Lewistown may only encompass two square miles, but it boasts five buildings that are nationally recognized as historic landmarks. Just one look at the McCoy House and it's easy to understand that Lewistown has a rich past. A walk along the Juniata River shows that this town is also preparing for tomorrow.
Welcome to the most famous Lewistown in the nation (there are five)! A city that ascended to greatness due to its importance to the Pennsylvania Canal system
Lewistown may only encompass two square miles, but it boasts five buildings that are nationally recognized as historic landmarks. Just one look at the McCoy House and it's easy to understand that Lewistown has a rich past. A walk along the Juniata River shows that this town is also preparing for tomorrow.
Welcome to the most famous Lewistown in the nation (there are five)! A city that ascended to greatness due to its importance to the Pennsylvania Canal system. Lewistown does appreciate its rich history. Located in Mifflin County, this borough may not be the center of the world, but it's certainly a cool spot to live within the world. Folks here don't need buildings to touch the sky or subway music to entertain. With a cool downtown scene, a friendly community and tremendous housing variety, you have what you need here for your life to flow in the right direction.
Lewistown is just far enough from State College and Penn State University that you don't have to worry about the rush of students confusing your housing search. There are, however, some things you should know in order to prevent confusion, complications and temper tantrums during your housing search.
A Paradise for Renters
Yes, the rumors are true. Lewistown is a great borough to get a house or apartment rental. Why? Well, with a renter-occupancy rate of 48.5% and an abundance of available housing, the market here is an easy one to navigate. While it's most pleasant to look for a home from May through September because of the weather, you can come anytime and get a pad within a 20 days. That, quite frankly, is awesome.
Tons of Variety
What special kind of rental housing in Lewistown is available today? Well, anything you want, from 1 bedroom apartments to three bedroom homes. 43.9% of housing units are detached houses and the rest of the homes are rather evenly mixed among apartments, condos, town homes, and mobile homes. Just don't let all those choices get you flustered. You have time as well. Didn't you read the previous section? Use that time to find what's right for you. Don't waste it diving through your friend's garage for old Beatles albums. You can do that later.
Old Homes
51.9% of housing units were built prior to the 1940's, which is cool to note. You have the option to live in a home with a rich past (just not the McCoy House). Knowing that, you should check for ghosts! That's a joke. You should check for money stashed away somewhere. That's another joke. In all seriousness, though, inspect the place to see if it is actually in move-in shape. While most old homes here are charming and flawless, some need repairs. So if you see any problems, tell the landlord or management company and have them fix it before you sign the agreement.
Watch out for Floods
The town is right alongside Juniata River, which floods occasionally. If you are renting a place near the river, check for signs the place leaks and ask the landlord how the place holds up during heavy rains. If you rent a home in a low lying area that has a basement, expect to be flooded. If that is not something you want to face, rent something on higher ground, on a higher floor or something not so close to the river. Keep floods in mind as you tour homes.
A Simple Lease Agreement
In Lewistown, landlords don't like to complicate things. One or two months' rent, proof you can afford the pad, and a security deposit is pretty much all you need. If you get a 1 bedroom apartment for rent or something else through a complex, you will have application fees. Also, have a credit report with you if needed. Lastly, you should be clear on what the rent check entails. While an all bills paid community or home is a rare find in Lewistown, many places include water or something else.
Being such a small borough, you may think you can just live wherever you please and it will all be the same. That's not true at all. Where you live can make the difference between whether you can hum to the sound of trains each day, walk to stores or have space to build a spaceship. Now, you should understand the importance of your neighborhood decision in Lewistown.
Borough Center: If you are a social butterfly or love watching people, this is your spot. Miller Cinemas 6, Downtown OIP and Grille, and the Mifflin County Courthouse (a national historic site) highlight this active area. Borough Center is very walkable
Jacks Creek: On the east side of town, this neighborhood is a bit more car-dependent, but is very close to Borough Center. You'll find a good deal of town homes and houses here.
Mount Rock: In the north part of the borough, Mount Rock has a wide array of housing, but is probably the least walkable part of town. Kishacoquillas Creek runs through here.
West 4th Street: Near the Amtrak station, this west side neighborhood is mostly residential. The area sits right beside Juniata River. Dine at Big Daddy's Grill-N-Chill, listen to trains come and go, and watch boats float.
While many folks drive, Lewistown is condensed into two miles, and if you have time, you can walk for most errands. A car is needed if you ever want to go out to State College or a large city. Cycling is another very convenient mode of transit within town. When you need to go somewhere far, just go to the Amtrak station and get a ticket.
Other than deciding which professional sports teams -- Pittsburgh's, Philadelphia's, or Baltimore's -- to support, life in Lewistown is simple. It's what you make of it. Once you arrive, it's best to take a history lesson and see historic buildings like the Embassy Theatre, Wollner Building, and Montgomery Ward Building.
When you need nature, trek, fish and camp at the nearby Greenwood Furnace State Park. When you need drinks, hit up Dave's Bottle Shop and The Waterfront Tavern. When your stomach starts growling, go to the South Side Hoagie Shop, the Trolley Car Cafe, or Laskaris Restaurant. As you can see, Lewistown doesn't have the sizzle and spice of Philly or Pittsburgh, but it has the necessary ingredients to satisfy.
