Maybe it’s the rolling hills and waterways of its Lehigh and Susquehanna River Valley regions; perhaps it’s the never-ending charm of its Pennsylvania Dutch Country or its countless state parks and natural areas. Whatever the reason, Central Pennsylvania is a big draw for retirees, and at last count, it had 43 active adult communities.
Many of these neighborhoods are close to larger cities like Lancaster and Harrisburg, but there are also budget-friendly options in more rural areas towards the western reaches of Central PA. All in all, you’ll find good value for your housing dollars and an impressive selection of available new and resale homes.
Here are five 55+ communities in Central Pennsylvania with homes for sale at or under $250k.
Penn National – Fayetteville, PA
Mid $100s – High $600s
Though Penn National broke ground decades ago, it has grown into an expansive community of 1,100 new and resale attached and single-family homes. It’s just 10 miles north of the Maryland State Line, set outside of Caledonia State Park.
Penn National offers an enviable resort lifestyle, with two golf courses, a large clubhouse, a business center, restaurants, sports courts, and an outdoor pool. And with clubs and activities like the fly-fishing club, farmers markets, pickleball, and ladies and men’s luncheons, rest assured that you’ll never be lacking for something to do.
The attached, single-level homes have low-maintenance exteriors. The St. Anne’s single-family models range from 1,763 to 1,996 square feet with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two- or two-and-a-half-car garages. The St. Andrew’s single-family floor plans range from 1,842 to 2,378 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Some have upgrades like dens, patios, and cathedral ceilings.
Request more information about Penn National.
Stonecroft Village – Womelsdorf, PA
Low $200s – High $200s
This smaller 55+ community isn’t far from Lancaster, and it will have 214 new and resale single-family homes when construction is complete. Stonecroft Village has 14 floor plans sized from 1,380 to 2,495 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached garages. Extras may include fireplaces, walk-in closets, and quartz kitchen countertops. The reasonable monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) fee provides for certain community services.
This gracious community has a private clubhouse with a multi-purpose room, plus a scenic pond and pier on the grounds. Wolmesdorf is also close to Reading, Lebanon Valley Golf Course, and the charming Stoudtburg Village. The downtown area has a community pool, a post office, churches, banks, and grocery stores.
Request more information about Stonecroft Village.
Alden Place – Lebanon, PA
Low $200s – High $500s
Upon completion, Alden Place will have 505 new and resale attached and single-family homes on a large property about 20 miles from Lancaster. You can choose from over 20 floor plans ranging from 1,449 up to 2,505 square feet with one to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, and attached garages. Options include dens, full basements, recessed lighting, and breakfast areas. The HOA fee provides for trash and snow removal plus lawn maintenance.
This lovely property has its own fishing and canoeing lake, plus walking trails to enjoy. Its community clubhouse, The Alden Club, has an indoor pool, a cafe, a salon, activity rooms, and an exercise facility. Local attractions include the Lebanon Farmers Market and Hershey Chocolate World, and on-site social activities include exercise classes, discussion groups, and arts and crafts clubs.
Request more information about Alden Place.
The Paddock at Equine Meadows – Red Lion, PA
Mid $100s – Mid $300s
This appealing 55+ community is about 10 miles from York, and it will have 174 new and resale attached homes when work is completed. It’s designed with seven floor plans ranging from around 1,310 to 3,000 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Options include hardwood floors, fireplaces, and sunrooms, and the HOA fee provides for lawn care and snow removal.
The Paddock at Equine Meadows also has a welcoming clubhouse with its own exercise room, catering kitchen, party room, library, and patio. Well-attended community activities and events include Mah Jongg, community dinners, bible study, and Aquafit; local points of interest include York College and Bridgewater Golf Club.
Request more information about The Paddock at Equine Meadows.
Brookshire – Manheim, PA
High $100s – Mid $200s
This established retirement community has 230 resale attached and single-family homes in a quiet, rural area about 12 miles north of Lancaster. Brookshire is a land-lease community with four models sized from 1,520 to 2,050 square feet. These homes offer two to three bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half baths, attached two-car garages, and options like fireplaces, covered front porches, and luxury master bathrooms. Brookshire’s monthly HOA fee covers trash and snow removal.
The Berkshire Community Center has an exercise room, an aerobics studio, a banquet room, a coffee shop, a hobby room, and a library. Out on the property, you’ll find a fishing lake, walking trails, and shuffleboard and bocce ball courts. There’s a long list of clubs and activities for every interest, including a camera club, bible study, holiday dances, yoga, and singing. And for a day or night out, residents head over to Lititz, the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, or Elizabethtown.
