Elizabethtown, PA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Elizabethtown is a borough located in Central Pennsylvania. It is easily accessible thanks to the public roads and highways, as well as a renovated train station that allows residents to travel to and from cities like Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Residents of the borough also have a prime location with scenic mountains, plenty of access to nature, and multiple major cities nearby.

Climate and Geography

Pennsylvania’s humid continental climate means that residents can expect four distinct seasons during the year, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Weather patterns in the region are influenced by Lake Erie, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean, which have an effect on the temperature and precipitation. Throughout the year there are approximately 42 inches of rainfall, 24 inches of snowfall, and 196 days of sunshine.

The terrain surrounding Elizabethtown is primarily flat farmland. The borough is situated in between the cities of York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, which are made up of residential, suburban neighborhoods. The Ridge and Valley region of the Appalachians is situated to the north and northwest. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

The borough has a small-town atmosphere where residents can join their neighbors for annual events such as holiday parades and other local gatherings. Some of the top attractions in Elizabethtown include Conewago Recreation Trail, Masonic Village Farm Market, Moo Duck Brewery, Winter’s Heritage House Museum, Union Mill Acres, Miller’s Christmas Tree Farm, Michael Peluso Glass, and Knock Knock Boutique. 

Nature lovers will enjoy the numerous small parks situated throughout Elizabethtown, and they can easily find opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and more at the state parks and trails nearby.

Residents are also within driving distance of major metropolitan areas including Pittsburgh, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore, providing opportunities for day trips or weekend getaways to enjoy everything these big cities have to offer.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Elizabethtown is lower than the state and national average. 

Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07 percent with additional municipal income tax. All forms of retirement income are exempt for residents aged 60+, including Social Security benefits and pension plans.

Qualifying homeowners and renters that are 65 and older may also be eligible for property tax rebates.

Health Care

Nationally ranked and high performing Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is located only eight miles outside of Elizabethtown in Hershey. This hospital has recognition for the high quality of care in specialties like cancer, cardiology, orthopedics, knee replacement, and lung cancer surgery to name a few. Other nearby hospitals include Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, WellSpan Philhaven Hospital, UPMC Pinnacle Memorial, and Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital.