Looking at data from the Zillow Home Value Index, I’ve uncovered a remarkable financial renaissance in Pennsylvania’s former industrial and coal towns. The 25 towns listed below have experienced extraordinary home value growth, demonstrating how economic shifts can create unexpected wealth opportunities in overlooked markets.
What’s particularly fascinating is how these smaller communities have outperformed many larger markets, with growth percentages exceeding 130% across the board. For investors who recognized these trends early, the ROI has been exceptional, turning modest property investments into significant wealth generators.
My analysis reveals a pattern of revitalization spreading through Pennsylvania’s forgotten towns, with home values nearly tripling in some cases. This ranking showcases the financial transformation happening in communities that are finding new economic purposes after decades of decline.
25. Weissport
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 130.31%
- Home value in 2016: $69,357
- Home value in 2017: $67,665
- Home value in 2018: $76,795
- Home value in 2019: $104,324
- Home value in 2020: $102,886
- Home value in 2021: $121,735
- Home value in 2022: $137,769
- Home value in 2023: $143,890
- Home value in 2024: $157,206
- Home value in 2025: $159,740
Your investment in Weissport would have yielded an impressive 130% return over nine years, significantly outpacing traditional investment vehicles. The steady climb from $69K to nearly $160K represents a capital appreciation of over $90,000, creating substantial equity for homeowners. Located along the Lehigh River, Weissport’s trajectory suggests continued momentum despite its small-town status. For buyers entering now, the recent deceleration in growth rates may indicate a potential stabilization phase, offering more sustainable appreciation.
24. Freeland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.48%
- Home value in 2016: $63,201
- Home value in 2017: $67,980
- Home value in 2018: $72,029
- Home value in 2019: $81,782
- Home value in 2020: $87,348
- Home value in 2021: $106,407
- Home value in 2022: $128,108
- Home value in 2023: $130,531
- Home value in 2024: $136,727
- Home value in 2025: $146,301
Freeland’s 131.5% appreciation represents an exceptional annual return of 14.6%, creating significant wealth for early investors. The 2020-2022 period showed particularly aggressive growth with values jumping nearly $41,000 in just two years, demonstrating how rapidly equity can build in emerging markets. The Luzerne County community has maintained its upward trajectory despite recent economic headwinds affecting many markets nationally. For investors, the sub-$150K price point still offers an accessible entry with potential for further appreciation as nearby urban residents seek more affordable housing options.
23. Mount Pocono
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.43%
- Home value in 2016: $105,569
- Home value in 2017: $115,099
- Home value in 2018: $124,223
- Home value in 2019: $135,232
- Home value in 2020: $145,776
- Home value in 2021: $173,826
- Home value in 2022: $214,778
- Home value in 2023: $234,636
- Home value in 2024: $240,375
- Home value in 2025: $247,482
Mount Pocono’s remarkable performance delivered $141,913 in equity creation, translating to nearly $15,800 annually for property owners. The pandemic-era acceleration (2020-2022) yielded a staggering 47.3% surge as urban dwellers sought resort-area refuges with remote work flexibility. This Pocono Mountains destination has maintained its higher valuation plateau despite the market cooling elsewhere, indicating sustained demand fundamentals. For investors, the town offers both appreciation potential and rental income opportunities through the tourism sector, creating multiple revenue streams from a single asset.
22. Ashley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.78%
- Home value in 2016: $59,551
- Home value in 2017: $60,990
- Home value in 2018: $63,822
- Home value in 2019: $66,765
- Home value in 2020: $75,196
- Home value in 2021: $86,132
- Home value in 2022: $98,361
- Home value in 2023: $114,212
- Home value in 2024: $123,163
- Home value in 2025: $141,001
Ashley’s price trajectory reveals an exceptional wealth-building opportunity, with $81,450 in equity creation since 2016 despite its modest entry point. The past three years have shown the strongest growth momentum, with 43% appreciation since 2022, making it one of the region’s most dynamic markets. Situated near Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County, Ashley offers investors a rare combination of low acquisition costs and robust appreciation potential. For current owners, the positive momentum suggests holding rather than selling could yield continued equity growth through the remainder of the decade.
21. Pocono Lake
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.30%
- Home value in 2016: $115,641
- Home value in 2017: $119,396
- Home value in 2018: $125,173
- Home value in 2019: $131,760
- Home value in 2020: $138,143
- Home value in 2021: $170,227
- Home value in 2022: $236,085
- Home value in 2023: $268,093
- Home value in 2024: $271,855
- Home value in 2025: $275,571
Pocono Lake’s impressive 138.3% return represents a $159,929 increase in property values, offering one of the region’s strongest absolute dollar appreciations. The dramatic 38.7% single-year surge between 2021-2022 demonstrates how rapidly resort area valuations can accelerate during market shifts, creating exceptional wealth-building opportunities. This lakeside community located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains vacation region combines lifestyle benefits with investment potential. Current buyers face higher entry costs, but the recent stabilization suggests a mature market that may offer more predictable, sustainable returns compared to more volatile emerging areas.
20. Duquesne
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.61%
- Home value in 2016: $24,388
- Home value in 2017: $24,671
- Home value in 2018: $26,287
- Home value in 2019: $28,228
- Home value in 2020: $31,802
- Home value in 2021: $46,539
- Home value in 2022: $55,500
- Home value in 2023: $48,573
- Home value in 2024: $49,778
- Home value in 2025: $58,192
Duquesne presents a remarkable turnaround story for investors, with ultra-low entry points creating percentage returns exceeding 138% despite modest dollar appreciation. The 2020-2021 period delivered a staggering 46.3% single-year return, showcasing how rapidly these undervalued markets can accelerate. Located in the Pittsburgh metro area, Duquesne’s volatility (note the 12.5% drop in 2022-2023) suggests both opportunity and risk for investors. The ultra-low acquisition costs still make it a potential portfolio diversifier with significant upside if revitalization efforts succeed in this former steel town.
19. Trainer
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.72%
- Home value in 2016: $83,584
- Home value in 2017: $89,034
- Home value in 2018: $88,421
- Home value in 2019: $100,431
- Home value in 2020: $113,000
- Home value in 2021: $136,354
- Home value in 2022: $150,239
- Home value in 2023: $164,865
- Home value in 2024: $180,452
- Home value in 2025: $199,527
Trainer’s consistent growth pattern has delivered $115,944 in wealth creation over nine years, with particularly strong performance since 2019. The Delaware County borough has maintained its upward momentum even through recent market corrections, suggesting robust underlying demand fundamentals. Positioned along the Delaware River with Philadelphia access, Trainer offers investors both appreciation potential and relative affordability compared to neighboring markets. Recent acceleration (10.6% in the past year alone) indicates continued investor interest in this revitalizing industrial community.
18. Collingdale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.19%
- Home value in 2016: $84,078
- Home value in 2017: $89,658
- Home value in 2018: $99,347
- Home value in 2019: $105,280
- Home value in 2020: $116,500
- Home value in 2021: $139,247
- Home value in 2022: $164,991
- Home value in 2023: $175,344
- Home value in 2024: $190,648
- Home value in 2025: $203,629
Collingdale has generated $119,550 in property wealth, representing a 142.2% return that significantly outperforms traditional investment vehicles. The Philadelphia suburb has shown remarkably consistent annual appreciation, with the pandemic-era surge (2020-2022) creating over $48,000 in equity in just two years. Its location within Delaware County provides community amenities and commuter access that continue driving property demand. For investors, the steady growth trajectory with minimal volatility offers a balanced risk profile despite the higher entry costs compared to other towns on this list.
17. Hazleton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.71%
- Home value in 2016: $81,282
- Home value in 2017: $84,266
- Home value in 2018: $95,716
- Home value in 2019: $106,584
- Home value in 2020: $126,117
- Home value in 2021: $148,788
- Home value in 2022: $175,931
- Home value in 2023: $183,703
- Home value in 2024: $187,695
- Home value in 2025: $198,089
Hazleton has delivered exceptional financial returns, with $116,807 in equity growth translating to approximately $13,000 annually for property owners. The Luzerne County city experienced its strongest growth phase during 2020-2022, generating nearly $50,000 in new equity during the pandemic-era housing surge. Located in eastern Pennsylvania along I-81, Hazleton’s strategic positioning for logistics and distribution continues driving economic revitalization. The recent stabilization suggests a maturing market that may offer more predictable but continued appreciation for investors seeking sustainable long-term returns.
16. Minersville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.88%
- Home value in 2016: $37,142
- Home value in 2017: $36,529
- Home value in 2018: $38,925
- Home value in 2019: $40,825
- Home value in 2020: $43,211
- Home value in 2021: $55,883
- Home value in 2022: $63,960
- Home value in 2023: $64,118
- Home value in 2024: $80,608
- Home value in 2025: $90,584
Minersville’s ultra-low entry point created exceptional percentage returns for investors despite the modest absolute dollar appreciation of $53,441. The former coal mining community experienced remarkable 25.7% growth in just the past year, suggesting its momentum is actually accelerating rather than plateauing. Located in Schuylkill County, Minersville offers investors affordability with substantial upside potential as regional revitalization efforts continue. The sub-$100K current valuation still presents an accessible entry point with potential for continued strong percentage returns in this emerging market.
15. Linwood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.78%
- Home value in 2016: $70,948
- Home value in 2017: $72,733
- Home value in 2018: $85,315
- Home value in 2019: $90,913
- Home value in 2020: $102,240
- Home value in 2021: $126,109
- Home value in 2022: $147,246
- Home value in 2023: $157,394
- Home value in 2024: $163,853
- Home value in 2025: $173,665
Linwood’s property wealth creation of $102,717 represents a superb 144.8% return, significantly outperforming traditional investment vehicles over the same period. The Delaware County community experienced its strongest momentum during 2020-2022, generating over $45,000 in equity during the pandemic-era housing boom. Located just minutes from the Delaware border with Philadelphia access, Linwood combines metropolitan convenience with relative affordability. The continued upward trajectory despite recent market headwinds suggests sustainable demand that could support further appreciation for current investors.
14. Williamstown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 147.34%
- Home value in 2016: $52,922
- Home value in 2017: $66,243
- Home value in 2018: $66,396
- Home value in 2019: $77,242
- Home value in 2020: $77,486
- Home value in 2021: $92,578
- Home value in 2022: $103,645
- Home value in 2023: $107,848
- Home value in 2024: $115,489
- Home value in 2025: $130,894
Williamstown’s 147.3% growth has generated nearly $78,000 in wealth for property owners, representing an exceptional financial windfall from a modest initial investment. The northern Dauphin County community experienced a remarkable 25.1% first-year return (2016-2017), demonstrating how rapidly these undervalued markets can accelerate with changing economic conditions. Nestled in the former coal region, Williamstown’s continued price momentum suggests sustained demand despite its rural location. The recent 13.3% jump in values (2024-2025) indicates market acceleration rather than stabilization, suggesting further growth potential for investors.
13. West Hazleton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.70%
- Home value in 2016: $67,782
- Home value in 2017: $70,462
- Home value in 2018: $82,874
- Home value in 2019: $88,994
- Home value in 2020: $103,710
- Home value in 2021: $123,544
- Home value in 2022: $147,971
- Home value in 2023: $153,728
- Home value in 2024: $161,630
- Home value in 2025: $168,571
West Hazleton’s remarkable 148.7% appreciation has generated $100,789 in equity gains, creating substantial wealth for property owners despite the modest entry point. The borough experienced its strongest growth phase during 2020-2022, with values surging $44,261 (42.7%) in just two years as pandemic-era housing demand transformed the market. Adjacent to Hazleton proper, this community benefits from the same logistical advantages driving regional economic revitalization. The continued upward trajectory, though moderating recently, suggests sustained demand fundamentals that could support further appreciation for early-stage investors.
12. Millvale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.99%
- Home value in 2016: $47,336
- Home value in 2017: $50,173
- Home value in 2018: $52,559
- Home value in 2019: $61,973
- Home value in 2020: $68,726
- Home value in 2021: $92,427
- Home value in 2022: $102,935
- Home value in 2023: $103,491
- Home value in 2024: $110,662
- Home value in 2025: $118,809
Millvale’s strategic location near Pittsburgh has driven its impressive 151% appreciation, generating $71,472 in wealth for property owners since 2016. The most explosive growth occurred during 2020-2021, with values surging 34.5% in a single year as urban dwellers sought more affordable options with city access. This Allegheny County borough offers investors the dual advantages of metropolitan amenities and continued affordability compared to neighboring communities. Recent price acceleration (7.4% in the past year) indicates renewed momentum that could fuel further gains for investors entering at the current still-accessible price point.
11. Beaver Meadows
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.48%
- Home value in 2016: $66,599
- Home value in 2017: $69,185
- Home value in 2018: $78,544
- Home value in 2019: $88,727
- Home value in 2020: $92,361
- Home value in 2021: $106,940
- Home value in 2022: $128,970
- Home value in 2023: $149,858
- Home value in 2024: $155,275
- Home value in 2025: $167,485
Beaver Meadows has delivered exceptional financial performance with $100,886 in equity creation, representing a 151.5% return over nine years. The Carbon County borough has shown particularly strong momentum since 2021, with a remarkable 56.6% appreciation in just the past four years as regional revitalization accelerated. Situated in Pennsylvania’s former coal region, this small community demonstrates how economic shifts can create unexpected wealth opportunities in overlooked markets. The continuing upward trajectory suggests market fundamentals remain favorable for further appreciation despite the already substantial gains.
10. Saint Clair
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.19%
- Home value in 2016: $36,427
- Home value in 2017: $39,726
- Home value in 2018: $44,789
- Home value in 2019: $46,894
- Home value in 2020: $44,226
- Home value in 2021: $62,111
- Home value in 2022: $69,443
- Home value in 2023: $73,647
- Home value in 2024: $78,997
- Home value in 2025: $92,957
Saint Clair’s remarkable 155.2% appreciation demonstrates the wealth-building potential of these former coal communities, with property values more than doubling despite modest absolute dollar growth. The 2020-2021 period delivered exceptional returns with a 40.4% single-year surge as pandemic-era housing demand transformed even deeply rural markets. Located in Schuylkill County, Saint Clair’s continued growth despite its 2019-2020 value correction shows resilience and recovery potential. The recent 17.7% jump (2024-2025) indicates market acceleration rather than maturation, suggesting further upside for investors at the still-accessible sub-$100K price point.
9. Glen Lyon
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 158.51%
- Home value in 2016: $40,762
- Home value in 2017: $38,109
- Home value in 2018: $41,841
- Home value in 2019: $38,573
- Home value in 2020: $46,996
- Home value in 2021: $56,102
- Home value in 2022: $71,541
- Home value in 2023: $85,121
- Home value in 2024: $92,493
- Home value in 2025: $105,374
Glen Lyon demonstrates both the volatility and extraordinary potential of these emerging markets, with early-stage fluctuations giving way to 158.5% long-term appreciation. The Luzerne County community experienced remarkable recent momentum, with values more than doubling since 2020, creating exceptional returns during the pandemic-era housing surge. This former mining town’s growth pattern shows how economic transition can dramatically transform property values despite rural location. The 13.9% jump in the past year indicates continuing momentum rather than market maturation, suggesting additional upside potential for investors at the still-accessible price point.
8. Mount Oliver
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.92%
- Home value in 2016: $36,612
- Home value in 2017: $37,576
- Home value in 2018: $42,946
- Home value in 2019: $49,579
- Home value in 2020: $53,449
- Home value in 2021: $68,299
- Home value in 2022: $80,720
- Home value in 2023: $77,105
- Home value in 2024: $83,022
- Home value in 2025: $95,160
Mount Oliver’s proximity to Pittsburgh has fueled an impressive 159.9% appreciation despite its modest starting valuation, creating $58,548 in equity for property owners. The borough experienced its strongest growth phase during 2019-2022, with values surging over $31,000 as urban workers sought affordable housing with city access. The 2022-2023 correction (-4.5%) demonstrates market volatility that presents both risks and buying opportunities for strategic investors. The recent 14.6% value surge indicates renewed momentum that could support continued appreciation as Pittsburgh’s economic renaissance influences surrounding communities.
7. Coaldale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 160.43%
- Home value in 2016: $34,641
- Home value in 2017: $37,438
- Home value in 2018: $39,528
- Home value in 2019: $39,443
- Home value in 2020: $43,373
- Home value in 2021: $53,425
- Home value in 2022: $60,791
- Home value in 2023: $62,733
- Home value in 2024: $75,420
- Home value in 2025: $90,218
Coaldale’s extraordinary 160.4% appreciation underscores the transformative wealth potential in Pennsylvania’s former coal communities despite modest absolute dollar growth. The Schuylkill County borough experienced particularly strong momentum recently, with a remarkable 43.8% surge in just the past two years as regional revitalization efforts accelerated. This small community’s ultra-low entry point created exceptional percentage returns that significantly outperformed traditional investment vehicles over the same period. The accelerating growth trajectory suggests market fundamentals remain favorable for continued appreciation despite the substantial gains already realized.
6. Mahanoy City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 164.53%
- Home value in 2016: $17,289
- Home value in 2017: $17,033
- Home value in 2018: $18,609
- Home value in 2019: $19,916
- Home value in 2020: $19,554
- Home value in 2021: $25,675
- Home value in 2022: $32,362
- Home value in 2023: $33,167
- Home value in 2024: $37,866
- Home value in 2025: $45,735
Mahanoy City offers perhaps the most dramatic percentage growth story, with rock-bottom entry costs creating a staggering 164.5% return despite generating just $28,446 in absolute appreciation. The ultra-low acquisition cost (<$20K until 2020) created extraordinary ROI potential for investors willing to venture into deeply distressed markets in the former coal region. Located in Schuylkill County, this small borough demonstrates how economic transition can create investment opportunities in overlooked communities. The recent 20.8% single-year jump indicates accelerating momentum that could fuel continued exceptional percentage returns despite the modest absolute values.
5. New Philadelphia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 165.39%
- Home value in 2016: $32,752
- Home value in 2017: $37,810
- Home value in 2018: $39,409
- Home value in 2019: $44,613
- Home value in 2020: $44,653
- Home value in 2021: $54,437
- Home value in 2022: $60,628
- Home value in 2023: $66,714
- Home value in 2024: $78,096
- Home value in 2025: $86,920
New Philadelphia exemplifies how ultra-low entry points can generate exceptional percentage returns (165.4%) despite modest absolute dollar appreciation of $54,167. The Schuylkill County borough experienced particularly strong initial momentum with a 15.4% first-year surge, demonstrating how rapidly these undervalued markets can accelerate with changing economic conditions. This small community nestled in Pennsylvania’s former coal region has maintained consistent growth despite economic headwinds affecting many markets nationally. The continuing price acceleration (11.3% in the past year alone) suggests market fundamentals remain favorable for further appreciation at a still-accessible price point.
4. Shenandoah
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 165.57%
- Home value in 2016: $19,669
- Home value in 2017: $18,235
- Home value in 2018: $19,064
- Home value in 2019: $20,151
- Home value in 2020: $22,349
- Home value in 2021: $31,082
- Home value in 2022: $38,075
- Home value in 2023: $36,648
- Home value in 2024: $41,911
- Home value in 2025: $52,235
Shenandoah’s rock-bottom entry costs created an extraordinary 165.6% return despite generating just $32,566 in absolute dollar appreciation over nine years. The former coal mining town experienced its most explosive growth during 2020-2021, with values surging 39.1% in a single year as pandemic-era housing demand transformed even deeply depressed markets. This Schuylkill County borough demonstrates both the volatility (note the 3.7% correction in 2022-2023) and exceptional upside potential in these emerging markets. The recent 24.6% jump indicates renewed momentum that could support continued exceptional growth from this ultra-low valuation base.
3. Reading
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 171.71%
- Home value in 2016: $90,536
- Home value in 2017: $97,919
- Home value in 2018: $110,262
- Home value in 2019: $130,982
- Home value in 2020: $146,536
- Home value in 2021: $170,019
- Home value in 2022: $189,332
- Home value in 2023: $210,735
- Home value in 2024: $228,714
- Home value in 2025: $245,993
Reading stands out as the largest city on this list, with its remarkable 171.7% appreciation generating substantial $155,456 in wealth for property owners since 2016. The Berks County seat has delivered incredible stability in its growth trajectory, with nine consecutive years of positive appreciation that created reliable equity building for investors. Its strategic location between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, combined with relative affordability, has driven consistent demand despite economic shifts. For investors, Reading represents a unique combination of metropolitan infrastructure, stronger economic fundamentals, and continued growth potential compared to the smaller communities on this list.
2. McAdoo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 176.84%
- Home value in 2016: $54,220
- Home value in 2017: $57,594
- Home value in 2018: $54,602
- Home value in 2019: $66,460
- Home value in 2020: $77,664
- Home value in 2021: $98,267
- Home value in 2022: $115,113
- Home value in 2023: $123,598
- Home value in 2024: $133,467
- Home value in 2025: $150,103
McAdoo’s extraordinary 176.8% return has generated $95,882 in equity, delivering exceptional financial performance from a modest initial investment. Despite early volatility (note the 5.2% drop in 2017-2018), this Schuylkill County borough has experienced remarkable momentum since 2019, with property values more than doubling in six years. This former coal mining community exemplifies how economic transition can create unexpected wealth opportunities in overlooked markets. The continuing upward trajectory (+12.5% in the past year) indicates market fundamentals remain favorable for further appreciation despite the already substantial gains.
1. Lansford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 178.05%
- Home value in 2016: $30,442
- Home value in 2017: $29,446
- Home value in 2018: $31,527
- Home value in 2019: $33,500
- Home value in 2020: $38,585
- Home value in 2021: $50,159
- Home value in 2022: $61,149
- Home value in 2023: $69,283
- Home value in 2024: $80,010
- Home value in 2025: $84,645
Lansford tops our list with a staggering 178.1% appreciation, representing Pennsylvania’s most dramatic property value transformation despite generating a modest $54,203 in absolute equity growth. The Carbon County borough’s ultra-low entry point created exceptional ROI potential for investors willing to venture into formerly distressed coal region markets. Property values have nearly tripled since 2016, with particularly explosive growth during 2020-2022 when values increased 58.5% in just two years. For investors seeking maximum percentage returns, Lansford’s continuing upward trajectory suggests further growth potential despite the extraordinary gains already realized in this revitalizing community.
