The home market here is hot. In fact, Lancaster is ranked as the third hottest real estate market in the US, according to Market Watch’s list of 25 metro areas across the country.
So how do you decide where your next address might be? Maybe access to highways is important to you as a commuter. Perhaps nearby parks are more the perk you’re seeking. While one person prefers the customization of new construction, another appreciates the character of an old home and mature landscaping.
Consider these factors from just a small sampling of the many great options in neighborhoods the Susquehanna River region has to offer. Of course, nothing makes a neighborhood like the people who you’ll call “neighbor.” Hear what local residents love most about their ‘hoods.
Arcona
Breathe in the fresh air amid 10 miles of trails, 80 acres of preserved green space, and lovely homes designed to welcome natural light. This is Arcona, set in the rolling hills outside Mechanicsburg in Lower Allen Township, just minutes from Routes 11 and 581, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the entire Harrisburg area. Arcona offers a friendly neighborhood environment, boutique shopping, and an incredible BYOB culinary experience.
Year established: 2014
Builder: Charter Homes & Neighborhoods (lifeatarcona.com)
Suitable for: Everyone from families to empty nesters. Extra wide sidewalks invite family walks and bike rides. Home options include spacious townhomes with two-car garages and no maintenance, and single-family homes with first floor owner’s retreats. Coming in spring 2018: New maintenance-free townhomes with first floor owner’s suites and private courtyards.
School district/ranking: West Shore School District. New Rossmoyne Elementary School opening in 2019. Cedar Cliff High School, 86 percent graduation rate, 17.1 College Readiness Index score.
Park perks: Single-family homes surround the open space known as Highpoint Green. TerraPark, called the world’s first all-natural outdoor playground, invites kids to reimagine play as they explore slides, tunnels, rock climbing walls, and a sandbox. Catch some shade under the century-old trees in Arcona Green, the gathering place in the heart of the neighborhood.
Pet perks: People and pets stretch their legs along 10 miles of neighborhood walking trails, including Arcona Nature Trail. Just five miles away is Lower Allen Township Park, home of the popular Doggie Dugout Dog Park, with separate enclosed play areas for small and large dogs.
Landscaping vibe: The commitment to nature doesn’t end with the open space. Stroll the tree-lined streets. New home purchases include privet hedge and landscaping.
Lifestyle: Walk to the Crossroads at Arcona, where small, locally-owned businesses include Red Salon, Absolute Pilates, and the popular artisanal dining experience Thea. The 24-hour Arcona Fitness Club is free for residents.
“You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by how many people are out on their front porches or walking on the sidewalks. There’s a great sense of community in Arcona.” –Julie
Copper Ridge
As the West Shore communities of Lemoyne and Camp Hill grow in vibrancy, the longstanding townhouse community of Copper Ridge has been in the thick of things. Close to downtown Harrisburg and local health care, including the new Artis Senior Living of West Shore memory care community right across the street, it’s a prime launching pad for quick commutes and active lifestyles.
Year established: 2006
Suitable for: Families and downsizers. This townhouse community features low-maintenance two- and three-story homes with luxury features and attached garages.
School district/ranking: West Shore School District. 86 percent graduation rate, 17.1 College Readiness Index score.
Park perks: Walkable to one of the region’s most vibrant recreation hubs, Negley Park. With panoramic views of the Susquehanna River and the Harrisburg skyline, it’s ideal for dog walking, tennis, basketball, trail walking, and picnics.
Lifestyle: Walk to the West Shore Farmers Market and to West Shore Plaza for pet supplies, hardware, jewelry, prescription drugs, wine and spirits, craft supplies, and various eateries. Downtown Camp Hill, with Cornerstone Coffee House and an upcoming brewpub, is just a few blocks up the road. Take a pleasant stroll to the breathtaking Arts and Crafts-style Fredericksen Library, buzzing with activities including popular summertime concerts.
“The location is perfect! It provides easy access to just about everything Central Pennsylvania has to offer.” –John
Danbury Glen
What do you get when you combine just 60 home lots with nine acres of green space? Peaceful Danbury Glen, the McNaughton Homes community in burgeoning Silver Spring Township. Lot sizes are manageable, under one-quarter of an acre, but most homes open to that green space, providing the feel of a large yard without all that mowing. Plus, it’s a quick drive to that culinary mecca, Wegman’s.
Year established: 2014
Builder: McNaughton Homes (mcnaughtonhomes.com/find-new-home/mechanicsburg/danbury-glen)
Suitable for: Anyone seeking a convenient location in a peaceful setting. Sidewalks assure walkability. The green space is ideal for community events and picnics. Single- or two-story home plans accommodate the full range of life phases. Low monthly HOA fees.
School district/ranking: Cumberland Valley School District. 95 percent graduation rate, 35.8 College Readiness Index score.
Pet perks: Leash up the dog and roam anywhere you want. “The open space and the sidewalks provide a nice way to get out,” says resident Shannon.
Landscaping vibe: McNaughton Homes’ popular landscaping allowance gives you the freedom to choose your own landscaper or one recommended by McNaughton. The approach creates variety and curb appeal, as residents perk up their yards.
Lifestyle: Commute in minutes to Harrisburg and Carlisle via I-81. Enjoy the fun and funk of downtown Mechanicsburg, just up the road. Come home to relaxation, amid the easy flow of the open floor plan inside or outside on the back patio overlooking the peaceful green space.
Mountaindale
In the Susquehanna Township community of Mountaindale, you won’t find any cookie-cutter homes. For decades, each home has been custom built to the unique needs of residents, in designs ranging from Mid-century modern to traditional to Tudor, and lots remain available for new builds. Bordering the city of Harrisburg, with minutes’ access to major highways, this mountaintop sanctuary nestles in the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering winding roads and abundant greenery. New Boulder Ridge Estates, with lots ranging from three-quarters of an acre to five-plus acres (custerhomes.com/community/boulder-ridge-estates).Adjoining Mountaindale and sharing its mountaintop esthetic, with panoramic views of the Susquehanna Valley.
Year established: 1965
Builder: Custer Homes, Inc., and other qualified builders (custerhomes.com/community/mountaindale)
School district: Susquehanna Township School District. 94 percent graduation rate, 27.3 College Readiness Index score.
Suitable for: Anyone seeking a home uniquely suited to their needs. Professionals appreciate the quick commute to downtown Harrisburg, the West Shore, and even Hershey. Lot sizes and home designs vary.
Park perks: Mountaindale boasts a natural, park-like feel that draws residents out for walks and backyard frolics. Nearby, Wildwood Park, Fort Hunter, Country Club of Harrisburg, and Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park offer everything from bicycling and golfing to kayaking and yoga.
Pet perks: Open the back door and let the dog run free. Strap on a leash and stride up and down the hills. Or, for your less active pup or kitty, set up a window observatory for a front-row seat to a real, live nature show.
Landscaping vibe: Natural landscaping complements the rustic terrain. Home sites offer private wooded settings with stunning Susquehanna Valley views that encompass Ski Roundtop, the city of Harrisburg, and the Susquehanna River.
“There is just something special about this neighborhood. The homes have been built with the natural mountain landscape in mind. It’s beautiful and undisturbed. In reality, it doesn’t really feel like a neighborhood at all.” –John and Jenna
Union Station
Vintage feel with contemporary flair—that’s Union Station, a traditional neighborhood design community from Yingst Homes in partnership with Landmark Homes. Nestled halfway between Harrisburg and Hershey in Lower Paxton Township, Union Station offers a country idyll that’s only minutes from shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. All homes are on small lots, with front porches, back patios or decks, and access to green space.
Year established: 2016. Phase I is near completion. Phase II is underway.
Builders: Landmark Homes, single-family homes; Yingst Homes, single-family home, duplexes, and triplexes. (ownalandmark.com/communities/union-station, or yingsthomes.com/unionstation)
Suitable for: Families and empty nesters craving maintenance-free living. The HOA takes care of yard upkeep and snow removal. Several available home models offer single-level living.
School district/ranking: Central Dauphin East Senior High School, 80 percent graduation rate, 14.9 College Readiness Index score, which ranked it 121st among Pennsylvania high schools.
Park perks: Many homes back up to the common green space, popular for family gatherings, picnics, and kids romping. Trails wind through the community and behind homes, linking to the sidewalks that line the streets.
Pet perks: Lots are only about .15 acre, but many homeowners have dogs and walk them frequently around the trails and green areas.
Landscaping vibe: All homes are landscaped with neatly manicured, mulched shrubs (maintained by the HOA). Newly planted trees at every home introduce leafy shade.
Lifestyle: A commercial area planned for the heart of the community will be walkable from the homes nearby. Community events include Thirsty Third Thursday, with drinks and snacks provided by Yingst Homes and Landmark Homes.
“After being in our house for 30 years, we were very unsure about making a move. We moved into Union Station, and we could not be happier. One-level living is the way to go, and we also have a basement the size of our house.” –Ken and Colleen
Grandview Heights
Just outside of Lancaster City on the East Side, mere minutes from Route 30, I-283, and all the major pikes of Lancaster. The varied home styles range from Cape Cod to Colonial, Tudor and more to make this neighborhood full of visually appealing charm connected not only by sidewalks but by a real sense of community.
Year established: Built from 1925 through the 50s around the development of RCA (now occupied by IU13)
Suitable for: Any age, but ever-popular among young couples.
School district/ranking: Manheim Township School District. Manheim Township High School ranks 39th in the state, 34.9 percent College Readiness Index, 93 percent graduation rate.
Park perks: Walk to four nearby parks including historic Stauffer Park, where many children enjoy activities like dance class in the carriage house or the new playground. The Jaycee Park connects to nearby historic Country Club Estates and the new Grandview section by Charter Homes. There’s also a park at the neighborhood preschool, Lancaster Brethren Preschool, where parents and kids gather after school.
Pet perks: Pretty much any time of day you’ll see dogs walking with residents here. There’s even a neighborhood watch Facebook page that helps locate pets and reunites them with their owners, among other connections from crime watch to neighborhood news.
Landscaping vibe: The iconic, tree-lined Grandview Boulevard is the main artery of this neighborhood and a popular route for walking and running. In fact, there is a bike route through the neighborhood and a big local race as well. Here you’ll find established landscaping with lots of luscious groundcover like pachysandra, mature and manicured boxwoods, clusters of unfurling ferns, bountiful blooming dogwoods, and beds full of spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
Lifestyle: The pride of this neighborhood runs deep. So much so that they had their own logo tee shirt designed by local company Fox Duck and sold it as a fundraiser at the neighborhood watering hole, American Bar and Grill. Grandview Heights is known for some of the best trick-or-treating and neighborhood block parties in the Lancaster area. Grandview Gives is an extension of the heart of this community which has raised funds, collected coats, and rallied around local people in need with strength in numbers and generous hearts. It’s also close to suburban shopping centers as well as the East Side of downtown, including Quips Pub, Lancaster Brewing Company, Central Market. It is also close to more country amenities like Oregon Dairy and rural farm stands.
“We have the nicest neighbors, are close to everything; and have terrific schools in a real, old fashioned neighborhood in which neighbors wave to everyone and help one another.” –Abbe
“It’s full of beautiful homes and trees. We love its proximity to the city as well as to Neffsville and Lititz. Love the history of the neighborhood as well. Great neighbors to boot! We feel very lucky to have our first home here.” –Amy
Hamilton Park
Located on the West Side of Lancaster off Columbia and West End Avenues. Known for its diverse style of homes from Arts and Crafts style bungalows and cottages to Colonial Revival and Tudor style homes.
Year established: Built from 1924 to 1950 for employees of Hamilton Watch Company
Suitable for: Any age, but increasingly popular among young couples, families, and downsizers.
School district/ranking: School District of Lancaster. McCaskey High School ranks 18.7 percent on the College Readiness Index, 88 percent graduation rate. The New School, a private (K-8) Montessori school is within walking distance. Within neighboring School Lane Hills resides Lancaster Country Day School, an pre-K-12 private school.
Park perks: In the summertime, walk, bike, or take a short drive to the pristine Conestoga Gardens for picnics and horticultural hobnobbing.
Pet perks: Walkable and dog-friendly. Nearby Buchanan Park, home of Beau’s Dream Dog Park.
Landscaping vibe: Hamilton Park is known for its azaleas blooming in spring. Homes feature historic, mature landscaping and tree-lined streets.
Lifestyle: Known for its neighborhood Halloween parade and its own popular preschool, Many families enjoy the amenities of Hamilton Park, including the park itself. The neighborhood bar and restaurant, Valentino’s, is a local fave. Proximity to stores and other restaurants is close, but not much within walking distance.
“Big beautiful trees, lovely older homes filled with charm, and a great mix of people who have lived here for many years, along with young families. Can’t beat the two-minute drive downtown.”–Melissa
Stonehenge Reserve
Off Fruitville Pike south of the gated Bent Creek Country Club community.
Year established: 2011
Builder: Costello Builders and Keystone
Suitable for: Families
School district/ranking: Manheim Township School District. Manheim Township High School ranks 39th in the state, 34.9 percent College Readiness Index, 93 percent graduation rate.
Park perks: A man-made pond and fountain are a feature of this neighborhood.
Pet perks: New sidewalks create walkability.
Landscaping vibe: First phase sites included lots that averaged from one-third to half an acre with ample room for side-load garages and pools. Smaller lots average a quarter-acre.
“A rare combination of newly built homes situated in a peaceful setting in Lititz. We’ve got a partial view of a pond, where kids catch fish in the summer and ice skate in the winter, plus a charming horse farm where you can buy fresh eggs and berries. A 10-minute walk down the street and we’re at Ciro’s or Our House for dining al fresco. Best of all is the neighbors—many from Lancaster but lots of families from all over the US and the world, bringing different backgrounds and perspectives, making for fun organized events or impromptu drinks on the patio.” –Allison
“The people are amazing and the location can’t be beat. Not to mention some of the most gorgeously built homes in Lancaster County.” –Courtney
Penn’s Crossing
Situated between Manheim Township and the charming town of Lititz.
Builder: Hogan & Herr and Landmark Homes
Suitable for: Families
School district/ranking: Manheim Township School District. MTHS ranks 39th in the state, 34.9 percent College Readiness Index, 93 percent graduation rate.
Park perks: Two nearby parks
Pet perks: Definitely dog friendly
Landscaping vibe: Perfect green lawns prevail. Landscaping will take time to mature.
Lifestyle: Close to the charming downtown of Lititz and rural countryside, yet nearby suburban amenities and shopping centers. Limited highway access.
Whether it’s the annual Halloween gathering before trick-or-treating, neighbors caroling at Christmas,...it’s a great place to raise a family and find community.” –Lisa
“Beautiful homes and families. I love the location. The neighborhood is like a small community. Lots of organized events for families.” –Nicole
Wyndham Hills
Up the hill from York College, amazing views, hilly and winding with walkability to shops and restaurants. Conveniently located near the hospital, and I-83, 10 minutes to downtown.
Year established: Famous Olmsted firm was hired circa 1930; newer sections’ dates vary
Suitable for: Families. Large yards, cul de sacs, low-traffic roads, safety, pool at country club. Empty nesters are offered golf, walking and the country club.
School district/ranking: York Suburban, 86/500 in PA, graduation rate: 95%
Park perks: Reservoir Park and York College campus
Pet perks: Great nearby parks for walking dogs
Landscaping vibe: nicely planted, more manicured in newer sections, tree-lined streets in older sections. Generous lots and yards with beautiful large homes; some back up to forested areas or the park.
“I like the neighborhood, and there’s a great sense of community. We have really good neighbors. It’s a very active community; a lot of people walk, bike, and jog, so when I’m working in my yard I see people going by. One side benefit is it’s located in a wonderful school district.” –Bob
Country Club Estates
Conveniently close to everything, a short drive to downtown dining, and near I-83 and Route 30.
Suitable for: Families and empty nesters.
School district: Central, high English proficiency test scores
Park perks: Easy drive to Cousler Park’s walking/biking paths, exercise area and concerts
Pet perks: Dogs love it
Landscaping vibe: Lots of trees; varied lot sizes
“Neighbors came over to welcome us with baskets when we moved in, and one neighbor had a Super Bowl party every year. There’s a fireworks display on the 4th, and spring is wonderful, with families with strollers and couples with dogs out walking. When we’re out shoveling snow, others will come over to help. I know I could knock on anyone’s door if I needed something.” –Louise
Jackson Heights
A West York mixed age community a short drive from downtown.
Year established: 2006, villas still available
Builder: JA Myers Homes (jamyershomes.com)
Suitable for: Families enjoy Stone Ledge Neighborhood Park playground in townhome section; villas are popular with empty nesters.
School district/ranking: Spring Grove, high proficiency in English and math
Park perks: Jackson Township Community Park, Little Creek Golf Course, York-Hanover Trolley Trail, and not far from Codorus State Park, Lake Redman/Kain Park and Lake Williams
Pet perks: Lots of room to walk, parks & trail nearby are great for dogs
Landscaping vibe: Well kept
Lifestyle: Noise levels and traffic depend on location in the development. Conveniently located near Route 30; 15 minutes to downtown York’s Revolution Stadium, theaters, and restaurants.
Regents Glen
Gated golf-course community. Greenleigh at Regents Glen (villas: first-floor, one-level living). Opening this spring: Box Hill Estates (single-family homes) and Rosecroft (contemporary townhomes with two-car garages). Some walkability to restaurants and shops. Five minutes to downtown and close to I-83.
Year established: early 2000s, ongoing
Builder: Ryan Homes (ryanhomes.com)
Suitable for: Families and empty nesters.
Lifestyle: Located next to elementary school and York Country Day School. Nearby rail trail; on country club grounds with golf, gym, and swimming. Wine and paint parties, BBQ night, and more.
School district/ranking: York Suburban, 86/500 in PA, graduation rate: 95%
Park perks: York County Heritage Rail Trail to downtown or Maryland, Reservoir Park, York College campus, Lake Redman/Kain Park & Lake Williams, country club membership free for first year
Pet perks: Lots of pet owners walking dogs in the neighborhood and on rail trail
Landscaping vibe: Sidewalks, tasteful landscaping, open space, and sweeping views from Box Hill Estates
