Ever wonder where Cheez Doodles came from? That's right, Berwick. Wise Foods was founded and is still based right here in Berwick.
Once home to the American Car and Foundry Company, Berwick has expanded its industrial and manufacturing roots to embrace the advances of the 21st century
Ever wonder where Cheez Doodles came from? That's right, Berwick. Wise Foods was founded and is still based right here in Berwick.
Once home to the American Car and Foundry Company, Berwick has expanded its industrial and manufacturing roots to embrace the advances of the 21st century. With an economic backbone in potato chip manufacturing and nuclear power, the community of Berwick has used its diverse capital to reinvest in its natural surroundings. Residents delight in the nearby Susquehanna River lands, a 1,200-acre environmental preserve that offers bike and walking trails, boating, picnicking and miles of scenic vistas. Devoted to its award-winning high school football team and infamous for its Christmas Boulevard, Berwick is a quintessential New England town. If quaint east coast living is your idea of a good time, look no further than Berwick, Pennsylvania.
Moving to Berwick, PA
Make Sure You Have a Car
Comfortable shoes and a bicycle should be enough to get you around town during the summer, spring and fall months. But if work takes you outside of town or you're looking to do some shopping at the Reading Outlet Center, then you'll need a car. Winters can get chilly in Berwick so heated seats are an extra that you'll definitely use. In recent years, Berwick has been working with other local towns to increase its commuter options. The carpool ride share program available to workers in Berwick's Columbia County and neighboring Montour County helps workers find fellow carpoolers looking to share the commute and cut down on their carbon foot print.
This Isn't the Place for Penthouse Skyscrapers.
Berwick prefers architecture that blends and adds to its New England colonial style. You'll be best served if you begin your apartment search looking for the same. Near Market Street and the surrounding downtown district, you'll find a cluster of apartment building options. Visiting Berwick to continue your apartment search is a must. Single houses are an option and you may also want to consider looking for a duplex for rent.
This Rental Market isn't Bullish
So don't be discouraged if you don't find exactly what you're looking for all at once. Berwick is a small town and it has yet to put a lot of extra effort into developing its rental apartment industry. Rental houses tend to be more common than a one or two-bedroom apartment. You may want to consider working with a realtor to help expedite the process. Calling up potential landlords might also be a good idea, which probably sounds a little old fashioned but it may work. Remember what we said about Berwick's devotion to heritage and tradition? Try to be persistent and open to rental housing options.
Neighborhoods
A tight knit community, Berwick is a small town bustling with local shops and eateries. You won't find many chain stores here with the notable exception of Dunkin' Donuts. And while it's a bit too small for numerous distinct neighborhoods, Berwick does have some distinct local regions.
Downtown Berwick: If you like to be right smack dab in the middle of things, downtown is the spot for you. Berwick's classically preserved downtown district is the site of many of the town's annual festivities including the picture-perfect Christmas lights and decoration event known as Christmas Boulevard. Kicked off just after Thanksgiving with the Thanksgiving Day Run for the Diamonds, the Christmas Parade marches through downtown the following morning inaugurating the "Christmas Boulevard" that attracts both locals and tourists throughout the month of December.
Susquehanna Riverlands: Head south of the downtown district's Market Street and you'll find yourself along the banks of the Susquehanna river. This local preserve is truly a nature lover's paradise. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and peaceful relaxation spots. You don't have to strap on the water skis and wet suit to enjoy this river. In fact, many locals prefer to spend their time fishing and quietly enjoying the natural beauty around them. You'll find mostly single family homes in this area, and a few apartments.
Life in Berwick
If you're looking for a quick bite on your way to the riverlands, try Dalo's Bakery on Freas Ave. And if you're hungry on your way home, it's a great time to stop at the area's famous forge pizza. It's a style that might take some getting used to but once you've given a chance, locals swear you won't ever look at pizza the same way again. Dalo's boasts great tomato pies as does the Tuzzi Baking Company. Why not try them both?
The downtown district is also the site of flowering blossoms during the spring and summer months. But downtown isn't just the site of local festivals and parades. It's also home to some of Berwick's best local eateries and shops. Perhaps downtown's greatest flaw is that it doesn't offer amazing local coffee...yet. It fell to Dunkin' Donuts several years ago.
Columbia County's easternmost river town prides itself on its heritage and commitment to local history. Berwick remains close with neighboring communities Bloomsburg, Danville, Millville, Benton and Catawissa, sharing such local treasures as the Susquehanna River lands and Ber-Vaughn Park. Competition amongst neighboring high schools is fierce when it comes to football pride. Berwick is the place for you if you're looking for a small New England town that celebrates tradition and football with equal fervor.
Berwick is a quiet and cozy place to call home. Community is taken seriously here. And while transplants might find it hard to break into the local small town culture, Berwick is more open than you might expect. Known throughout the region for its festivals, natural beauty and football team, a great way to break into the community is to engage with your new neighbor on one of these three topics. Keep your excitement genuine and don't go overboard. Once locals see that you're as excited about their town as they are, they're happy to forget that you weren't born and raised here. After all, you're here now. Stay a while and you just might become family.
