Why Live in Upper Bern
Upper Bern Township in Shartlesville is a rural area nestled in the Appalachian foothills, characterized by its expansive farmland, campgrounds, and public hunting land. With roughly one acre per resident, the township offers privacy and scenic views of mountains, woods, and fields. Interstate 78 runs through the area, providing convenient access to retail giants and an Amazon fulfillment center a few miles east. The township features fewer than 600 homes, mostly situated on one-plus-acre lots, including ranch-style, split-level, and Colonial-style houses, as well as townhouses and mobile homes. The homes range from mid-1800s constructions to those built in the mid-20th century.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Pennsylvania State Game Land, which offers hiking on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and hunting opportunities. Green Acres Golf Course, established in 1965, provides an 18-hole golf experience, while Shartlesville Community Park offers baseball and softball diamonds, a playground, a picnic pavilion, and a bandstand. Local dining options include Blue Mountain Family Restaurant, known for its hearty American meals and pastries, and Kramer’s Korner, a convenience store with grocery essentials.
Upper Bern Township is served by the Hamburg Area School District, with Tilden Elementary Center, Hamburg Area Middle School, and Hamburg Area High School providing education for local children. The area is safer than the national average, making it a practical choice for those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to amenities. Residents are about 24 minutes from Reading, 40 minutes from Allentown, and 45 minutes from Harrisburg, offering a balance of seclusion and connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Bern a good place to live?
Upper Bern is a good place to live. Upper Bern is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Upper Bern is a neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Upper Bern has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.1 people per acre and a median age of 49. The average household income is $113,771 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 17.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Upper Bern are home owners, with 15.5% of residents renting and 84.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Upper Bern can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Upper Bern neighborhood guide.
Is Upper Bern, PA a safe neighborhood?
Upper Bern, PA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Upper Bern?
The median home price in Upper Bern is $285,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $57,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.81%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,490 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $64K a year to afford the median home price in Upper Bern. The average household income in Upper Bern is $114K.
What are the best public schools in Upper Bern?
The best public schools that serve Upper Bern are:
What are the best private schools in Upper Bern?
The best private schools that serve Upper Bern are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Upper Bern, Upper Bern, PA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Upper Bern, Upper Bern, PA?
Are home prices dropping in Upper Bern?
Yes, home prices in Upper Bern are down 7% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Upper Bern, PA
On average, homes in Upper Bern, PA sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Upper Bern, PA over the last 12 months is $295,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$295,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$285,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$154
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$285,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%