Towamensing is a family-friendly township rooted in agriculture
Towamensing is a close-knit Carbon County township home to a majority of Beltzville State Park and the self-proclaimed largest general store in the world. “There’s mountain biking and whitewater rafting. If you love the outdoors, you want to be in the area,” says Aggie Schoenberger, a longtime Lehigh Valley area resident and the owner of Castle Gate Realty. She says Towamensing is one of several communities in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains offering a slower pace of living and a more rural landscape. The enclave was agricultural throughout much of its history, with many generational family farms. Today, some of these pastures are now subdivisions of single-family homes. The township offers a small-town feel, where children often attend the same schools during the week and play in recreational leagues on the weekends.
The beach at Beltzville State Park is a popular place on summer weekends.
Local Little League steams compete at the Palmerton Towamensing Athletic Association Fields.
1/2
A rural community offering privacy, space and a mix of home styles
Towamensing’s single-family homes rest between farms and forest along hilly country roads or are hidden in tree-wrapped subdivisions that branch off main thoroughfares. Lots are spacious, often exceeding an acre. Properties range from ranch-style homes and bi-levels to resort-inspired log cabins and new construction. The HOA-controlled Beltzville Lake Estates is sought-after for its private lake and beach, while Green Briar Acres attracts those looking for a neighborhood feel without a homeowner’s association. The median price for a single-family home is around $355,000, slightly below the national median. However, prices start around $250,000 and can top $600,000. The market is moving quicker than the national average, with homes selling after about 35 days.
Carbon County’s public and private education options
The Palmerton Area School District earns a C-plus overall rating from Niche. The district has around 1,600 students across five schools, one of which is virtual, and an education center. Students in Towamensing Township can attend the centrally located Towamensing Elementary, which receives a B-minus rating. The C-plus-rated Palmerton Area Junior High is the next stop, followed by the C-plus-rated Palmerton Area High. Both schools share a campus about 10 miles from the township in Palmerton. Alternatively, Palmerton has a private Catholic school, Saint John Neumann Regional, which Niche does not yet rate. Students can also apply to the public C-plus-rated Carbon Career and Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe, which offers industry-focused pathways for high schoolers in fields like carpentry, cosmetology and graphic design.
Palmerton Area High School serves 504 students.
Towamensing Elementary School receives a B- from niche.com.
1/2
Towamensing has a passion for youth sports
Towamensing offers several sports organizations for children, including the Palmerton Towamensing Athletic Association. The group is behind the championship-winning Towamensing Little League, which holds baseball and softball practices and games at the PTAA facility along Summer Mountain Road. The green space features three fields: Main Field, Babe Ruth Field and Lower Field. The softball team for 10- to 12-year-olds participated in the Pennsylvania State Tournament in 2024 after winning the District 18 and Section 6 championships postseason.
Outdoor fun at Beltzville State Park and beyond
Thousands of people travel to Towamensing to visit Beltzville State Park once its sandy beach area opens for the summer in late May. However, the over 3,000-acre park is accessible all year round. Swimming and boating are popular in the warmer months, while cross-country skiing and ice fishing are the big to-dos in the winter. There are several hiking trails, including Wild Creek Falls Trail, which passes through dense woods before rewarding trekkers with views of its namesake waterfall. The foothills of the Pocono Mountains offer more recreation, from whitewater rafting and tubing on the Lehigh River to climbing to the scenic overlooks of the Appalachian Trail and visiting resorts like Blue Mountain Resort, which has ski slopes and a park for mountain biking. Cyclists can bike for dozens of miles along the D&L trail, which runs from Mountain Top to the Philadelphia area. Golfers have several clubs to choose from, including the Hideaway Hills Golf Club, which has a public 18-hole course with four lakes and dozens of sand traps.
Roadside attractions, local restaurants and shopping destinations
Residents and tourists mix at Country Junction, known for being the world’s largest general store. This 50,000-square-foot retail center and family-friendly entertainment hub features Ace Hardware, a mini bowling alley, a petting zoo and a restaurant among many other things. It also draws people in with a packed calendar of events, like the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. The Waldorf Estate of Fear is next door. The long-running haunted house attraction with costumed actors offers three scary experiences, from a haunted hotel to a terrifying walk through a corn maze. Towamensing has a few local restaurants, ranging from Country View Diner, a casual spot for breakfast, and Sunny’s Pizza, a no-frills pizzeria. The township has a Dollar General and some businesses along U.S. Route 209, but residents typically drive to nearby communities to shop. Palmerton offers boutique shopping, pubs and taverns about 11 miles south of the township. The closest national retailers and supermarkets are around 9 miles away in Mahoning Township, which features the Carbon Plaza Mall and the Mahoning Drive-In Theater. Atop Bear Mountain, overlooking Beltzville Lake, Penn’s Peak hosts live concerts and private events.
Lower Towamensing locals shop at a nearby Weis grocery store.
Palmerton, with ample shopping and dining options, is just a short drive from home for Lower Towamensing.
1/2
Commutes often include the Mahoning Valley interchange
The township’s country roads lead to U.S. Route 209. This main highway through Towamensing connects commuters to Interstate 476 at the so-called Mahoning Valley interchange to reach destinations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s Hospital – Carbon Campus, the closest full-service hospital, sits directly north of the interchange. Philadelphia is roughly an 80-mile drive, and the closest commercial flights take off from Lehigh Valley International Airport outside Allentown, about 30 miles away.
Important to know
According to FEMA’s National Risk Index, the risk of wildfire in Carbon County is very low. However, a wildfire burned about 600 acres in October 2024. FEMA flood maps show properties along the Towamensing’s many creeks have a flood risk.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Loren Keim,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
ONCE IN A WHILE YOU COME ACROSS A HOME THAT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY . . . this spacious 4-BR, 2-BA Bi-level nestled on 1.44 acres in Towamensing Township, Lehighton School District, PROMISES that and more! Recently remodeled . . . with over 75K in renovations and upgrades during the seller ownership; 'Bamboo' wood floors in living, kitchen, dining and hallway, wall/wall carpeting
Discover unparalleled contemporary modern luxury in this breathtaking newly finished 4-bedroom, 6-bath new construction custom estate perched on 1.3 picturesque acres in Lakeview Estates, Towamensing Township. Boasting 5,589 sq ft of meticulously designed living space and panoramic Pocono views, this stunning architectural showpiece redefines modern elegance in Carbon County's most coveted
2020-built CUSTOM luxury home in a highly desirable cul-de-sac setting, offering dramatic architecture, top-of-the-line finishes, smart-home features, impressive mechanical systems, and a private wooded backdrop. From the natural stone exterior to the expansive open-concept interior, this home was designed with quality, comfort, and everyday functionality in mind. The curb appeal is exceptional,
Build your dream home on this beautiful 1-acre vacant lot located in the desirable Palmerton School District. The property is primarily cleared and ready for development, while still offering privacy thanks to mature trees and shrubs that remain throughout the lot. Enjoy peaceful surroundings with the added bonus of backing directly to protected state land, ensuring natural views and no rear
Aneta GrabowskaPocono Mountains Real Estate, Inc - Brodheadsville
Discover unparalleled charm and comfort at this captivating residence, a true sanctuary nestled in Towamensing Township, PA. The home greets you with striking contemporary architecture, featuring wood siding and brick accents, all beneath a shingle roof. A welcoming large covered rear deck provides perfect BBQ space right off the kitchen. The exterior boasts a well-maintained curb appeal with an
GOOD bones, GREAT location, FANTASTIC opportunity! Check out this 3-4 BR/1.5 Bath home in the Palmerton School District! Set on a flat, corner lot at the beginning of a cul-de-sac, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. The lower level contains a large versatile living area, 1 bedroom, and a built-in garage/workshop space. Upstairs boasts of 3 BRs and 1.5 Baths, a cozy living
Discover an unparalleled opportunity to craft your dream home on this magnificent 5+ acre parcel, nestled in a tranquil setting that promises both serenity and accessibility. This expansive lot offers ample space for a custom residence, providing the perfect canvas to design a living space tailored to your every desire. Enjoy the privacy and peace that comes with owning a generous piece of land,
Discover an unparalleled opportunity to craft your dream home on this magnificent 5+ acre parcel, nestled in a tranquil setting that promises both serenity and accessibility. This expansive lot offers ample space for a custom residence, providing the perfect canvas to design a living space tailored to your every desire. Enjoy the privacy and peace that comes with owning a generous piece of land,
Chad FritzingerKoehler-Marvin Realty Brokerage, LLC
Tons of space and endless possibilities in this sprawling ranch tucked away on a quiet private road in Palmerton Area! Featuring 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 living areas, home office space, spacious room sizes, and a heated sunroom. This home offers room for everyone to spread out and enjoy their own space. The partially finished lower level provides even more flexibility for a rec
First time ever on the market, this contemporary-style home has been lovingly maintained by the same family for the past 38 years and is ready to welcome its next chapter. Situated on a picturesque 1.4-acre corner lot in Lehighton, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and comfort. Step through the double front doors into a stunning vaulted family room featuring a wood-burning
Nunzia Assante Di CupilloBHHS Fox & Roach Bethlehem
Welcome to this beautifully maintained fully furnished 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home for rent situated on over 7 acres in Lehighton. This move-in-ready property offers a spacious open-concept layout filled with natural light, ideal for comfortable everyday living and entertaining. The home features a walkout basement, providing added flexibility and storage, along with seamless access to the outdoors.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
