Tremont offers small-town life in Schuylkill County
Tremont is a small Schuylkill County borough with about 1,672 residents. Settled in 1844, Tremont grew quickly during the rise of the coal-mining era, drawing many workers to its anthracite mines. It was also once a hub for the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. At its height in the early 20th century, the borough’s population exceeded 2,000 before declining as the coal industry contracted. Today, Tremont lies near public game lands and forests. Set in a scenic mountain setting, the community is historically rich and offers life at a slower pace. “Tremont is very rural,” says Realtor Jill Saunders with Saunders Real Estate, who was born and raised in the area. “In general, it has a lower price point, with generations of people who have stayed in the area.”
Tremont offers community recreation for all ages and lifestyles
Tremont residents have access to the Tremont Area Free Public Library and the Tremont Senior Community Center. Kids can play youth baseball at the Tremont Little League Field. Tremont Memorial Park is a small grassy space surrounded by a white picket fence. A gazebo and scattered benches make this a great place to get fresh air, read a book or chat with friends. Designated state game lands lie just east of Tremont. Nearby Rausch Creek Off-Road Park spans 3,000 acres and is a four-wheeling hot spot, offering trails for various skill levels. About 12 miles away, Lebanon Reservoir offers fishing opportunities and a forested hiking trail following an old railroad bed with views of the Box Car Rocks, a prominent rock formation. Many forests are nearby, including Weiser State Forest, which covers 30,000 acres, and Swatara State Park, where fields, streams and woodlands cover over 3,500 acres. Both are popular for biking, hiking, fishing, paddling and camping.
Row homes near town center, spacious living away from downtown
Some attached and detached row homes sit on sidewalk-lined streets, near churches and local businesses. Away from Tremont’s main hub, things start to spread out, and homes sit on grassy lawns, where mature trees create shade. American Foursquares, ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals are common home styles. For under $100,000, folks can find a home in need of major repairs. Houses that are essentially move-in-ready or need minimal updating can range from $120,000 to $240,000. “Property prices in Tremont are a little lower,” Saunders says. “Investors that are buying a lot of homes in the Pottsville area haven’t really gotten to Tremont yet, so you can still get an affordable home that you can put your own stamp on.”
Zoned for Pine Grove Area School District
The Pine Grove Area School District serves Tremont. Students can attend Pine Grove Elementary, which Niche gives a B-plus and ranks as the best elementary school in Schuylkill County. Next, they may go to Pine Grove Middle and Pine Grove High, which both receive B-minuses. The high school offers Advanced Placement classes, as well as dual enrollment courses with several colleges and universities.
Limited shopping in Tremont, with more outside town
Tremont has a limited commercial presence. In town, locals will find a Family Dollar and a handful of local restaurants, like Behm’s Family Restaurant, which serves hearty portions of American fare, from pancakes and omelets to burgers and BLTs. The Corner Bar is the community’s local watering hole, open late and hosting karaoke. To grocery shop, locals must travel about 6 miles to Boyer’s Food Marketplace in Pine Grove. Pottsville is about 12 miles east, and here folks can find a larger concentration of shopping and dining options in a city setting.
Regional routes and city destinations within reach
Tremont is car-dependent. The community is off of U.S. Interstate 8, which can lead about 43 miles southwest to Harrisburg and 80 miles northeast to Scranton. U.S. Route 209 runs east-west through the borough, leading toward other small towns in the area. Pennsylvania state Route 125 runs to the south, leading to nearby Echo Valley. Philadelphia is about 111 miles southeast, and Pittsburgh is 244 miles west. For air travel, Harrisburg International Airport is about 50 miles southwest.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
