Carroll Township affords true rural living in central Pennsylvania
Scattered along single-lane county roads in hilly Appalachia, Carroll Township’s properties provide a measure of seclusion. This community of 5,200 attracts homebuyers seeking space — it's an area where acre-plus lots are commonplace. “They’re looking for more of like a country living,” says local Realtor Bob Hoobler of Re/Max 1st Advantage, who has about three decades of real estate experience. “They don’t want to have other homes on top of them. They want more privacy, a little bit more land.” Carroll Township balances its serenity with a quaint selection of restaurants, outdoor attractions and proximity to more populated areas like Harrisburg.
Homes on large lots, with well and septic systems, are the norm
While Carroll Township has some homes well over 100 years old, many options are much more modern. Hoobler says this area experienced a development boom in the late 1980s and 1990s because of its relative affordability, most of it New Traditional-style homes built within the last 40 years. A common denominator is the lot sizes — it’s hard to find anything less than three-tenths of an acre, and many properties are much larger. “Because those properties are self-contained as far as a well and septic system. They have to have a minimum lot size," Hoobler adds. "That pretty much takes care of the land size because of the minimum requirements to subdivide those properties.” Single-family homes needing work go for $70,000 to $90,000, while those in better condition range from $180,000 to $580,000. Manufactured homes in the area sell for $50,000 to $90,000. “If somebody wants private living, Carroll Township’s a beautiful area,” Hoobler says. “It also has a small-town feel.”
Local schools support family involvement
Students in Carroll Township can attend Carroll Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, whose Parent-Teacher Organization meets monthly and organizes events like trunk-or-treat for Halloween and a carnival day in the cafeteria with hot dogs, funnel cakes and popcorn. West Perry Middle is rated B-minus and also has an active PTO. Seventh- and eighth-grade students at West Perry Middle can participate in interscholastic basketball, field hockey, soccer, volleyball and wrestling teams. The C-plus-rated West Perry High School invites area business leaders to speak with its staff to tailor teaching toward workforce needs.
Nearby interstate provides a link to Harrisburg
Interstate 81 runs just south of Carroll Township, and drivers in this area can use that highway for the roughly 20-mile drive across the Susquehanna River over to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital. Harrisburg International Airport is about a 30-mile trip and offers direct flights to 17 cities. The 120-bed Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center is about 13 miles away, off I-81 in Enola.
Area restaurants serve up a variety of eats and sweets
Most of the businesses in this predominantly rural locale are along Spring Road. That includes restaurants like Village Square Diner, a draw for breakfast. Shermans Creek Inn down the road dates to 1978 and has popular wings. Grandpa's Love Shack is a spot for barbecue. Twin Kiss Ice Cream originated in the 1960s and offers all sorts of ice cream and milkshake concoctions, including seasonal offerings like pumpkin roll ice cream sandwiches. There’s a Food Plus by Village Square Diner for groceries, and a Dollar General in the area for other household needs.
Outdoor attractions offer adventure and art
The Carroll Township area has general-use green spaces like Lions Club Park and Carroll Township Community Park, which have athletic fields, playgrounds and pavilions. The Bower is a free public garden in the community, strewn with 13 sculptures, half of them crafted by Pennsylvania artists, and over 300 plant species. State Game Lands No. 256, just outside the township, provides almost 1,300 acres for deer and turkey hunting. Little Buffalo State Park, 10 miles north, has 8 miles of trails and is home to Holman Lake. The lake is open to boating and fishing, stocked with bass, catfish and more. A portion of the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail snakes through this region, too, and hikers can take a piece of it up to the Hawk Rock Overlook for sweeping views of the land and the Susquehanna River down below.
Surrounding communities host long-running gatherings
Carroll Township is part of Perry County, and residents around this area can get together in August for the Perry County Community Fair in nearby Newport. The fair dates back more than 50 years and includes a variety of rides, musical performances and contests. New Bloomfield, the county seat, has hosted the Dale J. Beaston Memorial Street Fair for nearly five decades. This September tradition features games, car exhibits, art shows and food vendors.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
