Allison Hill: a compact Harrisburg community with affordable homes
Tightly packed 100-year-old homes, corner markets and hole-in-the-wall restaurants line the streets of Allison Hill, a compact neighborhood on the eastern side of the city of Harrisburg. Allison Hill has attracted immigrant populations from around the world, including countries throughout Africa and South America, thanks to a historically low cost of living and access to community services. Although one of the city’s lowest-income areas, the Allison Hill neighborhood has a rich community with nonprofit groups, local businesses and interesting architecture within half a mile of downtown Harrisburg.
Townhouses and single-family homes built in the early 1900s
Most of the properties in Allison Hill were built in the early decades of the 20th century, with popular styles including American Foursquares and traditional homes as well as Italianate and Victorian townhouses. Properties typically sell for between $50,000 and $200,000, depending on their condition . Some homes show signs of disrepair, while others have well-kept exteriors. “A lot of renovation has been done. Those same houses that were $50,000 are now $130,000 to $170,000,” says Wendell Hoover, Realtor at Iron Valley Real Estate in Harrisburg. “The percent of renovations have been 10 times higher than it was prior to COVID.” The western side of the neighborhood also has public housing apartments around Downey Elementary School.
Properties in Allison Hill typically sell for between $50,000 and $200,000, depending on their condition.
Some houses in Allison Hill sit on double lots and have private driveways and garages.
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Local spots along Derry Street and community outreach in Allison Hill
Derry Street is lined with small, casual restaurants serving global dishes. “There are all kinds of different authentic-type restaurants, from Chinese to Ethiopian to Mexican,” Hoover says. Options include Tacos Mi Tierra and Golden Star Restaurant. A few small markets along Derry Street specialize in African or Hispanic groceries, and there is also a Giant grocery store about 1 mile east of the neighborhood. The Central Allison Hill Community Center and Bethesda Mission Community Centers are neighborhood facilities offering youth programming and adult resources such as workforce development and mentorship programs. Additionally, nonprofit organizations such as Wildheart Ministries’ Love the Hill initiative support the community and lower-income families living in Allison Hill with outreach programs like street cleaning, a bi-weekly food pantry and seasonal block parties.
Tacos Mi Tierra is a popular lunch spot in Allison Hill serving up traditional Mexican fare.
Giant grocery store is a mile east of Allison Hill and has everyday grocery needs.
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Recreation and events at Reservoir Park
Reservoir Park borders the neighborhood to the east and has a sprawling playground, basketball courts and the National Civil War Museum. “They just refurbished the big playground there, which is really nice,” Hoover says. From the park’s winding trails and lawn on a steep hill, visitors enjoy views of downtown Harrisburg in the near distance. The 20-mile Capital Area Greenbelt Trail connects through Reservoir Park and loops around to the city’s waterfront on the Susquehanna River. In the summer, Reservoir Park hosts a summer concert series at Levitt Pavilion. The diverse lineup has included Latin, Afro-Caribbean, gospel and jazz performers.
The newly refurbished playground at Reservoir Park is popular with the local residents.
Allison Hill is home to The National Civil War Museum, one of the largest museums in the country dedicated solely to the American Civil War.
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Harrisburg School District serves Allison Hill
Many students living in the neighborhood are zoned to attend Downey Elementary School, Camp Curtin Academy and Harrisburg High School. All three of these schools in the Harrisburg School District have C-minus grades from Niche. The high school earns a B-plus in the athletics category, and it offers nearly two dozen varsity and junior varsity sports teams. The football team has finished every season since 2016 ranked among the top 20 high school teams in the state.
Harrisburg High School has an enrollment of around 1,200 and has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
Camp Curtin Academy serves Allison Hill students in grades 6-8.
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Multiple bus routes go through Allison Hill
The Capital Region bus system operates several routes that stop in the neighborhood. Route 17 takes riders from Allison Hill to downtown Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic hospital and Hamilton Health Center, among other stops. Harrisburg International Airport is 10 miles southeast and is accessible via the Route 7 bus. Interstates 83 to the south and Interstate 81 to the north connect drivers across the state. Allison Hill has an overall CAP Index crime score of 7, with the score for some violent crimes even higher. That’s much higher than the national average of 4.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Allison Hill
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Allison Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Allison Hill, Harrisburg sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Allison Hill, Harrisburg over the last 12 months is $125,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This two-unit property at 1420 State Street in Harrisburg offers solid income, strong upside, and a location just minutes from downtown. The first-floor unit is a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment currently rented for $1,200 per month. The second-floor unit is a four-bedroom apartment that is vacant and ready for a new tenant. Market rents in this area support $1,600 or more for a clean and
INVESTOR ALERT!!!! TURN-KEY SECTION 8 RENTAL IN HARRISBURG'S GROWING MARKET. IDEAL FOR INVESTORS SEEKING STABLE, CASH-FLOWING REAL ESTATE WITH MINIMAL UPKEEP. THIS 4 BED, 1.5 BATH SINGLE FAMILY HOME WAS BUILT IN 2009 AND RENOVATED IN 2021, OFFERING MODERN FINISHES AND WORRY-FREE OWNERSHIP. CURRENTLY LEASED TO A LONG-TERM SECTION 8 TENANT PAYING $1,600/MONTHLY WITH POTENTIAL RENT INCREASE TO
Jennifer LopezIron Valley Real Estate of Central PA
Very Well-Maintained Duplex with Modern Updates. Beautifully maintained duplex featuring a renovated kitchen with brand-new cherry cabinets and Corian countertops. Hardwood floors throughout the home add warmth and character. The property offers natural gas heat, a new roof (2023), and a new water heater (2024) for peace of mind. The clean basement includes a half bath, and the third floor
Property Id: 2208768Welcome to Market Street, Harrisburg! Seeking positive, young professionals and creative remote workers to join our vibrant co-living community. About the SpaceThis luxury renovated duplex features two spacious, unfurnished bedrooms:•Large Bedroom: $960/month•Medium Bedroom: $870/month•Shared modern bathroom• No pets allowed
Discover a charming blend of historic elegance and modern comfort in this exquisite Colonial townhouse, available for lease starting October 25, 2025. With 1,556 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this residence offers an inviting atmosphere that feels like home from the moment you step inside. This spacious five-bedroom layout provides ample room for relaxation and creativity,
Property Id: 2208769Welcome to Market Street, Harrisburg! Seeking positive, young professionals and creative remote workers to join our vibrant co-living community. About the SpaceThis luxury renovated duplex features two spacious, unfurnished bedrooms:•Large Bedroom: $960/month•Medium Bedroom: $870/month•Shared modern bathroom• No Pets•. No
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