Abbottstown, PA

Abbottstown is a small town in Adams County, Pennsylvania, located about halfway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The population was 2,812 at the 2010 census. Abbottstown is known for its coal mining history and its proximity to both cities.

The town was founded in 1798 by Adam Abbott, who named it for his home county of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Coal mining was the early economic mainstay of Abbottstown; by 1892, more than half of the town's population were employed in the mines. The mines closed in the 1980s, but tourism has become a major industry in Abbottstown since then.

Today, Abbottstown is a bedroom community for people who work in nearby Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. There are no major retail or commercial establishments within the town itself; most shopping is done in either city. However, there are several restaurants and bars located within walking distance of each other on Main Street (the main street through Abbottstown).

The primary housing stock in Abbottstown consists of single-family homes built during the coal mining era. These homes are generally modestly sized (between 1-2 bedrooms), but they are well-maintained and typically priced below market value due to their close proximity to downtown Pittsburgh (about 10 minutes away) and Philadelphia (about 25 minutes away). There is also a limited number of apartments available within walking distance of Main Street; these units tend to be more expensive than traditional home rentals because they come with full kitchens and bathrooms (and often include parking).