c.1870 Pennsylvania Schoolhouse For Sale on 1 Acre Under $100K

c.1870 Pennsylvania Schoolhouse For Sale on 1 Acre. The possibilities are endless! Come with ideas and a vision. This former schoolhouse has history, breathe some light into it and it’s sure to live again.

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1870 little ol’ brick school was called the Locust Run School. In 1886, carpenters built a belfry on the roof, complete with school bell. It is no longer there. After the one-room, built schoolhouse closed it was used as a community event gathering place until 2021 when it sold for $80,000.

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Pros of Living in Thompsontown, PA

Affordable Cost of Living

• Overall cost of living is below state and national averages, especially for housing — median home prices and rents tend to be significantly lower than in larger cities.

Community & Small-Town Feel

• It’s a tight-knit, community-oriented place where many people know each other and there’s a strong sense of belonging.

• Local events, parks, and outdoor spaces (like near the Juniata River) give residents opportunities for family-friendly activities.

Low Crime

• Crime rates in the borough tend to be lower than national averages, making it relatively safe for families and residents.

Outdoor & Quiet Living

• The surrounding countryside and parks offer space for hiking, fishing, walking, and a slower pace of life that many outdoorsy or privacy-oriented residents value.

Decent Livability & Education Indicators

• Some livability indexes rate Thompsontown fairly well considering its small size, particularly in education and cost categories.

• The borough’s livability score is considered above average as a small community.

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Cons of Living in Thompsontown, PA

Very Small Population & Limited Growth

• With a population under ~800, the borough is very small, meaning fewer businesses, services, and activities than larger towns or cities.

Limited Local Amenities

• Many amenities (shopping, dining, diverse entertainment) are not within walking distance and require a car to access; public transit isn’t available.

Healthcare & Specialized Services

• Some specialized healthcare services (e.g., major hospitals or specialty clinics) are located outside town, requiring travel to larger nearby cities.

Schools & Commute Challenges

• Some local livability metrics suggest that school quality measures and local school outcomes are not especially strong (though this can vary by specific school).

• Average commute times can be longer — around ~30 minutes to jobs in nearby towns or employment centers.

Lower Income & Economic Indicators

• Median household income is significantly lower than the statewide average, and per-capita income trends lower than national norms, indicating more modest local earnings.

• Poverty rates tend to be somewhat higher than state/national averages, even with low unemployment.

Less Diversity & Fewer Social Options

• Like many small rural boroughs, Thompsontown is fairly homogenous and has limited nightlife, cultural diversity, or entertainment venues within town.

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