Country living along the Susquehanna River in Drumore Township
Eighteen miles south of Lancaster lies Drumore Township, a peaceful, bucolic community where corn fields stretch for miles and single-family homes are secluded on spacious lots. “It’s an agricultural area, and a slower pace of things,” says David Fite, an appraiser with David L Fite Realty. Set along the Susquehanna River, the township is rich with recreational opportunities, from hiking trails and picnic areas to golf courses and nature preserves. Black cherry trees turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, and farm stores stock fresh produce year-round.
Split-levels and historic farmhouses on multi-acre lots
Drumore Township’s single-family homes, built from the mid-1800s through the early 2000s, are dotted along rural roads with pastoral views. No two homes are exactly alike, but historic farmhouses and late 20th-century split-levels are the most common styles. Older homes carry rustic charm with details like lattice skirting and wood siding, while newer builds feature mixed-material exteriors and attached garages. Properties often include generous acreage, a significant draw for homebuyers. “Wooded lots or open farmland to use — you can find all of that,” Fite says.
Homes rarely come on the market, but prices typically range from $215,000 to $450,000, depending on size and features. A few restored historic properties with extensive acreage have sold for between $1 million and $2.3 million.
Scenic overlooks and hiking trails in Susquehannock State Park
With dense forests, rolling hills and meandering creeks, Drumore Township is primarily defined by its rural beauty. Susquehannock State Park is the centerpiece, offering over 200 wooded acres home to dozens of resident birds, including tree swallows and red-eyed vireos. The park’s shaded trails are popular for hiking and horseback riding, and the scenic Hawk Point Overlook offers photo-worthy views of the Susquehanna River. Along the river, Peach Bottom Marina provides boat access and is a favorite fishing spot for smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
Nearby, Pilgrim’s Oak Golf Course offers 18 well-kept holes, while Drumore Park provides picnic pavilions and grills for family gatherings. Several nature preserves also dot the area, including Ferncliff Wildlife & Wildflower Preserve, a designated National Natural Landmark.
Musser Plaza, pancakes and farm-fresh groceries nearby
Shopping and dining options are limited within the township. Pop’s Place, the only restaurant in town, is a local favorite for its artisan takes on old-fashioned classics like turkey pretzel melts and lemon blueberry pancakes topped with sweet cream.
About five miles away in Buck, Eagle Cafe is a go-to spot for hearty brunches and hot coffee. Nearby, Musser Plaza offers a convenient mix of stops — groceries at Giant, hobby supplies at Southern End Outdoors and vintage finds at Waltman’s Hidden Treasures. For a fast-casual bite, Dolce Vita Pizzeria & Grill draws regulars with its fast-casual Italian fare, including wood-fired pizza crafted from homemade dough.
Six miles south in Wakefield, farm stores like Riverview Roadside Stand and Eldora Farm Market cover produce needs with seasonal favorites such as pumpkins, strawberries and sweet corn. The Harmony Ridge Butcher Shop and the Lapps Amish Cheese Factory round out the area’s offerings with locally sourced meats and dairy.
Dual-enrollment opportunities at Solanco High
Drumore Township is part of the Solanco School District, rated C-plus overall by Niche. Kids may start at the B-minus-rated Clermont Elementary before moving to the C-plus-rated Swift Middle. Teens attend the C-plus-rated Solanco High, which offers dual-enrollment courses for credit at several area colleges, including Millersville University, Thaddeus Stevens Technical College and Harrisburg Area Community College.
Motorsports, monster trucks and Merlin’s Mayhem
About six miles away, Buck Motorsports Park hosts off-road racing events year-round, including demolition derbies, monster truck shows and rodeos. In the summer, a striking fireworks display caps off many of the performances. Nineteen miles away, Dutch Wonderland is another family-friendly draw for its whimsical attractions that bring fairy tales to life, like dragon chasing on the Merlin’s Mayhem coaster. Seasonal events like Dutch Winter Wonderland add extra magic with holiday lights and fun activities, including Cookies with Santa.
State Route 272 grants access to Lancaster and Baltimore
Drumore Township is considered car-dependent. State Route 272 passes through the township, providing access to Lancaster and Baltimore, 58 miles away. “It would be common to commute to Lancaster or Maryland,” Fite says. Lancaster General Hospital is 18 miles away, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport is a 68-mile drive.
![Joe Pulcinella]()
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
