Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has the best of both worlds: an intimate metropolitan city with a small-town feel. Almost all of Harrisburg’s western border meets up with Susquehanna River, giving locals the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. One of the most beloved recreation areas here is Riverfront Park, poised on the riverbanks right by Harvey Taylor Bridge.
Known for its yearly events and festivals, it is also popular with hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. Another well-known landmark is the National Civil War Museum, the country’s only museum that features both the Confederate and Union sides of the story. There are many other exciting adventures to be had in Harrisburg, like grabbing delicious treats at the Broad Street Market, checking out galleries at the Millworks, or leisurely cruising on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat.
Since Harrisburg is the state capital, active adults that retire here can benefit from being so close to all of the action. Harrisburg International Airport is easier to navigate than some of the country’s larger ones, and driving into the city is easy via Interstates 81 and 84. The main health care system in this area is Pinnacle, which provides a full range of hospitals and specialty care centers. With everything it has to offer, Harrisburg area is a sure-win for active adult homebuyers. Here are some of the top 55+ communities in this region.
Traditions of America at Silver Spring – Mechanicsburg
Low $300s – Low $700s
Mechanicsburg is just across the Susquehanna from Harrisburg. It is also the location of the 55+ neighborhood Traditions of America at Silver Spring. With 517 new and resale attached and single-family homes, this expansive newer development has a floor plan to fit every lifestyle.
There are 13 floor plans spanning both single-family and attached, They range from 1,237 to 2,314 square feet and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two-car garages. Upgrades may include porches, patios, and attractive master suites.
The vibrant community offers amenities such as a clubhouse with a banquet room, a catering kitchen, a theater, a café, a fitness center, and an indoor whirlpool and sauna. Outdoors, there is a heated pool, a community garden, and trails for walking and biking. One of the closest shopping malls, Capital City, is about 10 minutes away and in-town shopping centers include Silver Spring Commons and Windsor Park.
Creek View – Carlisle
Mid $100s – Mid $200s
Creek View is a bit farther west of Harrisburg, tucked into a private, rural setting in Carlisle. This community offers 305 new and resale single-family homes are ranch-style, with over 20 different floor plans. They range from 1,202 to 1,750 square feet and include two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached one- or two-car garages. Options include dens and porches. Homeowners can also choose a maintenance package for their landscaping and snow removal, with different pricing options available.
The private clubhouse has a multipurpose room, a spacious patio, and gas grills. There is also a walking trail, a fishing pond, and available RV parking. Carlisle is known for its extensive military history, with landmarks like the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center and the Molly Pitcher statue. It is also close to the Appalachian Trail, a great area to enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits.
Carmella – Mechanicsburg
High $200s – Mid $300s
Carmella is a smaller 55+ neighborhood also on the young side, with 190 new and resale attached duplex and triplex carriage homes in a peaceful, wooded setting. These homes range from 1,513 to 2,566 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. All of the models feature first-floor master suites, and options include dens, patios, and lofts.
A homeowners’ association fee covers maintenance costs and other items. Residents can spend quality time at the outdoor pool and patio during the warmer months. The clubhouse also has its own library, exercise room, and a kitchen area. There are also several highly rated golf courses in town, including Rich Golf and Armitage Golf Club. Carmella is also just minutes away from the downtown area, which has a Wegman’s, Kohls, Best Buy, Walmart, and dozens of restaurants.
