Cherry of a Pennsylvania Cape on 1 Acre $49K

230 Cherry St, Marienville, PA 16239   $49,000

• Contact Realtor: Mark Forrest
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Pros

1. Affordable housing & lower cost of living

   • The median home value in Marienville is around $99,700 as of 2023, which is significantly lower than the U.S. median (~$303,000).

   • The cost of living index is about 92.4 (with 100 = U.S. average), meaning living costs are somewhat lower than average.

   • These make the town appealing if you’re looking to get more value for your housing dollar, or live more affordably in a rural setting.

2. Strong outdoor recreation & nature access

   • Marienville is described as a “gateway” to the Allegheny National Forest, with hundreds of miles of trails for ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, and equestrian use.

   • Events and community features tied to the outdoors (e.g., a trail-hub, festivals tied to ATV/snowmobile culture) underscore the lifestyle appeal for outdoorsy types.

   • If you value nature, quiet surroundings, and outdoor adventure, this is a strong plus.

3. Short commute & small-town pace

   • One data point: average commute time is ~14.5 minutes in Marienville.

   • The small community size and rural context mean less traffic, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace compared to urban areas.

   • For many people, that’s a meaningful quality-of-life benefit: more time, less hustle.

4. Decent safety metrics compared to many small-town peers

   • Some sources suggest crime rates in Marienville are lower than the national average in certain categories: for example, violent crimes ~46% below national average per one source.

   • While “lower risk” in an absolute sense doesn’t mean no risk, living in a less dense place often means fewer major urban-scale crime issues.

Cons

1. Very small population & limited amenities

   • With a population of ~3,362 (2020 Census) it’s a small community.

   • Because it’s rural, many amenities you might find in larger towns/cities (extensive shopping, dining variety, entertainment, specialized healthcare) will be more limited or require travel.

   • For those used to big-city conveniences, this could feel constraining.

2. Economic & income challenges

   • Median household income is ~$50,675 (±3,104) which is lower than Pennsylvania’s state median (~$76,081) in recent data.

   • Per capita income in one dataset is ~$13,521, which is quite low relative to many areas.

   • When incomes are lower, it can influence the quality of services, infrastructure, local investment, and future economic momentum.

3. Housing market quirks & potential volatility

   • One report showed a high vacancy rate in the neighborhood: ~68.1% in one dataset, which could indicate many seasonal or vacant properties.

   • Another source noted the median list price recently jumped (~$355,000 in one snapshot) which may reflect a wide variety of property types (cabins, large lots) but also volatility in what constitutes “typical” pricing.

   • If you’re buying with investment or resale value in mind, the market may not move as predictably as in more dynamic regions.

4. Education & workforce attainment

   • Only ~9.4% (in one data point) of adults over 25 held a 4-year college degree or higher. Lower educational attainment can correlate with fewer high-skill job opportunities locally and less economic diversification.

5. Weather / climate & remote access

   • Rural Pennsylvania means winter weather can be significant: cold, snow, and potentially slower travel.

   • Some services (medical, specialized retail) may require lengthy travel; public transit is likely minimal or nonexistent.

   • If you prioritize ultra-easy access to big-city infrastructure, this may be a trade-off.