$393,177Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
A rural but well-connected township along two Interstates
Although most of Bethel is less than 10 miles from Downtown Lebanon, there are few traces of the city to be found in this rural township. A network of winding country roads and highways weave through the miles of farmland, set against the backdrop of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. Probably the most notable thing about Bethel is that it’s along Interstate 78, and Interstate 81 is up there, too. So it’s easy to get around, and there’s a lot of trucking traffic that goes through that way, says Kristan Reed, a Lebanon County native and Realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate. Really, it’s the land that usually attracts people. Hunting is also a huge deal up there, because it’s close to the State Game Lands. Although there isn’t much in Bethel aside from Interstates, farmland and forested preserves, the township also curves around Fredericksburg. The small borough is essentially the area’s town center, where a handful of businesses and community buildings are located.
Bethel Township offers a quiet, rural lifestyle for hard-working families.
Bethel Township residents can explore scenic private lake communities.
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Cabins near hunting lands and new construction homes close to town
Rolling hills punctuated by forests and farms comprise Bethel, with most of its homes clustered around the borough of Fredericksburg and its central thoroughfares. New construction homes with farmhouse flairs, such as barn-style panel siding, have cropped up in neat subdivisions, some of which are 55-plus communities. Older ranch-style, split-level and bi-level homes from the 1970s and ‘80s as well as some late 20th century new traditional houses tend to occupy larger lots near the Pennsylvania and U.S. Highways. Most single-family homes are priced from $150,000 to $600,000, with some secluded cabins and cottages near the mountains priced at the lower end of this range. On the other hand, farmhouses on multiple acres of land list for up to $1 million.
Mountain log cabins with easy access to trails can be found along the edges of Bethel Township.
Newly constructed homes are being built in Bethel Township closer to northern Lebanon.
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Northern Lebanon Secondary School boasts a robust agricultural center
Bethel is part of the Northern Lebanon School District, which Niche rates an overall C grade. Northern Lebanon Elementary opened in the 2023 school year, replacing four smaller elementary schools with one consolidated, state-of-the-art campus. The elementary school serves students in kindergarten through the sixth grade, while grades seven through 12 attend Northern Lebanon Secondary School. The combined middle and high school features an agricultural center that is overseen by the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter. Students in FFA host annual plant sales, compete in statewide conferences and participate in the Lebanon Area Fair animal shows and exhibitions. Both schools are currently unrated due to the district’s recent restructuring.
Hunting and hiking in the State Game Lands or Swatara State Park
Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 80 runs through the northern end of the township and is notable for containing a roughly 10-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Hunting is definitely the thing to do, says Reed, You can hike, too, but since it’s the State Game Lands, there are certain seasons where you have to wear hunting vests for safety. Rocky outcrops offer sprawling views of the Lebanon Valley, with room for game hunters and wildlife watchers alike. The State Game Lands is also flanked by Swatara State Park, a 3,500-acre swath of forest nestled in the valley of the Swatara Creek. Popular biking trails follow the former Reading Railroad corridor, with an old cabin, a small waterfall and plenty of fishing spots along the way. Those who prefer more thrilling bike rides can hit the dirt tracks at Sleepy Hollow Motocross Park, located along U.S. Highway 22 just outside of Fredericksburg. A couple of golf courses are also near town, such as Pine Meadows Golf Complex and Blue Mountain Golf Course.
State Game Lands Number 080 is a primary location for hunters in Bethel Township.
Swatara State Park near Bethel Township has a 10 mile hiking trail.
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Interstates 78 and 81 connect to the wider region
U.S. Highway 22 runs through Bethel alongside Interstate 78, which also connects to Interstate 81. Both the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the nearest international airport are located in Harrisburg, which lies approximately 30 to 35 miles west. Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard Training Center and major Lebanon County employer, is along the way. Traveling roughly 95 to 100 miles east will land residents in Philadelphia, putting it just within day-trip distance.
Dine on Pennsylvania Dutch meals or head into Fredericksburg
Businesses are sparse in this rural area, though there are a couple of stop-ins along the Interstate. Redner’s Warehouse Markets is Bethel’s primary supermarket, and Esther’s Restaurant is the place to go for a down-home diner meal with Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Folks can also head into Fredericksburg to dine on American fare at Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel or grab a pizza to-go from Gubba’s. This small borough is home to churches, gas stations, municipal buildings and community centers, but most retail stores are located about 5 to 10 miles away in Lebanon.
Enjoy a delicious Pennsylvania Dutch meal with a fun atmosphere at Esther's in Bethel Township.
Gubba's in Fredericksburg remains a top choice of pizza in Bethel Township.
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Chicken Festival is the township’s trademark event
Chicken Festival is the township’s trademark event One of Bethel’s biggest events is the Hinklefest Chicken Festival, an annual poultry-themed fair celebrating the region’s chicken farming industry. For more than three decades now, Hinklefest has brought live music, carnival rides and a chicken cooking competition to Fireman Park, the township’s grassy festival space. Matthews Public Library and the Lions Club are just two of the local organizations that benefit from the yearly event.
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On average, homes in Bethel Township, PA sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bethel Township, PA over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the main level, plus an unfinished upper level with potential for 2 additional bedrooms and 1 bath. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area is perfect for entertaining. The primary bathroom includes a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. The main level was completely remodeled in 2015 with upgrades including radiant natural gas floor
Built in 2010, this bi-level home offers approximately 1078 finished square feet, three bedrooms and two full baths, basement with built-in two car garage and sits on an approximate 10454 sqft lot. ***SPECIAL NOTES: (1) This is a CASH ONLY transaction. (2) Seller to pay Taxes, HOA, and Municipal/Utility Liens. (3) Please read the Auction disclaimers carefully before placing a bid or submitting
Ready-to-build 1.917 -acre flat homesite with electric on-site, a private well, and an existing septic system. The newly renovated home on the adjoining 1.325-acre lot and an additional 2.011-acre lot (Lot 6) are also available—assemble approximately 5.253 acres total for the right buyer. So many possibilities-bring your vision! Buyer to verify all intended uses, permits, and utility/septic
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