In South Central Pennsylvania, Chambersburg has a long history dating back to the early 18th century. Benjamin Chambers settled the borough in 1730, determining that the confluence of Conococheaque Creek and Falling Spring was a desirable location for industrial mills. While mills no longer line the waterfront, Chambersburg is now a vibrant community anchored by a walkable downtown with local businesses, restaurants, art galleries and historic sites. “Our downtown is remarkable,” says Sam Thrush, the president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc. and a longtime resident. “The storefronts are filled with businesses of all kinds.” American flags surround Memorial Square in the heart of Downtown Chambersburg and the Chambersburg Historic District, where the Memorial Fountain and Statue honor the borough’s rich history as the only town north of the Mason-Dixon Line to be burned by the Confederacy during the Civil War. “Our Memorial Square is one of the few in Pennsylvania that still has a fountain in the center of it. Traffic has to go around it, and that square is the center of our major downtown events,” Thrush says. Home to just under 22,000 people, Chambersburg is the county seat of Franklin County and offers a central location in the Cumberland Valley, about 55 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg.
Downtown Chambersburg serves as a hub of rich history preservation.
Chambersburg borough's rich history is on display at sites like the Old Franklin County Jail.
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Local businesses, entertainment and a rich history in Downtown Chambersburg
Downtown Chambersburg sits at the crossroads of U.S. Routes 11 and 30, which locals know as Main Street and Lincoln Highway, respectively. “We’re blessed to have a lot of strong businesses in our downtown,” Thrush says. Local businesses are ingrained into the fabric of the community, and longstanding institutions like Olympia Candy Kitchen and Ludwig’s Jewelers have been around for more than a century. The downtown dining scene includes everything from casual cafés and pizzerias to upscale bistros and local watering holes. Shopping centers line the outskirts of town and offer department stores, big-box retailers and grocery stores. Downtown Chambersburg is also a hub for the borough’s artistic community. The Foundry Art Market serves as an artist cooperative, while the Capitol Theatre Center hosts the Chambersburg Ballet and Chambersburg Community Theatre. “They do various events throughout the year. This past October, they did ‘Rocky Horror’, and this past December, they did a radio play of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” Thrush says.
The borough’s rich history is on display at sites like the Old Franklin County Jail, one of the few buildings to survive the burning of Chambersburg in 1864. Visitors can schedule guided tours of the historic jail, which is also believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad and today houses the Franklin County Historical Society. Five areas of Franklin County’s rich history are on display at the Chambersburg Heritage Center, including a special focus on the area’s role in the Civil War.
Ludwig’s Jewelers have been around Chambersburg for more than a century.
The Capitol Theatre Center in Chambersburg hosts the Chambersburg Ballet and Community Theatre.
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Events in Downtown Chambersburg include IceFest
Downtown Chambersburg is a destination for community events. The annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting kick off the holiday season as festive floats, local marching bands and Santa Claus himself make their way down Main Street. “One thing I hear from other towns that they’re envious of is how bright our downtown is during the holiday season. There’s a lot of pride in making sure that the lights are bright and shiny, and they certainly cheer us all up at the start of the winter season,” Thrush says. Chambersburg’s IceFest is the largest ice festival in Pennsylvania and features four full days of ice-themed activities. “Our IceFest is remarkable. It includes at least 17 giant ice sculptures, which are taller than your normal human being,” Thrush says. Other popular events that support the borough’s local businesses include Old Market Day, AppleFest and Trick or Treat on Main.
The doublewide ice slide is hugely popular with the local kids at the IceFest in Chambersburg.
Sculptors put the finishing touches on their works at the IceFest in Chambersburg.
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Comparatively low home prices and limited inventory in Chambersburg
Residential streets surround Downtown Chambersburg. The borough's oldest homes date to the 19th century and include a mix of Foursquares, workers cottages and Colonial Revivals, some of which have been converted into duplexes. Further from the town center, Cape Cod and ranch-style homes are the norm. The median price of single-family homes is $265,000, significantly lower than the national median of more than $420,000. Limited inventory means that the amount of supply is also well below the national average, and most properties sell after an average of 29 days on the market. Newer townhouse developments are concentrated around the outskirts of town, and the median price for townhouses is around $245,000.
New construction developments are being built just outside of Downtown Chambersburg.
Townhomes with modest yards perfect for kids and pets offer a media price of $265,000 in Chambersburg.
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Chambersburg Area School District, private schools and Wilson College
The Chambersburg Area School District earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche. With almost 10,000 students, it’s the 22nd largest school district in Pennsylvania. It consists of 13 elementary schools, two middle schools, a traditional high school and a career magnet high school with an emphasis on STEM. All schools receive a C or higher from Niche. Nearby private school options include the Cumberland Valley Christian School, a college preparatory school serving prekindergarten through 12th grade. In the northwestern corner of Chambersburg is Wilson College, a private institution with more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Its 300-acre campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its striking Victorian and Gothic-inspired architecture.
Wilson College offers Chambersburg locals higher education.
Cumberland Valley Christian School offers a faith based education.
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Chambersburg Memorial Park, local rail trail and the Appalachian Mountains
According to the Trust for Public Land, 78% of Chambersburg residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Standouts include the 37-acre Chambersburg Memorial Park, which features various athletic facilities, a playground and a bandshell where the borough hosts the annual Summer Concert Series. It’s also home to the Chambersburg Aquatic Center, where residents can cool off during humid summers. “I’ve personally been buying season passes there for my family. They have waterslides, a diving board, a rock-climbing wall, a lazy river and a whole water playground for the kids to play on,” Thrush says. “I don’t know too many towns that have that.” The Chambersburg Rail Trail runs parallel to Conococheague Creek, and the Coyle Free Library hosts recreational and educational programs for all ages. After receiving an $879,865 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in 2022, Downtown Chambersburg Inc. is working to build an open-air amphitheater next to Chambers Fort Park. “Our intention is to have the amphitheater ready to go by the fall of 2025,” Thrush says.
Chambersburg also sits next to the Appalachian Mountains, and spots like Caledonia State Park are about 10 miles from the borough. “It’s a short bike or car ride out to the mountains on either side of us,” Thrush says. “There are state forests and game lands on either side of us as well.” The Appalachian Trail passes through Caledonia State Park, and several trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the region’s snowy winters. Golfers can join the nearby Chambersburg Country Club and access an 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor pool and tennis courts.
The Chambersburg Rail Trail is an 18 mile long multi-use trail.
Caledonia State Park has walking trails throughout it.
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A central location between the two biggest cities in Pennsylvania
In addition to serving as the heart of Downtown Chambersburg, U.S. Routes 11 and 30 provide access to major thoroughfares such as Interstates 81 and 76. The borough lacks public transportation, meaning residents typically rely on their own cars to get around the rest of the Cumberland Valley and beyond. The borough is also centrally located between the two biggest cities in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, each about 160 miles away. For air travel, Harrisburg International Airport is around 65 miles from the borough.
The borough is home to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, the second-largest employer is all of Franklin County. Many of the county’s business parks sit along the I-81 corridor just south of Chambersburg. The Chambers-5 Business Park, CADCO Industrial Park and Progress Park supply hundreds of jobs to the region and host major employers like Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe Inc. The bakery company is known for its signature potato rolls, and the borough celebrates New Year’s Eve with a unique twist on the classic Times Square ball drop. As the clock approaches midnight on December 31st, residents gather in Downtown Chambersburg to watch a giant bag of Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls drop into Chambers Fort Park.
WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital serves as the cities second-largest employer.
Interstate 81 runs through Chambersburg and offers easy access for commuters.
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Low utility rates and a slightly higher CAP Index crime score
Chambersburg is one of the few communities in the United States to have its own electric and natural gas systems. The borough also operates a regional water and sanitary sewer system. “Because of that, we have some of the lowest utility rates in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Thrush says.
The borough’s overall CAP Index crime score is 5 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. Data from the Chambersburg Police Department shows less than a 1% increase in the total number of offenses reported between 2022 and 2023, with larceny accounting for around 26% of reported crimes in 2023.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Chambersburg, PA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Chambersburg, PA over the last 12 months is $289,200, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*Open House 08/08/2026 11am-1pm*We welcome you to tour this wonderfully maintained property in the heart of chambersburg! This home offers a perfect blend of classic character and modern comfort. With three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this residence is designed to meet your everyday needs while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. The property boasts a generous 0.15-acre
Like new and built in 2024, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial offers modern style, an open floor plan, and plenty of space for today's lifestyle. Step inside to a welcoming family room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and breakfast area, creating the perfect space for everyday living and entertaining. Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring and recessed lighting extend throughout the main living area,
Onsite Autumn Model Home Now Complete! Look no further than the Autumn for the convenience of first floor living! The Autumn is a beautiful rancher with cozy front porch to welcome you home. Just off the foyer is an office, making working from home convenient. The dining room opens to the kitchen with tons of cabinets, pantry, and a big eat at island. The family room off the kitchen has a trey
Experience exceptional craftsmanship, privacy, and functionality in this one-of-a-kind custom estate nestled on more than four acres with breathtaking mountain views. Thoughtfully designed and custom built by the owner for the owner, this remarkable property offers over 6,000 square feet of finished living space with multiple options for additional Bedrooms along with an impressive
Welcome to 3393 Braemar Drive... Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Scott Green Estates, this double lot property with exceptional 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 4,700 square feet of beautifully designed living space with privacy, convenience, and breathtaking views. Enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, schools, and Interstate travel while benefiting from a low-traffic setting that
Thoughtful renovation. Remarkable Setting. A Home That Lives as Beautifully as Its Surroundings Just off Walker Road, a private drive leads through Pheasant Run, one of Chambersburg's most distinctive residential settings. Leading to beautifully established estate homes, each is thoughtfully positioned among mature trees to preserve spacious privacy, tranquility, and the natural beauty of the
Welcome to 44 Vernon Drive! This beautifully maintained property offers a wonderful balance of comfort, convenience, and charm.Spacious & Thoughtfully Designed Layout: Split bedroom design. Bright, inviting living spaces created for both easy daily living and effortless entertaining.Features an attached front-entry garage, built-in storage potential, and a spacious paved driveway with
Nestled in the prestigious Whiskey Run Estates, this exquisite Colonial style home offers a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort. Primary bedroom suite on main level. Four more bedrooms( one has playroom which could be office or den ) and family room upstairs and three full baths. This beautiful one owner home was designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The heart of the home features an
Adorable, affordable cutie in desirable location, just outside of Scot-Greene Estates. The first thing you'll notice when you walk in the door is the openness! The kitchen, dining and living room spaces are all great sizes and open to each other, making it the ideal layout. Gather with friends and family here and never miss a beat. To add to the space, there's a large Florida room that leads to
Welcome to your own private retreat in Chambersburg! Nestled on 4.27 picturesque acres, this beautifully updated property featuring a large circular driveway also offers over 3,700 square feet of finished living space, making it ideal for multi-generational living, entertaining, or simply enjoying peaceful country life. The main level features three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, along
Welcome home to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath property located in Chambersburg, PA! This home offers a functional layout with plenty of space for comfortable living, entertaining, and growing. One of the standout features is the convenience of having a main-level bedroom and full bathroom, providing excellent flexibility for guests, a home office, or those looking for first-floor living
Spectacular South Guilford Hills Building Lot – 1.36 Acres Rare opportunity to build your dream home on one of the most unique and scenic lots in South Guilford Hills. Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this 1.36-acre homesite offers privacy, natural beauty, and a setting that is difficult to duplicate. Perched high above the picturesque Falling Spring stream, the property features
Over 2 Acres in Total which is divided into Lots 4, 5 & 6 that are being sold as a package and will not be separated. These 3 lots are Tax UPI 20-0M05.-138(Lot4), UPI 20-0M05.-050B(Lot5) and UPI 20-0M05.-050A(Lot 6). Lots 4 and 6 have Public Water Taps already paid. Lot 5 does not have any Public Water Tap available and a well would be needed. All 3 lots have Public Sewer Available and would need
**BACK ON THE MARKET — ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY!** Previous contract terminated due to buyer circumstances, through no fault of the seller. Welcome home to this well-maintained **3-bedroom, 2.5-bath END-UNIT duplex** in the desirable White Church Meadows community—with **NO HOA and beautiful mountain views!** The spacious floor plan features a bright and inviting living area, a sunroom perfect for
Welcome to the Carnegie II, a place where functionality and affordability meet modern luxury! Upon entering the home, you will discover a flex area that can be used as a formal dining area or home office with double French doors. Just beyond this space, you will find a beautiful open-concept kitchen boasting a large island; the perfect place for family and friends to gather around! The kitchen
Located in Chambersburg, PA, Quinn Station is situated next to Nicholson Square Park and offers quick access to major routes in the area. Enjoy the spacious, wide-open area with easy commutes. An electric stove, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator are included with each townhome as well as central air conditioning, gas heat and electric washer & dryer hookups. Townhomes also come with a
Call Foxpoint home! Located in Chambersburg, PA, Foxpoint allows you to lead the lifestyle you have always envisioned.Our beautiful, pet-friendly townhomes offer the perfect blend of form and function. The style we provide extends beyond the thoughtfully-designed interiors, perfectly sized living areas, and modern fixtures of your new home. Complete with a clubhouse, dog park and walking
Extremely up scale townhouse rentals for todays professionals. These units come well appointed with upgrades tile floors throughout the whole first floor including hallways and bathrooms. Upgrades granite counter tops along with custom cabinets. Crown molding, indirect mood lighting, tray ceilings, rear covered patios, one car garage, private driveways. You will not find a cleaner, classier
END UNIT, similar to one shown, available for immediate occupancy. 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath townhouse. Onsite parking, 2 designated spots. Rent includes Trash, Sewer and Standard Water. Free Storage Unit. Nice back yard with beautiful view. Monthly rent includes parking, lawn maintenance, sewer & trash. Pets on a Case by Case basis with breed & weight restrictions, additional one time $250 pet fee
Channing Drive TownhomesDiscover spacious and stylish living in our beautifully designed Channing Drive Townhomes. These impressive 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath homes offer the comfort and space you’ve been looking for, complete with an attached garage. Inside, you’ll find modern granite countertops, elegant tray ceilings, crown moulding, and thoughtfully designed layouts perfect for everyday living
Modern designs, elegant finishes, and upscale amenities are waiting for you at Highlands of Greenvillage. Our Chambersburg apartments and townhomes for rent come in two, three and four-bedroom layouts that are spacious and adaptable. A variety of interior luxuries adorn them including air conditioning, beautiful carpeting, a dishwasher and much more.
Creekside Apartments offers a blend of livability, design, and quality. The 1137 Hollywell Ave location in the 17201 neighborhood of Chambersburg has much to offer its residents. Let the leasing team show you everything this community has to offer. It's time to find your new home. Contact or stop by Creekside Apartments to learn more about our community!
Progress Homes is located in beautiful Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. All townhomes are 3 bedroom 2 ½ baths with garage. Choices between a 1 or 2 story unit with 1,800-2,000 square feet or a 3 story unit with 2,500 square feet. Vinyl and stone exteriors, stainless steel appliances and some with hardwood floor interiors as well as many upgrades throughout, like crown molding and tray ceilings – a
Defined by its charming allure and welcoming atmosphere, 550 Nelson Street in Chambersburg, PA, is the perfect rental retreat. This delightful three-bedroom home offers a harmonious blend of comfort and convenience, providing ample space for relaxation and living. The single full bathroom is designed with practicality in mind, ensuring a seamless start to your day. Although specific features are
ONE Second Story Unit available.INCLUSIONS: RENT INCLUDES WATER, SEWER, GARBAGE, SNOW REMOVAL, AND LANDSCAPING. Tenant Pays Electric & Comcast.Features: Newly Renovated One-Bedroom Luxury Apartments.Living Spaces: Large Living Room & Frosted Glass French Doors into spacious Master Bedroom.Utilities: Remote-controlled, high efficiency A/C & Heat Pump, backup Electric Baseboard
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