Dillsburg is a small town with deeply-rooted traditions
Dillsburg is a quiet pocket of south-central Pennsylvania that residents take pride in. This section of York County is home to just over 2,600, and it’s a place where people feel connected to the broader community, says local Realtor April Paese. An assortment of events here brings locals together over the course of the year — a constant drumbeat in an area that also offers a wide mix of homes, recreation opportunities and locally owned businesses. “I would say that the sense of community in Dillsburg is the biggest positive,” says Paese, who’s with Inch & Co. Real Estate and serves the Central Pennsylvania region. “They have a lot of events throughout the year. They have the Farmer Fairs in October-- the whole town comes together and they have a big parade.”
Whether new or over a hundred years old, housing options vary widely
In a borough nearly 200 years old, buyers can still find four-squares and colonial-style homes dating to the 1800s. However, more and more new homes are popping up on pieces of Dillsburg’s rural landscape, in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “I’d say that recently it’s getting a little bit more developed,” Paese says. “There are definitely pockets of land getting developed into neighborhoods. If you want a new build, you can get that.” Buyers can also pick the type of environment they want. Homes at the center of Dillsburg are built closely together on walkable, sidewalk-lined streets, while options on the outskirts can come with over an acre of land. Most single-family houses here go for $200,000 to $710,000, but options over 4,000 square feet garner $780,000 to $1.2 million. Dillsburg also has some townhomes for $130,000 to $280,000, and manufactured homes for $90,000 to $260,000.
Central thoroughfare is lined with restaurants and other businesses
Baltimore Street is Dillsburg’s main drag, a single-lane stretch where locals can grab a bite to eat or run some of their errands. Road Hawg Barbecue is one of the mainstays here, open since 2001 and known in part for its brisket. Tucker & Co. Bakery Cafe is a newer spot, a business in operation since 2012, but that opened a brick-and-mortar location in an early 1900s home in 2022. “That’s really cute,” Paese says. The home-turned-cafe has porch seating out front and a patio out back. There’s also an Ace Hardware and a Dollar General on Baltimore Street, and people can search for hidden treasure at places including Calvary Thrift Shop and Antiques on Baltimore. Locals’ Market on nearby U.S. Highway 15 is an option for groceries.
Area events play on Dillsburg’s name
The Dillsburg Farmers Fair is a tradition dating back well over 100 years, an almost weeklong affair each October. The event features car and motorcycle shows, a craft fair, live music, a petting zoo and a parade. There’s also a Dillsburg Farmers Market on Saturdays from May through November at Dills Tavern, a stone structure with 18th-century origins now a museum of area history. Some of the community’s other events are inspired by Dillsburg’s name, which comes from early settler Matthew Dill but may also bring “dill pickle” to mind. There’s a Pickle Fest in Dillsburg on the second Saturday of May, featuring pickle-themed food and a 5K run. Also, on New Year’s Eve, Dillsburg drops a top hat-clad pickle instead of a crystal ball, to a backdrop of fireworks. “It’s definitely a family friendly town,” Paese says.
School system offers dozens of extracurricular opportunities
Dillsburg is part of the Northern York County School District, which has a B rating from Niche. Dillsburg Elementary boasts a B-plus, and its fourth and fifth graders can participate in the district’s free elementary band and orchestra program. The B-minus-rated Northern Middle has over a dozen student groups, including coding, media and ski clubs. Northern High has a B grade and more than a dozen clubs of its own, from mock trial to mixed chorus.
Community parks provide space for a range of activities
Green spaces in Dillsburg vary from small to sizable. Baltimore Street’s Quay Park is tucked between two buildings and offers tree-shaded benches to enjoy a book or a meal on. The roughly 6-acre Dillsburg Community Park has an expansive playground, a dog park and a pavilion. Logan Park spans 3 acres and has multiple athletic fields. Chestnut Park stretches 17 acres on Dillsburg’s eastern outskirts and encompasses multiple soccer fields and a walking path.
Surrounding communities provide more amenities
Dillsburg is just about 12 miles away from the borough of Camp Hill using U.S. Highway 15. Camp Hill has a population of about 8,100, and its Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center has an emergency department. Highway 15 is also a connection to Interstate 76 for trips to the Harrisburg International Airport, 23 miles away. HIA offers nonstop flights to 17 cities, from Boston to Dallas.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
