Get to Know the Communities of Schuylkill County, PA
Nestled in the center of eastern Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County is an incredible place to live, providing a different way of life than you might find in more metropolitan areas like the Lehigh Valley, New York City or Philadelphia. For one thing, it’s slower, offering a much easier, calmer environment. Ahead, get to know the different regions of Schuylkill County and what they have to offer.
In This Article
North of the Mountain
North of the mountain is the epicenter of all things coal and manufacturing in the county.
“Shenandoah and Ashland, those boroughs are coal country people who grew up with grandfathers in the mines,” says Champ Holman, a resident who was born and raised in the area. “The people here are very kind, generous and always willing to lend a helping hand to their neighbors.”
North of the Mountain residents tend to congregate – both in person and in restaurants and bars – to watch sports of all kinds. They also come together for festivals, like Schuylkill Winterfest, which includes carriage rides, activities for kids, live entertainment and Mrs. T’s Pierogy Eating Contest. Mrs. T’s Pierogies is headquartered in Shenandoah.
South of the Mountain
“South Schuylkill is such a great place to live because it’s one of those small-town coal region communities,” says Linda Yeich, a resident of 56 years. “It’s a great place to live, work and play.”
Indeed it is, and the opportunities for work and play are conveniently varied. This part of the county has a bit more farmland and agriculture than the north, and the topography is diverse. The community, though, is equally inviting and welcoming.
“We have a lot of community organizations that are held, whether it’s for a nonprofit fundraiser for our downtown municipalities or even something related to our children’s sporting events,” Yeich says.
The last Saturday in September is Schuylkill Haven Borough Day, which is something residents look forward to all year, with vendors, crafters and even train excursions running out of the Schuylkill Haven depot.
Tamaqua Historic District
Comprising 52 blocks and 900 properties, the district features unique architecture that tells the story of the community. Tamaqua, home to about 7,000 residents, has a vibrant downtown with a nice mix of amenities, including a restored train station, a visitor’s center and incredible food. Ice cream shops, like Leiby’s Ice Cream House & Restaurant and Heisler’s Cloverleaf Dairy, are local favorites, plus there are two microbreweries in the area. A huge Halloween parade takes place every year, featuring all the floats, costumes and candy you could want.
“I love living here,” says Micah Gursky, a resident of 52 years. “We have a park in every neighborhood and two large reservoirs. Tamaqua is a real genuine place.”
West End
Known as the “West End,” West Schuylkill is a quiet, rural area with a close-knit community of caring people. Though a bit more remote, the West End offers a slow pace and is home to many farming families and Dutch culinary traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Potatoes, sweet corn and other vegetables are grown here. A Schuylkill County staple is farming company Sterman Masser Potato Farms. Residents typically enjoy fishing, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities throughout the year. The community also comes together for events like the Hegins/Schuylkill County Wine Festival and the Kenny Stehr & Sons Strawberry Festival.
“I recommend O’Neals Pubs, both in Pine Grove and Tower City, Red Lion Cafe & Restaurant and C&C Candies and Country Store,” says Letitia Reiser, who was born and raised in the area.
Pottsville
Known for being the county seat and the only city in Schuylkill County, Pottsville is the business hub for many corporate and government offices. Residents are met with a variety of single-family and multifamily homes. Plus, given that it’s located in the heart of the county, the city is the perfect place to gather for entertainment, food and community events. Events held in Pottsville include Pottsville Film Festival, which launched in 2025, Pottsville Outdoor Markets, which feature local farmers, crafters, food trucks and entertainment, and the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K, a race that begins and ends at America’s oldest brewery.
Get to Know Schuylkill County, PA
Want to learn more about living and working in Schuylkill County, PA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Schuylkill County.