The area we now call "Pine Grove" was originally settled in the 1750s, as settlers ventured north
of the Blue Mountains. Schuylkill County was not officially formed until 1811, but by then the mountains
and farmlands of the area were filled with venturous families and individuals willing to make their way north.

Powder mills, lumber mills, and grist mills popped up along the border of the Blue Mountains throughout
the second half of the 1700s. Original settlers used the Indian trails asthey cut their way from Bethel
(in Berks County) north through Ravine.

For a good history of Pine Grove Township, see http://www.pinegrovetownship.com/History.html.

Today, the area covered by the Pine Grove School District has about 9,000 residents in Pine Grove Boro
and several surrounding townships plus Tremont. It is a very varied region, ranging from rolling farmlands
 in the south, to mountains and the southern reaches of the Anthracite Coal Region. This diversity gives the area many benefits. The school district serves under 2,000 pupils in 3 schools.

Our small town atmosphere and rural location make this a comfortable place to live. It's a world where things are just a little bit slower.
People take the time to know their neighbors. We have a historically low crime rate,yet easy commute to the cities. Thus, over the past
few years this region has become a bedroom community, where people choose to live here in Pine Grove and commute to their jobs in the cities.

We have also seen a rise in people choosing to move here from places as far away as New York, New Jersey, and Harrisburg to retire in our area.
Swatara Village is one example of a 55+ community that is filled with homeowners -- many of whom are from outside the area.
They chose to move to our region for many of the perks we can offer: low crime rate, lower cost of living, and a slower pace of life.
They chose to leave the rat race to retire herein rural Pennsylvania, to enjoy what we have to offer.

Pine Grove Population (census data of the Boro only)

Total	2,051 (-4.5% since 2000)
Male	967 (47.1%)
Female	1,084 (52.9%)

Population Density: 1,902 people per sq. mile
Cost of Living Index: 81.0 (US Avg is 100)
Incorporated in 1832
Land Area: 1.08 square miles
Median Household Income: $44,793
Zip Codes: 17963



(map above--see http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~papghs/where.htm)