Nestled in the smallest county in the state, Danville offers a level of sophistication rarely found in towns of its size. It is a place of delightful contrasts: a quiet river borough with a global reach, where historic charm meets cutting-edge innovation. In Danville, you don’t have to choose between a high-powered career and the peace of front-porch living—you get both.
A Legacy of Innovation
Danville’s history is defined by big ideas. In the 19th century, this was the "Iron Town" that quite literally connected America; the first T-rail (the rail used for modern train tracks) was rolled right here at the Montour Iron Works in 1845. Today, that spirit of innovation lives on in the revitalized Mill Street, the borough's walkable downtown. Lined with Victorian architecture, it is now a bustling corridor of chef-owned restaurants, specialty boutiques, and craft breweries. It is a downtown that respects its past—evident in the beautifully preserved buildings—while aggressively courting the modern tastes of its residents.
The Geisinger Factor
While other small towns fight for access to healthcare, Danville is healthcare. As the headquarters of the Geisinger Health System, the town is the beating heart of one of the nation’s most respected medical networks. For residents, this means access to city-level medical care just minutes from their doorstep. But beyond patient care, Geisinger acts as a magnet for a highly educated, diverse workforce. It infuses the local community with a professional vitality and economic stability that makes Danville arguably one of the most recession-resistant communities in the Commonwealth.
A Center for Gathering
Danville is a community that embraces the outdoors and its history in equal measure. The Danville Heritage Festival (formerly the Iron Heritage Festival) is the year’s marquee event, a community-wide celebration that brings the town’s industrial roots to life with parades, history tours, and fireworks. For daily recreation, the town utilizes its geography beautifully. The J. Manley Robbins Trail, known as the oldest rail-trail in the United States, offers a serene escape for runners and cyclists, while the Riverfront Park provides a scenic venue for summer concerts and community picnics right along the Susquehanna.
A Built-In Support System
For entrepreneurs and professionals, moving to Danville means plugging into a pre-established network of success. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a vital partner in the region's prosperity. Established in 1941, it has grown into a powerhouse organization representing over 425 employers, ranging from local startups to major regional manufacturers. The Chamber serves as a unified voice for the greater Danville area and its neighbors, ensuring that businesses don't just survive, but thrive. Through its dedicated Foundation, the Chamber actively bridges the gap between education and industry, offering leadership programs to cultivate the next generation of movers and shakers. With active divisions focused on Community Development and Government Affairs, the Chamber ensures you have a dedicated partner invested in your future from day one.
Economic & Community Health
Danville offers a quality of life that is hard to quantify but easy to feel. The local school district is consistently highly ranked, and the presence of a major corporate headquarters ensures a steady economic drumbeat. In Danville, the appeal is the balance. It is a place where you can perform complex surgery or close a major business deal by day, and be kayaking on the river or dining with neighbors on Mill Street by evening. It is a town that has mastered the art of living well.