*These historic twin covered bridges are just some of the unique sites in Central Pennsylvania.*

Sometimes referred to as the Susquehanna River Valley, Central Pennsylvania is also comprised of several other regions. Many of its towns like Harrisburg and Lancaster are on 55+ homebuyers' radars because of their diversity, affordability, and off-the-beaten-path appeal.

The Susquehanna River is one of the longest rivers on the East Coast and travels across the entire state. There are dozens of attractions along the way, including inspiring outdoor recreation areas like R. B. Winter State Park and Lincoln Caverns. If you like to golf, you will have more than your share of choices, including Bucknell Golf Club and Frosty Valley. There are also wineries, museums, farms, historical landmarks, and all of the modern conveniences.

Heading further west towards Harrisburg, there are six active adult communities, many with new construction. Harrisburg, PA real estate is starting to boom, as news about the city’s revitalization has become widespread. Some of its top attractions are its Civil War Museum, City Island, and Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts.

Central PA real estate can also be more affordable than comparable communities that are poised closer to bigger cities in the state. Read on to learn about some of these offerings.

Country Manor - Shippensburg

Below $100k - Mid $200s

With a population of around 5,500, Shippensburg is in a serene, rural setting. Considered one of the best small towns in America, it's perfect for active adults that seek a slower pace of life. Its biggest landmarks are Shippensburg University, H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, and nearby Michaux State Forest. The area surrounding the University has shopping centers, a Walmart, restaurants, pharmacies, and medical offices.

Country Manor is a gated, newer community of 130 single-family resale homes built from 2001 to 2018. There are nine models ranging from 1,230 to 1,876 square feet. They have two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, roomy master suites, front porches, and attached garages. There are trails, a gazebo and fishing lake on the grounds, plus a private clubhouse with a multi-purpose room, a catering kitchen, and an exercise room.

Timber Villa - Elizabethtown

Low $100s - High $400s

Elizabethtown is another charming college town that provides a low-key lifestyle for active adults. Its scenic Conewago Trail Park has a five-mile stretch that locals use for horseback riding, running, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. It is also less than five miles from the Susquehanna and two golf courses.

Timber Villa is an established 55+ neighborhood with 102 attached homes built from 1983 to 1999. They range from 744 up to 2,882 square feet with one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half baths, and attached one or two-car garages. Upgrades may include decks, walkout finished basements, and vaulted ceilings with skylights.

Amesbury - Harrisburg

High $100s - High $200s

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and is the ninth-largest city in the state. Amesbury is the most affordable active adult community in this city. Homeowners enjoy the convenience of being able to pop over to their favorite stores whenever they feel like it, while basking in a low-maintenance lifestyle.

There are 106 new and resale attached homes in Amesbury. The three floor plans range from 1,627 to 2,247 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached garages. Features include dens, great rooms, patios, and first-floor master suites.

The Paddock at Equine Meadows - Red Lion

Mid $100s - High $100s

The peaceful Borough of Red Lion is in scenic York County, about 35 miles from Harrisburg. This mainly residential town has a city center with grocery stores and other services about a mile away from The Paddock at Equine Meadows. Residents head over to Heritage Hills Golf Resort or Bridgewater Golf Club to play the links.

This community broke ground in 2016 and will have 174 new and resale attached homes upon completion. There are seven floor plans sized from 1,310 to 3,000 square feet. They feature two or three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.

The modern clubhouse includes an exercise room, activity rooms, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor patio. There are also walking trails and natural space on the picturesque grounds.

Penn National - Fayetteville

Mid $100s - Low $400s

Fayetteville is a small town in Franklin County, just outside of Caledonia State Park and Penn National Golf Course. Penn National is a sprawling master-planned community that will have 1,100 attached and single-family homes when completed. It is not age-restricted, but it has a large 55+ population as it caters to this lifestyle.

The attached, single-story villa homes are the most affordable. Single-family homes range from 1,763 to 2,378 square feet, with two to three bedrooms and bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Some models also include oversized walk-in closets and covered porches.

The long list of amenities includes a vibrant clubhouse with a business center, an aerobics studio, an outdoor pool, tennis, pickleball, and dozens of activity groups and clubs. And don’t forget the golf - Penn National has two courses, practice facilities and the Founders Grille for your dining pleasure.

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