Hamilton is a rural township on the border of Chambersburg
Nestled among the Appalachian Mountains, Hamilton Township offers residents a slow pace of life on the border of Chambersburg. “You’re going to have that rural, rustic feel,” says Arnold Barbour, Realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate of Chambersburg, who grew up in the area. While there are a handful of local restaurants, most of the township comprises homes and farmland. Chambersburg is about 3 miles away. Residents make the trip into the borough almost daily for shopping, dining, parks and healthcare.
Older homes and new developments have views of the Appalachians
Hamilton homes come with a view. “A lot of houses face the mountains, so you not only get to see them during the day, but you get those beautiful mountain sunsets,” Barbour says. While most homes, including those in newer developments, are on half an acre or less, lots can exceed 5 acres. Older residences include Colonial Revivals from the early 1900s, and there are mid-20th-century ranch-style houses and split-levels. Most newer homes from the 1990s to the 2020s comprise bi-level and New Traditional styles. “Prices tend to be a little more affordable than the east side of Chambersburg,” Barbour says. Most single-family houses range from $170,000 to $500,000, although larger properties cost $570,000 to $820,000. Townhouses range from $130,000 to $300,000, and manufactured homes cost $70,000 to $150,000.
According to First Street, Hamilton has a major risk of flooding.
Students attend well-rated Chambersburg public and private schools
Most students attend public school through the Chambersburg Area School District, which offers school choice. South Hamilton Elementary, Chambersburg Area Middle School—South and Chambersburg Area Senior High all earn a B-minus from Niche. The high school offers dual enrollment through Early to College, which lets juniors and seniors take courses with partnering postsecondary institutions at a reduced tuition rate. Cumberland Valley Christian School, which also receives a B-minus, is a private, Baptist school with prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Residents rely on cars to reach major cities like Washington, D.C.
Residents rely on cars to get around, with U.S. Route 30 leading to Chambersburg and intersecting with Interstate 81. Baltimore and Washington D.C. are about 100 miles away, and Philadelphia is about a 165-mile drive. “We have easy access to just about anywhere if you’re willing to drive a little bit,” says Hamilton Township Supervisor Richard Troup. Hagerstown Regional Airport is about 22 miles away and has over 20 nonstop destinations. “People who want to have a quick flight to, say, Orlando, they’ll go to Hagerstown,” Barbour says. Otherwise, people fly out of Baltimore or Washington. The closest emergency room is at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, about 4 miles away.
Eateries like The Family Table Restaurant are along U.S. Route 30
Hamilton has a handful of local eateries, most along U.S. Route 30. In fact, 30 West Family Restaurant is a community staple with homestyle cooking that takes its name from the highway. Pat & Carla’s II Italian Eatery is one of three locations in the greater Chambersburg area. At The Family Table Restaurant, the menu includes gourmet burgers and other American fare. “If we are going out to eat with friends, we are going to Family Table,” Troup says. Residents get groceries from Weis Market and find fresh produce at Jim’s Farmers Market in Chambersburg year-round. The borough also has big-box stores like Target and chain restaurants like Texas Roadhouse.
Outdoor recreation includes hunting, hiking and Chambersburg parks
According to Troup, hunting is a popular pastime in the township. While many residents hunt on private land, the public State Game Lands No. 235 spans 6,276 acres outside Hamilton, and includes game like deer, turkey and grouse. Smith Trail, which goes down Broad Mountain, is one of several nearby hiking trails. “There’s so much green space out there that you can do a lot of activities, but you can find traditional parks in Chambersburg,” Barbour says. The largest is Chambersburg Memorial Park, at 37 acres. Amenities include several playgrounds, baseball fields and open recreation fields. It is also home to the Chambersburg Aquatic Center, which has a lazy river, pool and splash pad open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Locals look forward to holiday events and IceFest
Hamilton residents travel to Chambersburg for holiday events like the Independence Day Celebration and the Annual Christmas Parade. One of the year’s biggest events is IceFest, which happens every January. Over four days, attendees see ice sculptures and live carvings, eat at the Food Truck Fest and dance at the SnowFall Ball.
