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The Central Pennsylvania area is full of natural beauty and interesting sites. Located near the Susquehanna River and state parks, there are plenty of options for outdoor recreation. As home to the state capital, Harrisburg, and several cities with historical significance dating back to colonial times, there are many museums and cultural attractions to enjoy. The area is also home to great craft breweries and local businesses. The variety of entertainment options and a strong local economy make Central Pennsylvania a great place to call home.

Located along Route 30, I-95, and I-76, Central Pennsylvania provides convenience and accessibility to the towns in the area, and the Harrisburg International Airport provides flight options for vacation or work trips farther away. Located in a variety of locations to take advantage of such conveniences and entertainment options, D.R. Horton offers a range of new home communities in the Central Pennsylvania area with spacious open floorplans, smart home technology, and amenities to fit your needs.

Get to know the Central Pennsylvania area

With small towns and larger cities, Central Pennsylvania provides a wide range of experiences from outdoor recreation options to bustling downtowns full of local businesses—craft breweries, boutiques, great restaurants, and more. Whatever your interest, you will surely find a place to pursue it.

Many cities in the region have great downtown areas, full of local businesses and restaurants. Often in historic areas, many of the downtown districts feature beautiful architecture, and some offer self-guided walking tours with sites dating back to colonial times and the Revolutionary War. These downtown hubs offer far more than beautiful buildings; many are also the cultural and entertainment centers for their cities. Downtown York, for example, offers a great culinary and arts center in addition to its rich history. Many downtown areas are also home to various events, including some that simply celebrate and highlight the great things happening in the district. Columbia and Harrisburg both feature such events. Columbia’s 4th Friday gathering, held, as the name suggests, on the 4th Friday of each month, includes a different theme and specials at the local businesses, and 3rd in the Burg, held on the third Friday of each month, celebrates arts and culture in Harrisburg’s downtown district.

These hubs for local business and entertainment are often home to a brewery or two. Central Pennsylvania has been raising a glass to quality brews for ages, and there are several excellent craft breweries throughout the region. You enjoy brewery tours throughout the area, but Hanover offers two themed excursions, “Ales on the Rails” and “Boats and Brews,” which provide seasonal holiday themes. The Brew Barons Trail through Hershey and Harrisburg features over 25 breweries, including prizes and rewards for tastings and visits. Named for the visionaries and entrepreneurs that once gathered over a brew to discuss business and shared interests, the Brew Barons Trail continues the long-standing tradition of toasting to friendship, interesting endeavors, and quality beer. The region celebrates the craft brew scene with an annual festival as well. The Gettysburg Brewfest features live music, good food, and samples of over 40 beers, ciders, and cocktails.

The Brewfest is one of many local festivals regularly held in the region. The Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, held biannually, features traditional and contemporary bluegrass music and other related genres, such as newgrass and country. The event includes food trucks, craft vendors, meet-and-greets with performers, and a beautiful backdrop of farmland and nature. Columbia is home to both Thunder on the River, a vintage car show, and the Rivertown Retro Fest, a celebration of everything vintage from clothing to home goods. With live music, food trucks, and local vendors set up, these gatherings entertain all ages. These festivals are just a few of Central Pennsylvania’s local gatherings and celebrations. The towns throughout the region also sponsor holiday events and build community with local sports leagues and interest groups.

Central Pennsylvania also has several parks and trails, making enjoying the area’s beauty easy. Following the former Northern Central Railway line, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park includes about 30 miles of trails through York County and winds through multiple towns. This multi-use trail is great for exercise or simply taking the dog or the baby out for a stroll. Likewise, the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail follows the route of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal and connects multiple towns and municipalities along the fourteen miles of multi-use trail. The region prioritizes green space and outdoor recreation, making trails such as these easily accessible.

State parks offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic vistas. Whether you are looking for a hike or to get out on the water, the area has multiple options. Fowler’s Hollow State Park and Little Buffalo State Park include several hiking trails, and Little Buffalo State Park also features swimming, fishing, and ranger education programs held throughout the year. While these are just the area's major parks, several community and neighborhood parks throughout Central Pennsylvania have swings, disc golf, playgrounds, games, and grilling areas to make it easy to enjoy the sunshine or hang out with friends and family close to home.

Businesses in Central Pennsylvania

With a range of industries throughout the region, there are numerous career options within Central Pennsylvania. Several major corporations are headquartered in Central Pennsylvania, including Turkey Hill, Utz Quality Goods, Snyder’s of Hanover, and the Hershey Company. Many large companies have a significant presence, and state and county governments are in the region. This ensures a variety of professional roles and opportunities for career growth. The towns of Central Pennsylvania are located along Route 30, I-95, and I-76, making it easy to commute from one city to the next.

The area also supports local businesses, especially in the downtown districts. The communities in the area foster environments that allow business owners to thrive, and many provide additional economic support and networking opportunities.

Education in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania has various excellent educational institutions—liberal arts, tech, and even post-secondary schools. Whether you want to grow your hands-on skills or get a bachelor’s degree, there is an educational path within the area. Gettysburg College, Wilson College, and Dickinson College offer a liberal arts education with various majors and experiences included in their university experience, and the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers STEM-focused degrees. Penn State also maintains a satellite campus in York, and the Penn State Dickinson School of Law is in the region.

The area also offers excellent choices for younger students. Central Pennsylvania public schools typically serve grades K-12; many provide dual enrollment and internship opportunities as part of their education offerings. In addition to public schools, private and charter schools offer additional options, giving parents additional options for their child’s educational journey.

New build homes in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania includes small towns and bigger cities with convenient entertainment and outdoor recreation access. The area’s natural beauty and community mindset make it a great place to call home at every stage of life. D.R. Horton offers a range of homes for sale in Central Pennsylvania with various options for amenities and locations. With smart home technology and an open, spacious kitchen and living area, our new houses for sale are adaptable to your needs and lifestyle. Browse our listings of Central Pennsylvania homes for sale or contact us to find a new house in Central Pennsylvania that fits your needs.