18. No Pets and No Smoking. washer and dryer included.
This spacious single-family home offers approximately 1,710 square feet of living space, giving you plenty of room to settle in and make it your own. With four bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a porch, back yard, and off-street parking, this home offers comfort and convenience both inside and out.The kitchen includes a stove and refrigerator, and washer/dryer hookups are available for added
Bright and spacious 1 bedroom , 1st floor apartment in the middle of town. Close to shopping and dining. Rent includes Water, Sewer, Trash removal, and Snow Removal. NO SMOKING and NO PETS. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
?Sunbury Rent to Own Home Deal ? 204 N 4th St, Sunbury, PA 17801 Poor Credit/No Credit Doesn't Matter! Down payment & proof of income are your qualifications for homeownership. ? $15,999 down ? $1,599/ mo for 30yrs ? Call/text Mike at for more info, pictures, or to schedule a viewing. 4 Bedrooms / 1.5 Bathrooms 1,428 Sqft Built: 1900 Heat:
You NEED to see this completely remodeled, 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathroom Duplex located in the Hill Section of Sunbury. The rooms are spacious and featuring natural light. Rent includes water and sewer. One year lease required. NO SMOKING and NO PETS. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
This comfortable first-floor apartment offers one bedroom and one bathroom in a convenient location within walking distance of shopping and restaurants.Property Features:1 bedroom1 bathroomFirst-floor apartmentRefrigerator and stove includedWasher and dryer hookupNatural gas heatFront porchBack yardCats and dogs permitted with applicable pet deposit
Remodeled 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom duplex ready for new occupants. Landlord supplies all appliances, including washer and dryer. Tenant is responsible for all utilities. NO PETS and NO SMOKING! One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants.
Welcome to 39 Catawissa Ave in Sunbury, PA! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfortable living in a convenient location. The unit features spacious bedrooms, a functional layout, and easy access to local shopping, dining, and major roadways. Water, sewer, and trash are included in the rent for added convenience. Contact us today to schedule a showing!
1st floor, 2 bedroom apartment with plenty of natural light. Rent includes heat, water, sewer, trash removal, and outside maintenance. Tenant is responsible for paying electricity. NO PETS and NO SMOKING. One year lease required. Criminal background and credit checks required for all applicants. Tenant occupied must give 24 hour notice to show. Available for new occupants September 2026.
1-bedroom 2nd floor apartment in downtown Sunbury available now. Rent includes water, sewer, and gas heat. Laundry hook-up in unit. HUD accepted. No smoking. No pets. All applicants are subject to a background check. Contact Jessica for more information.
Jessica HermanVILLAGER REALTY, INC. - NORTHUMBERLAND
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