Rural York living near the Susquehanna River in Chanceford Township
Chanceford Township carries a patchwork of farmland, preserved woods and crossroads villages through southeastern York County to the forested hills of the Susquehanna River Valley. “You get people in Chanceford Township looking to have their own house on an acre or so of land and keep their trucks in a garage twice the size of the house,” says Cindy Folckemer, a Realtor with The Exchange Real Estate Company who specializes in York and its surrounding counties. Within the thousands of acres of recreation land along the river valley, it’s easy to find true seclusion in Chanceford Township. But, hidden down state roads, it's also a community full of the strong local ties formed at firehouse fundraisers, farm-fresh roadside stands and small businesses that line quiet country roads far from the rush of Interstate 83.
Single-family homes in small villages and on secluded acreage
“I think of somebody moving to Chanceford Township looking for a very country setting, for quiet solitude in an area where people mind their business. Of course, you can also find areas with a little bit more of a neighborhood vibe; you can get both here,” Folckemer says. In small villages like New Bridgeville, early 1900s farmhouses and midcentury ranch-style homes stand closer together around the junction of main roads. Locals can live in 1990s colonials in a winding suburban development near the borough of Felton. Outside these denser areas, Chanceford Township’s homes are typically set on a couple of acres between forests and cropfields, regardless of whether they were built for a farming family in the 1800s or a resident seeking luxury contemporary comforts in the 2020s. Most single-family homes sell for around $140,000 to $530,000. Manufactured homes range from about $40,000 to $270,000. Houses on dozens of rural acres rarely come on the market, but can list for multiple millions of dollars, depending on the size of the home and existing outbuildings or farming infrastructure.
Enjoying the Susquehanna River Valley, hitting Collinsville’s library
Apollo County Park rolls along the hills southwest of the Susquehanna River, offering more than 300 acres of trail-filled forests for hikers to explore. The Mason-Dixon Trail also passes through the park on its nearly 200-mile run. Boaters launch into a dammed part of the Susquehanna River called Lake Clarke from the Lock 2 Recreation Area. Hunters might seek out white-tailed deer on their own private properties or head to the nearly 800-acre State Game Lands No. 83. For less rugged recreation, residents enjoy the playground and picnic pavilion at the small Samuel Leiphart Park, courtesy of the Brogue Community Lions Club. The Collinsville Community Library offers a small, quiet space to browse books.
Attending the Red Lion Area School District
Chanceford Township is served by the Red Lion Area School District, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Many kids start at Clearview Elementary School, which also scores a C-plus. Red Lion Area Junior High School gets a C. Students can earn dual enrollment credit at B-minus-rated Red Lion Area Senior High School through institutions like York College.
Rural businesses and shopping in Red Lion
Mom-and-pops set up shop in Chanceford Township’s rural villages, especially concentrated along Delta Road in Collinsville. Diners dig into chicken sandwiches and ice cream while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside at the Collinsville Drive-In. Roma’s Delight Pizza & Catering is the go-to spot for casual dine-in or takeout Italian staples. Houses of worship like Mt. Zion Baptist Church pop up on back roads throughout Chanceford Township. Locals can pick up groceries from Dollar General or the fresh produce-filled Country View Farm Market & Deli. For larger shopping trips, the borough of Red Lion is less than 10 miles away. There, shoppers can find specialty businesses along a classic Main Street and strip mall chains like Aldi and Giant.
Fundraisers for Chanceford Township’s community organizations
Within Chanceford Township, volunteer organizations like the New Bridgeville Memorial Fire Company provide critical services to rural York County. To support these institutions, locals meet to chat and enjoy barbecue chicken at the firehouse’s regular fundraiser dinners. Holiday events also bring neighbors together, whether that’s the NBMFC’s New Year’s Day pork and sauerkraut dinner or the Brogue Community Tree Lighting, held at the Collinsville Community Library.
Getting around York County, taking I-83 to Baltimore
York, the county seat, is about 15 miles from Chanceford Township. WellSpan York Hospital, a major regional employer and healthcare center, is also about 15 miles away. Longer-distance commuters drive to Interstate 83 for the nearly 60-mile trip into the city. Harrisburg International Airport is roughly 35 miles from home.
Creeks increase flood risk through Chanceford Township
Low-lying homes and roads near waterways like Otter Creek may flood after unusually heavy rain. Buyers can check maps to understand their potential risk and need for flood insurance.
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Written By
Julia Szymanski
