Best Suburbs Surrounding Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg is a beautiful capital that is rich in history. It’s refreshing to live in a city ranked on both the best places to live in Pennsylvania and healthiest cities in the Keystone state lists.

What makes Harrisburg so special? This Dauphin County gem is close to major employers including Hershey Chocolate USA, Tyco Electronics/AMP, and the Hershey Amusement Park. The great allure of Harrisburg is its lower cost of living. Its location also puts you within 100 miles of Philadelphia and Baltimore. Fun is found at the many festivals celebrating wine, food, and culture. The Susquehanna River is the ideal backdrop for this welcoming city.

The suburbs surrounding Harrisburg offer an array of new home styles, sizes, and price points. Take a look at the top 10 below:

10.  Palmdale

• Population: 1,332
• Median Home Value: $169,700
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes

Palmdale offers the small-town living you crave. This friendly community is close to Hershey and Harrisburg. Residents love heading to the Turkey Hill Experience to the south where you can tour and create delicious ice cream. Are you first time Pennsylvania homebuyer? If so, utilize the link to help you navigate your new homebuying experience.

9.  Conewago Township

• Population: 2,951
• Median Home Value: $265,900
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 86
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11

Conewago Township is a great place to raise a family. This growing area is known for its highly rated schools and convenience. There’s plenty to keep boredom at bay with fishing, camping, parks, and festivals. Enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling hills and forests. Conewago Township is about 45 miles to the south of Harrisburg.

8.  Paxtonia

• Population: 4,974
• Median Home Value: $201,700
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes

The charming Paxtonia, PA is located under ten miles from Harrisburg. This makes it easy to commute to Harrisburg and Hershey and allows you to enjoy some of the fun attractions. Visit the Hershey Story Museum, the beautiful Capitol in Harrisburg, and Hersheypark Stadium.  Excellent schools make this an ideal spot for families.

7.  Penbrook

• Population: 3,230
• Median Home Value: $114,800
• School Ranking: B-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 73
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10

Penbrook, PA is an eastern Harrisburg borough. Families enjoy the safe environment, excellent location, and outstanding schools. Looking to learn some history? Visit the National Civil War Museum or take a short drive to Gettysburg National Military Park. Year-round theatrical productions are worthy nights out at the Penbrook Opera House.  From parks to a delightful downtown, Penbrook checks off lots of boxes for potential new homebuyers.

6.  Middle Paxton Township

• Population: 5,047
• Median Home Value: $199,500
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes

Middle Paxton Township is an outdoor lover’s dream. Spend time away from the hustle and bustle at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area and Detweiler Park. Check out the miniature Statue of Liberty along the Susquehanna River. This affordable, safe area offers superior schools and proximity to big city amenities and attractions.

5.  Progress

• Population: 11,286
• Median Home Value: $158,900
• School Ranking: B-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes

Live on the outskirts of Harrisburg in a Lancaster County borough. Progress, PA is less than 5 miles from Harrisburg, making it an excellent spot to purchase a new home. Easy commutes, superb schools, and access to all Harrisburg has to offer including major employers and services makes Progress a good choice for your family. This beautiful area allows you to stay active hiking, biking, and golfing.  Take a ride on the Susquehanna River on a river boat or savor the delicious flavors at the wide variety of restaurants at your disposal. This serene community will welcome you with open arms.

4.  Dauphin

• Population: 1,074
• Median Home Value: $165,700
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes

Dauphin is small-town living at its finest. Imagine being just 10 miles from Harrisburg on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. This peaceful community makes it possible to enjoy the best of all worlds. Make your way to attractions, employers, and recreation on your terms. With an array of new home communities in Dauphin County, you are bound to find the perfect new home for your wants and needs.

3.  Hummelstown

• Population: 4,522
• Median Home Value: $221,200
• School Ranking: A-
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 76
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10

One of the amazing perks of living in Hummelstown is the Indian Echo Caverns. This limestone cave is a natural treasure. Take a tour through the caverns that offer a consistent temperature of 52 degrees year-round. There’s something for everyone including nearby vineyards, antique shops, and parks. Hummelstown offers a variety of new homes that will enhance your Pennsylvania lifestyle. 

2.  Paxtang

• Population: 1,697
• Median Home Value: $150,500
• School Ranking: B
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 18 minutes

As one of the earliest settlements in Pennsylvania, Paxtang continues to draw new residents with its serene vibe, small-town values, and fabulous location. Charming tree-lined streets, a strong sense of community, and parks are additional draws putting Paxtang at #2 on the Best Harrisburg Suburbs list. Residents come together at local events including the annual Tree Lighting, Independence Day and Halloween Parade. Live to the east of the capital city in Paxtang.

1.  Hershey

• Population: 14,619
• Median Home Value: $565,500
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes

There’s more to Hershey, PA than chocolate. This sweet place to live offers concerts, parks, outstanding restaurants, and a vibrant economy. Of course, you can always get a chocolate fix at Hershey attractions. The impressive schools, short commutes, and recreation all put this delightful city at the top of the list! New homes in this area will impress with all the latest features. Give some serious consideration to amenity-rich new home communities in Hershey.