The Best Small Town In Pennsylvania For Seniors

Many seniors go south for a vacation or a place to settle down in their golden years. However, there is a lot to see and do up north that is perfect for active senior citizens. One such place is the lovely town of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

Pottsville is a deeply historical city, containing the oldest brewery in the US, alongside gorgeous turn-of-the-century mansions, and a nostalgic museum sure to delight fans of the 1950s. It also has hiking trails that wind through gentle river scenery, providing seniors with an opportunity to stay active. Additionally, adventurous Appalachian trails and nature preserves are nearby for those who truly enjoy spending time in nature.

Check out why Pottsville is the best small town in Pennsylvania for seniors.

History of Pottsville

Pottsville has a long history going back to the founding of Pennsylvania under Quaker William Penn. King Charles II of England granted the land to him in 1681, and the community was established shortly thereafter. In 1790, a hunter named Necho Allen discovered a coal seam in Broad Mountain. Allegedly, his campfire set off a huge blaze when it came into contact with the anthracite coal. A furnace was set up there by 1795, and ten years later, the land was purchased by John Potts, who officially founded the town.

Coal mining wasn't the only industry in this mountain town. There were also textile industries set up here, thanks to its position by the Schuylkill River. Unfortunately, both industries took major hits over the years due to foreign competition and downturns in the coal mining industry.

One industry, however, has stood the test of time: brewing. Pottsville is home to the oldest brewery in America: the Yuengling Brewing Company. Founded in 1829, it survived Prohibition by selling "near beer" with minimal alcohol content. Despite multiple buyout attempts, it has remained independent and today offers tours of its historic facility, from its fermentation caves to old equipment, and more.

The Frank D. Yuengling Mansion, a 1913 Tudor-Jacobean Style home of the third generation of the Yuengling family, today is the headquarters of the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts. At this luxurious mansion, you can see an art exhibit, watch a performance, tour the grounds of the mansion, or rent it out for a wedding, anniversary, or other special event.

Pottsville also preserves more recent history at its charming Jerry's Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum. This museum will transport you to the 1950s with vintage cars, a barbershop, a millinery hat shop, a soda shop, auto part stores, and a library with 50s era books. The entire space is designed to reflect the spirit and wonder of this long-lost period of American history.

Healthcare and Safety

If you find yourself needing medical attention in Pottsville, you won't have to travel outside of town to get the care you need. Despite only having just over 13,000 residents, Pottsville has multiple hospitals and medical facilities.

For general hospitals, there are the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street. If you need more advanced nursing care, Pottsville has the Pottsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center and the Schuylkill Center.

Seniors can stay active in the community at the Pottsville Senior Center with fitness classes, crafts, picnics, programs, computer labs, educational centers, and other activities.

Pottsville is a safe city, with barely any homicides reported in the past five years and an aggravated assault rate that is overall lower than the national and state averages.

Outdoor Recreation

As a river town, Pottsville has several relaxing walking trails that are friendly to people of all skills and mobility levels. The best trail is the Schuylkill River Trail, which winds for 75 miles along the river, through rural, suburban, and urban areas. Most of the path is paved or made of crushed stone, making it easy to walk on. It passes by several points of interest, such as defunct canals and railroads.

Pet owners can take their dogs to run and play at the CACL Financial Bark Park, while swimmers go swimming at the JFK Memorial Complex, which has a massive swimming pool, featuring a diving board, a play area, and a 40-foot water slide. There is also a short trail around the park for hikers.

If you are willing to drive a bit to nearby Kempton, you can visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. This picturesque nature preserve has multiple birds of prey to see, from the famous Bald Eagle, the haunting Black Vulture, and the majestic Broad-winged Hawk. The sanctuary includes trails and a garden where you can purchase local plants to take home with you.

Shops and Restaurants

The Pottsville shopping scene is diverse, with several boutiques and shopping malls to go looking for deals. Kitty Lou Boutique sells clothing that is inclusive for people of all shapes and sizes, while Hydrangea Cottage Tea and Gifts sells seasonal decor, tea, gifts, accessories, and scone mixes. At Queen Bee Boutique of Pottsville, LLC, you can purchase homemade candles, jewelry, and other cute gifts.

There are two malls in Pottsville: Cressona Mall and Fairlane Village Mall, each with retail chain stores like Kohl's and T.J. Maxx.

If you are a big fan of pizza, you are in luck, as Pottsville has several fantastic pizza joints nearby to try out. There is the Original Italian Pizza place and the Roma Pizzeria and Restaurant. Pottsville also has the lovely Eagle Tavern. Locals note it has great crab fries. The Crimson House offers tapas and has high reviews from locals.

Hit the Appalachian Trail in Pine Grove

For outdoorsy folks, you can't go wrong by visiting the nearby town of Pine Grove. It is widely regarded as one of the most outdoorsy towns in Schuylkill County, thanks to the Appalachian Trail that cuts through the town, a massive, nearly 2,200-mile trail that goes through all of the Appalachian Mountain States.

One of the best places to go on the trail is the 501 Lookout, just a few miles south of the town. It has a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside as you ascend up the mountain. Another great outdoors spot in Pine Grove is the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Here, seniors can relax by the lake and go fishing or picnicking. It is a relaxing nature getaway to refresh and recharge. If golfing is more your cup of tea, check out the Hidden Valley Golf Course within Pive Grove's city limits.

A Great Place for Active Seniors

Who says you have to slow down as a senior? Pottsville is a great place for active seniors who want to get out and live life. In this historic town, you can choose how to spend your day, whether that is strolling through the paved trails along the Schuylkill River, going shopping at a boutique, or trying out a local pie from one of the pizza joints. Pottsville offers numerous opportunities for cultural enrichment, whether that involves crafting at the senior center or attending a show at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts.

With Pine Grove just a short drive away, it is easy to get out into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and hit the trails or fish by the lake. This town is ideal for seniors looking to settle down or take a weekend trip.