Nature, community and entertainment define East Hanover Township
East Hanover Township offers suburban living in the rural hills north of Hershey. About 6,000 people call this enclave home, enjoying access to nature, the nearby capital city of Harrisburg and the popular regional attraction, Hersheypark.“Hershey is terrific. You have a lot of tourists, but East Hanover Township is more on the outskirts. It’s close enough but also far enough to not get caught in traffic,” says Beth Boers, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, who grew up in Harrisburg.
Much of East Hanover Township’s northern end is state-owned land, including portions of the Fort Indiantown Gap Military Facility and State Game Land No. 211. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is also in the township.
A variety of single-family homes with views of farms and mountains
Two-lane country roads connect the residential pockets of East Hanover Township. Some properties stand alone among farms and woods, while many others are grouped together in various subdivisions, some of which feature wide sidewalk-lined streets that end in cul-de-sacs. Architecture is diverse, ranging from ranch-style homes and cottages to Colonial Revivals and neotraditional designs. Properties in the northern part of the township often have views of Blue Mountain. Single-family homes cost between $230,000 and $685,000. Townhouses are also available and range from $290,000 to $325,000. Properties near creeks face a flood risk, and wildfires are possible, especially in the township’s forested northern end.
Outdoor recreation from the Appalachian Trail to Community Park
Community Park is East Hanover Township’s main green space and serves as a hub for sports and exercise, with a range of athletic fields and courts, a disc golf course and a walking path. Nearby, Nature Park offers a short, wooded hiking trail for birdwatching. It’s also home to the Manada Conservancy’s Native Plant Nursery. State Game Lands No. 211 offers a more secluded hiking experience along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, as well as hunting during designated seasons. Manada Golf Club offers a scenic 18-hole course that’s open to the public. Memorial Lake State Park offers year-round recreation about 5 miles from the township, from boating and fishing to cross-country skiing and ice skating.
More than 3.3 million people walk through the gates at Hersheypark every year. The amusement park with roller coasters, live performances, Hershey's Chocolate World and a zoo is around 10 miles from East Hanover Township. The American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears play next door at Giant Center.
Public and private education options in Lower Dauphin County
The Lower Dauphin School District earns a B overall rating from Niche. The district has around 3,500 students across seven schools, three of which serve East Hanover Township: East Hanover Elementary, Lower Dauphin Middle and Lower Dauphin High, which all receive B ratings. The high school’s Four Diamonds Mini-thon Committee organizes an annual 12-hour dance marathon that raises money to support pediatric cancer patients being treated at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Nearby private schools include the B-plus-rated Harrisburg Christian School.
Shopping and dining options in Dauphin County
A few businesses dot East Hanover Township. Residents and Hersheypark tourists mix at Farmstead Farmers Market, where shoppers can pick up an eclectic mix of items ranging from locally grown produce to antiques and collectibles. Nearby, Fabio's Authentic Italian Cuisine and Brick Oven Pizzeria is a longtime favorite for a meal out. National retailers and supermarkets line U.S. Route 22 in Lower Paxton Township. Name-brand and designer outlets fill Tanger Outlets Hershey.
An annual fall festival provides community connection
East Hanover Township celebrates the arrival of the fall season with the annual Community Park Day each September. The event invites families for a full day of fall-related fun in Community Park, including hayrides and scarecrow making. There’s also food and live music. It’s just one of many events that take place throughout the year. “In that community, the churches, the volunteer fire companies and civic groups are big,” Boers says. “They have a lot more events based on those organizations.”
Getting around the Greater Harrisburg Area
Without public transportation, East Hanover Township is car dependent. Commuters have access to Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 22. Downtown Harrisburg is less than 20 miles away. Commercial flights take off nearby at Harrisburg International Airport. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is the nearest full-service hospital, about 12 miles away.
