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.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Chambersburg, PA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Chambersburg, PA over the last 12 months is $287,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 4 -Bedroom home with 2 and a half bathrooms on almost half acre at the end of the cul-de-sac. Spacious Primary suite with large walk-in closet, primary bath has both a shower and soaking tub. Main level has a family room with gas fireplace, dining room, kitchen with breakfast area, half bath and laundry area. Full basement with walk out door. This property is perfect for entertaining
Solid four-bedroom, one full bath ranch-style home situated on three parcels totaling 0.80 acres! Nestled in a peaceful setting, this property offers plenty of space both inside and out. A garage with a covered parking area, along with multiple outbuildings, adds versatility and functionality—perfect for storage, hobbies, or additional workspace. A great opportunity for comfortable living with
Beautifully maintained ranch home situated on a charming .32-acre corner lot on the outskirts of Chambersburg. This inviting home offers comfortable one-level living with a layout that feels open, bright, and welcoming. Step inside to a spacious living room featuring cathedral ceilings, creating an airy focal point for the home. The living space flows nicely into the open-concept kitchen and
*Check out the 3D tour!* Stunningly maintained one level living rancher built in 2021 ready for you to love! From the moment you pull in the driveway you'll notice a 3 car attached garage, plus extended parking beside the garage. Park your camper, extra vehicle or just leave the space for visitors. The front porch will be your favorite evening hang out spot with the extra large covered space and
Quaint and convenient! This charming 2 bed, 1 bath rancher offers so much for all types of buyers. The driveway has been expanded for extra parking area (and less landscaping to maintain), which makes the u shaped driveway even more appealing. Out back there’s a large fenced yard ready for your summer gardens, pets to run, or kiddo to play. Inside, the entry foyer has space to kick off your shoes
Three-bedroom, 1.5 bath colonial in the Borough of Chambersburg. Off-street parking Updates on roofs in rear , Carpeting through out , Coming New Kitchen floor by April 19
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
STARTER HOME OR INVESTMENT HOME. 2 BEDROOMS, HARDWOOD FLOORS. WALK IN SHOWER. DETACHED GARAGE HAS STONE FLOOR. NICE SIZE YARD AND COUNTY LOCATION, BUT CLOSE TO SERVICES.
Build your dream home on this beautiful 1.02-acre lot in the neighborhood of Country Lane Estates! Lot 9 Hearthside Drive offers a great opportunity in a desirable Chambersburg location with public water and public sewer hookups available, making the building process easier and more convenient. The lot’s topography allows for potential walkout basement construction, providing the opportunity for
Very Large Cape Cod Home in South Guilford Hills 3380 sq ft above ground, total over 5000 sq ft. 3 bedroom 3 and 1/2 bath. Main level has a large living room and kitchen with an eating area that opens up onto the upper deck overlooking the inground pool. there is a first floor primary bedroom with a full bath and a walk in closet. a large family room in the back of the home and a sunroom off of
LOCATED IN A FLOOD PLAIN 48-hour noticeTenant occupied until September 2026 The property will need a 2000-gallon holding tank that will have to be pumped monthly until public sewer is available.Currently, the 500-gallon holding tank must be pumped twice weekly.
200,000 sq ft warehouse final plan approval 1st quarter of 2026. Abuts I-81 with driveway access on Rt 997 a few thousand feet from Exit 20 I-81. Beside the PA State Police building. Located halfway between the PA Turnpike and I-70
Welcome to this beautifully maintained three-bedroom, three full bath end unit townhome in the desirable Whiskey Run neighborhood. With over 2100 sq ft of space, this home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style. Enjoy vaulted ceilings on the main level, a cozy gas fireplace, and a bright four-season sunroom. The open kitchen, featuring hickory cabinets and modern appliances, is perfect for
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
End unit townhome with central AC, three bedrooms, hardwood flooring, dishwasher, laundry room, covered patio and two premium parking spots right off the patio. Lawn, water and trash included in the rent. No pets please.
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
Spacious and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath duplex available for rent in Chambersburg! This inviting home features updated appliances and durable vinyl flooring throughout, offering both style and easy maintenance. The bright and functional layout provides comfortable living space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.Enjoy the convenience of a one-car garage and step outside to a great
Available Immediately. Very well maintained 3 bed room, 2 bath home with front deck and beautiful yard; large living room, kitchen, dining room and bathroom on the main floor; 3 bedrooms and another bathroom on the second floor. Oil hot water heat plus electric baseboard. $1,200/month plus utilities. No pets; credit score of 625 or better required.Call today for your personal tour!
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
First-floor one-bedroom, one-bath unit available immediately. Monthly rent is $995 and includes all utilities except cable and internet. The unit includes one assigned off-street parking space located at the rear of the property. No pets and no smoking permitted. Each applicant over the age of 18 are required to complete application with credit & criminal screening.
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
Spacious 3 bedroom 1 1/2 bath townhome located in close proximity to Route 11, 30 and Interstate 81. This property features an upgraded full bath, granite counters and back splash in kitchen, laundry hook up, a fenced in rear yard and a one car garage and driveway for additional parking. The property is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, medical facilities and more. Tenant pays
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!
Welcome to 330 Parkwood Dr, a beautiful duplex in the lovely Maple Run community! Home features 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms including a primary suite with a huge walk in closet and private bath. The living space is fantastic with a large living room with gas fireplace, a dining room, breakfast nook and an updated kitchen with quartz countertops, backsplash, updated cabinetry and
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