Best Places to Raise a Family in Mechanicsburg, PA
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is a borough located in Cumberland County, just an hour from the resort town of Hershey, as well as from Harrisburg's popular downtown district. With a blend of perfectly preserved historic buildings and beautiful modern homes, Mechanicsburg offers a unique blend of rural serenity and urban luxury.
Without a doubt, raising kids in Mechanicsburg could be the life straight out of your daydreams.
Is Mechanicsburg a good place to live?
Mechanicsburg is widely known as one the best places in the state to live and to raise a family. With a current population of 9,006, Mechanicsburg has a sparse suburban vibe that attracts young families and professionals looking to put down roots in Central PA. With a great school system, a good cost of living, and an easy commute to Harrisburg and Hershey, Mechanicsburg offers a small-town feel with big-town amenities. Living in Mechanicsburg means you truly have the best of both worlds.
What makes Mechanicsburg ideal for raising children?
Mechanicsburg offers excellent educational opportunities for students in the area, from the Mechanicsburg Area School District, to Cumberland Valley School District or West Shore School District. Mechanicsburg Area School District continues to be highly rated year after year, with a current grade of A overall. With 4,310 students in K-12, the student-teacher ratio is an impressive 15 to 1, meaning students thrive in the classrooms of teachers who want to be there. State test scores consistently show good proficiency in math and reading, setting students on a path to long-term learning success.
Mechanicsburg also loves to celebrate family fun. During the second week of June, for example, Market Street is shut down for Jubilee Day, the largest and longest-running single day street fair on the entire east coast. Just a short drive from the famous Hershey Park, Mechanicsburg is also only 20 minutes away from skiing and snowboarding options as well as paintball and a rope course. There is truly no end to the possibilities for family fun.
What to Know Before Moving to Mechanicsburg, PA?
Here are three additional considerations to keep in mind when moving to Mechanicsburg:
- It is a good time to buy a home in Mechanicsburg, since home appreciation is currently up 4.8% for the past year.
- It is close to the state capital and several large cities.
- Though recent job growth remains positive in Mechanicsburg, the unemployment rate is the same as the U.S. average (3.7%).
What are the best areas and neighborhoods for families in Mechanicsburg?
Two new home neighborhoods in Mechanicsburg are welcoming new residents into move-in ready townhomes, customizable carriage homes and build-to-order single-family homes. These neighborhoods include:
1. Arcona: Neighborhood in West Shore School District
The Arcona neighborhood prioritized outdoor recreation in the design. Nature is just a step away with more than 80 acres of preserved green space and 10 miles of walking trails. In addition to green space, Arcona offers a wide range of locally-owned shops, hand-crafted dining options, and premier shopping, all located right in the neighborhood. Situated near Route 11, 581, and the PA Turnpike make Arcona a great place to commute to any of the nearby cities for work. Learn more about the Arcona Neighborhood.
2. Tattersall: Neighborhood in Mechanicsburg School District
A new home neighborhood located just minutes from downtown Mechanicsburg, Tattersall offers timeless architecture and stunning streetscapes in one of the most sought-after school districts in the state. Surrounded by acres of pristine farmland views, Tattersall is the perfect place to live and raise a family. Learn more about the Tattersall Neighborhood.
Why live in one of Charter Homes neighborhoods in Mechanicsburg?
From Memorial Day parades to Friday nights at Memorial Stadium to the New Year's Eve Wrench Drop, Mechanicsburg is a great place to live and raise a child. One of the main reasons?—because of the people who work to keep the spirit of the community strong.
When it comes to picking a home to live and raise a child, community is everything. And Charter Homes understands that. Which is why we build neighborhoods with the past and the future in mind. From carefully designing beautiful streetscapes to cultivating relaxing outdoor spaces—including Terrapark®, the world's first all-natural playground—we believe every detail contributes to the sense of timelessness that makes home home.
Where you live will never be more important than it is right now. So if you're looking for somewhere new to call home, come discover The Great American Neighborhood®.