Berwick, Pennsylvania

Berwick, Pennsylvania (population 10,774) lies within the borders of Columbia County, Luzerne County and partially within Salem Township.  Although portions of Berwick operate as separate entities, the community often comes together as one.  Berwick's centralized location affords easy access to a wide range of amenities for business and pleasure.

Berwick Area Chamber of Commerce reports a membership base of more than 300 businesses and industries, which reflects the wide array of corporations that contribute to the burgeoning economy.  Berwick, PA hosts an amazing number of industries for such a moderately sized community.  Major employers in the area include Berwick Offray, DeLuxe Building Systems, Lady Ester Lingerie, PPL and Wise Foods.  Wise Foods is a famous snack food company founded in the early 20th century by Earl Wise, a Berwick native.  In 2000, the median household income in the borough was $27,442, while the median family income was $32,357.

Berwick, PA was also the original home of the renowned American Car and Foundry Company.  AC&F manufactured train and subway cars and military tanks during World War II.  Thousands of local residents found employment here until operations ceased in 1961.  The old AC&F site now holds an industrial complex with more than a dozen manufacturers.

Berwick Pennsylvania has top-notch daycares, public schools, private schools and a campus of Luzerne County Community College to serve the community's educational needs.

The local high school offers a challenging course load and a fantastic athletic program.  The football team boasts the distinction of earning the state championship title six times.  Numerous facilities for higher education serve the Berwick area.  These include Bloomsburg University, Bucknell University, the Penn State Hazleton Campus and Susquehanna University.

Berwick Pennsylvania features a delightful downtown district, which is home to local businesses, a movie theater, several restaurants and an array of unique shops. Many community celebrations center on Berwick's downtown area.  These include "All American Day" in May and "Fall for Berwick' each September.  Berwick also hosts the Thanksgiving Day Run for the Diamonds and the "Jaycees Christmas Boulevard" on Market Street, held annually throughout the month of December.  Also located on the Boulevard is the Jackson Mansion, a historic home that currently houses Berwick's official offices.

Berwick residents and visitors have access to recreational sites that include Ber-Vaughn Park, Evansville Lake and sections of the Susquehanna River.  There are plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and an impressive array of water play activities.  Berwick's YMCA facilities offer facilities for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities year round.  The nearby Pocono Mountains, located in the east on I-80, afford activities such as horseback riding, skiing and swimming.

Berwick, Pennsylvania presents a progressive community with all the charms of a friendly, small town ambiance.  Berwick affords residents a wide range of opportunities for growth and great potential for a prosperous future.

Back to Pennsylvania Communities Page