A historic and industrial borough on the Susquehanna River
Next to the Susquehanna River in Columbia County is Berwick, a small historic borough with longstanding traditions, local breweries and rolling farmlands. “This is a very small community that's a mix of suburban and rural. Here, people will either know who you are, or your neighbors will know your grandmother," says Sheila Williams, a Berwick Realtor with eXp Realty, who works alongside her husband, Jesse Williams. The community showcases several historic homes and landmarks, including the Jackson Mansion and First United Methodist Church on Market Street. Since its development, the area has become a major center for manufacturing and distribution. Williams says, "The area has a strong job market. The local industry is a major employer for residents." Berwick has many facilities within the borough, and about 10 miles upriver stands the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station nuclear plant.
Between 2010 and 2022, Berwick's population decreased slightly from 10,477 to 10,270, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "The borough has a strong sense of community and has different events throughout the year. It's a pretty tight-knit area," Jesse Williams adds. Every winter holiday, locals eagerly await the illuminating lights display on Market Street, which has become a beloved pastime. Several century-old residences stand throughout the grid-lined streets, and many houses have listing prices under the national average.
Berwick is bordered by the Susquehanna River on the one side and mountains on the other.
First United Methodist Church's bell tower is an iconic landmark of Berwick, and it is said to be the highest building in the area.
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Berwick locals enjoy boating, fishing and hiking
Briar Creek Lake Park is a 173-acre county green space where residents can visit a historic covered bridge or have a picnic with peaceful views of the landscape. Susquehanna River is a major attraction for locals looking to kayak or fish close to home. Test Track Park has a boat ramp to explore the water and a wooded trail leading to a disc golf course. Sponsler Park stretches a single city block, while Berwick Community Dog Park rests about three miles away.
Sit on a bench or drop a line at the lake in Briar Creek Park.
Enjoy the beauty of the Susquehanna River from Test Track Park.
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A calendar of cherished community events
Berwick hosts several long-running festivals and annual events. For over 100 years, the borough has hosted Run For Diamonds, a nine-mile race held every Thanksgiving. "The Jackson Mansion has small concerts throughout the summer. But one of the bigger events is the Riverfest, held down at Test Track Park," Jesse Williams says. With over 150 food and craft vendors, Riverfest demonstrates the borough's commercial presence during the three-day event by the water.
Jackson Mansion was built in 1877 in Berwick, and is open for tours three days a week, stop by and learn some history of the house.
Take a walk on the paved trail at Test Track Park.
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Homes standing from the 1800s to the 1990s
Among the rolling hills and pastoral landscape are several historic residences dating as far back as the late 18th and early 19th centuries. However, there are also residences from the midcentury to the 1990s. The streets have several housing options, from Cape Cods and American Foursquares to ranch styles and manufactured homes. The median price of a single-family residence sits around $146,500, but home prices in Berwick vary based on a buyer's preferences, according to the Williams team. "The area has homes from $30,000 to houses that are up to a million," Jesse Williams explains. Williams also says that inside Berwick, lots are usually around half an acre, while outside the borough's limits, potential buyers can find wider tracts of land. As a waterfront area, Berwick has a minor chance of flooding during severe weather conditions.
In Berwick you will find homes with many different influences, like this home with Queen Anne features.
This home was built in 1927 in Berwick, and has features of Dutch Colonial style.
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Learning in Berwick Area School District
Children attend Berwick Area School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche. The public school system has five institutions, including three elementary locations. During football season, locals gather on Friday nights to cheer on the home team, affectionately called the Berwick Bulldogs. Older students can attend day and night classes at Luzerne County Community College Berwick Center. Others may head to Commonwealth University, which has a campus in nearby Bloomsburg.
The student-teacher ratio at Berwick Area High School is 16-1.
Football is a big deal in Berwick home of the Bulldogs.
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Farm-to-table experiences and local brews
The borough contains several national supermarkets and local stores to shop for groceries or other supplies. "We like to support our local farmers. Every week, there are pop-up farmer's markets around the community," Sheila Williams says. Most dining options lean toward locally run establishments supported by Berwick's robust agricultural presence. "We have farm-to-table type restaurants and you-pick farms," Jesse Williams adds. Local breweries are also prominent in the area. "Berwick Brewery has their own beer and great pizza," he says. Perfect Blend, a longtime community staple, was recently renamed Anomaly Craft Brew after adding beer to the menu. Others may travel less than 5 miles away to order a bottle or two at Freas Farm Winery Meadery and Cidery.
There are farms in Berwick that sell to the local grocery stores.
Local residents of Berwick enjoy doing their grocery shopping at Boyer's in Berwick.
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Getting around and out of Columbia County
Interstate 80 stretches just beyond the community for quick commutes around the region. "We like it because we are half an hour from most major things. You may have to go to Bloomsburg or Wilkes-Barre, but most of what you need is local," Sheila Williams says. But those who live here rely heavily on their vehicles to buzz throughout the borough. "You have to drive to get around, and there isn't public transportation. The area is very car-dependent," Jesse Williams explains. Berwick rests between major cities, offering residents easy weekend trips. The community is about 125 miles from Philadelphia's Center City and 140 miles from New York City.
Residents in Berwick drive to get around the city.
I-80 is one of the major interstates to get around near Berwick.
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Crime
Berwick has a CAP index crime score of 4 out of 10, on par with the national average. In 2023, the Berwick Police Department filed a total of 538 criminal charges. Out of the 260 people charged that year, 122 were narcotics-related crimes. The department provides an Addiction Recovery Initiative for residents seeking rehabilitation services.
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.
