Central Pennsylvania has several large metropolitan areas, charming small towns, and plenty of farmland and rolling hills. Its largest cities include Lancaster, State College, Hanover, Lebanon, Shippensburg, Chambersburg, and York. The two main tourist attractions here are Gettysburg and Hershey, while the region is also known for its Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
The Susquehanna River Valley is also part of Central PA, but a list of its plentiful trails, farms, museums, theaters, and parks is too long to list here. For active adult homebuyers looking for smaller communities in this part of the Keystone State, there are many low-maintenance, high-quality living options. Here are some of the best.
The Pond on Fulling Mill – Middletown, PA
Low $200s – Low $300s
The Pond on Fulling Mill is a new community currently under construction by Sierra Glen Partners V. It will have 83 attached homes on a 16-acre property when completed. Its Middletown locale puts it south of Harrisburg and on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna. It is also close to Route 283, the Harrisburg Airport, shopping, and restaurants. During its first phase of construction, quad attached homes and townhomes will be offered, while duplexes will be available soon. Plans are also underway for a private clubhouse with an exercise room, plus walking and biking trails.
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The Preserves at Cumberland Village – Gettysburg, PA
High $200s – Low $400s
An intimate setting, affordable pricing, and proximity to historic Gettysburg attractions make The Preserves at Cumberland Village an excellent choice for 55+ adults. Upon completion, it will have 93 attached and single-family homes. The attached homes come in three models ranging from 1,750 to 1,956 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached garages. Single-family models are available in three floor plans sized from 1,690 to 2,285 square feet. These ranch-style homes have two to three bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached garage. Some single-family homes also include dens.
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Timber Villa – Elizabethtown, PA
Low $200s – Mid $300s
Timber Villa is an established, reasonably priced active adult neighborhood of 102 attached homes built from 1983 to 1999. Its location in the peaceful hamlet of Elizabethtown also places it near the Susquehanna, as well as two golf courses, including Par Line. A wide variety of single-story floor plans are offered, ranging from 744 to 2,882 square feet. Models include one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached one or two-car garages. Some homes also feature upgrades, such as decks, finished walkout basements, and vaulted ceilings with skylights.
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Heritage Strasburg – Strasburg, PA
Mid $300s – Mid $400s
This newer active adult community is in the heart of Amish Country, near Pequea Creek, Dutch Wonderland, and Lancaster County Central Park. Charter Homes began construction of Heritage Strasburg in 2009, completing the 106 single-family homes in 2020. Eight floor plans are available, ranging from 1,194 to 2,209 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Certain homes feature dens, and some even include a second-story. All models, however, have first-floor master suites and eat-in kitchens.
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Amesbury – Harrisburg, PA
Mid $200s
Just minutes from downtown Harrisburg, Amesbury is a small, affordable neighborhood with 106 attached new and resale homes. The three floor plans range from 1,627 to 2,247 square feet offering two to three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached garages. Models include first-floor master suites and upgrades such as a basement, a patio, and a study. Residents can also join Lower Paxton Township Friendship Center, which is next door and has a pool and fitness center.
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