Halifax Township is a rural escape near Harrisburg
Residents of Halifax Township enjoy a serene lifestyle and views of Peters Mountain, located only about 20 miles from Harrisburg. Potential homeowners can find more land here than in the city, and do not have to sacrifice modern amenities like broadband. You can spend hours outside, kayaking on the Susquehanna River or hiking the Appalachian Trail. While locals drive into Harrisburg for most errands, you can find the popular Armstrong Valley Winery and mom and pop restaurants in the township.
Single-family and manufactured homes with large lots and varied prices
Halifax is more spread out than Harrisburg, especially in the farther reaches of the borough. Over half of the properties are at least half an acre. “It can be a desirable location for homebuyers seeking a less populated area,” says Realtor Taylor Henry with 1972 Realty, who has been working in the greater Harrisburg area since 2017. Housing varies widely, including older properties such as Colonial Revivals from the late 1800s and early 1900s in and around the borough, and mid-20th-century ranch-style homes and New Traditional styles throughout the township. Single-family homes typically cost between the mid-$100,000s and the high $600,000s, depending on home and lot size, and condition. Townhouses typically cost between the low $100,000s and the high $200,000s, while manufactured homes generally cost up to the low $100,000s. “If the buyer doesn’t mind a 30-minute commute to Harrisburg and wants a better price for the land, they should look at Halifax,” says Realtor Nate Smarsh with the Fred Lynn Team at Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA, who has worked in the area for over five years.
Broadband is easily accessible, and most homes have well water
Most utilities, including broadband and electricity, are readily available across the township. However, your water source varies depending on where you are. “Most of the Halifax area is going to be well water and septic systems,” says Fred Lynn, Realtor and leader of the Fred Lynn Team, who has over 20 years of experience in the area. However, properties located in and immediately surrounding the Halifax borough have access to public sewage and water.
Outdoor recreation like hunting and hiking draw people in
Halifax’s natural setting gives residents plenty of ways to get outside. “There’s a lot to do if you like living rural,” Lynn says. You can:
- Go hunting at one of the nearby state game lands.
- Visit the animals at the seasonal Lake Tobias Wildlife Park.
- Go for a swim or run around the playground at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
- Access the Appalachian Trail at Peters Mountain.
- Explore the trails and local history at Fort Halifax Park.
Locals also visit Fort Halifax Park to access the Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers on the East Coast. “You see kayakers and a lot of fishing,” Henry says. “A lot of people are excited for spring and summer, when more boats are out.”
Students ride the bus to Halifax Area Schools
The Halifax Area School District serves the township. The elementary, middle and high schools are all in the borough, but the district offers a free bus service throughout the township. You can find a bus stop within a mile and a half of your house.
Locals commute 30 minutes to Harrisburg
Because of its rural location, cars are a must for getting around. Residents regularly make the commute to Harrisburg, often taking Peters Mountain Road or U.S. Route 22. “You either have to get over the mountain or around the mountain to get from Harrisburg to Halifax,” Lynn says. UPMC Community Osteopathic in Harrisburg offers short-term and emergency medical treatment, but many people go to the Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, which is less than 25 miles away.
Local amenities include a winery and independently owned restaurants
Armstrong Valley Winery spans 100 acres of vineyards surrounded by woods. It is open daily for wine tastings and can be rented for weddings and other events. There are also a handful of local eateries throughout the township. You can grab a slice of pizza from Zetina’s or pick up a sweet treat from SonLight Bakery and Cafe. Residents can buy groceries at Giant but otherwise travel to Harrisburg for shopping and dining.
