$479,551Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
A proud town, more than just chocolate
“Hershey used to smell like chocolate constantly,” remembers Drew Weidman, Editor-in-Chief of local paper The Sun, “The chocolate smell is no longer there, but the allure still is.” While the aroma of melted chocolate no longer lingers over “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” Hershey is a bustling town in the Pennsylvania countryside. It’s a tale of three towns in one. On one hand, it’s a tourism and entertainment center for Central Pennsylvania. On another, it’s a center of business and industry, with Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center – considered one of the top 50 hospitals in the country for neurology as well as orthopedics – bringing in top medical professionals from across the country. Yet for some, it’s a town that grew up around them, with farming families working fields that predate the chocolate empire. Much like a Reese’s Fast Break, these three very different ingredients come together to create something that is truly sweet – a proud, vibrant community.
Cocoa-driven activity
The impact of Hershey’s connected entertainment and amusement industry is hard to understate. Hersheypark Arena, the GIANT Center, Hershey Chocolate World, and Hersheypark itself bring millions of visitors through town annually. As Weidman points out, it’s a backbone of the town, providing incredible jobs and influx of business. However, potential residents will have to be ready to deal with traffic snarls and noise, with outdoor events, open-air concerts by national acts and roller coasters running from morning through night, along with regular fireworks shows.
Crowds will soon be flocking to Hershey's namesake park to enjoy rides and food.
Giant Arena is home to many events including the PIAA State Wrestling Championship.
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A different sort of kissing at midnight on New Year’s Eve
While there are a ton of events associated with the Hershey establishment, Weidman notes that Hershey is proud of much more than just being the home of Hershey’s chocolate. “There’s Choctoberfest in the fall, it’s a pretty big deal. New Year’s Eve celebration, they close down the square and raise a giant Hershey Kiss at midnight, there’s fireworks and entertainment.” Regular events in local parks, as well as the annual Memorial Day and Halloween Parade, bring the community together. Topping it all off, the Hershey Sweet Lights and Christmas Candylane make the holidays that much brighter. The town is also proud of their local sports teams, with the chocolate and white jerseys of the Hershey Bears being a common sight, particularly on game nights.
Seek out the local spots for a bite of history
It’s easy to dine and shop at the Tanger Outlets, or at the multitude of chain spots along Chocolate Avenue. But as Weidman points out, there are some hidden gems that hold a place in the hearts of locals. “Fenicci’s is a great little place,” says Weidman, “It’s the place I recommend for people who want to go the small-town Italian food route.” It’s the oldest freestanding restaurant in town, originally opening to feed the Italian immigrants that came to work at the Hershey plants. Customers can try the Deangelis Meatball Sub, named after the family that first opened the doors at the location in 1935. “The Penn Hotel is an awesome place, it used to be my local,” says Weidman, who used to live just down the road from it. The mellow sports bar is known serving up a gut-busting Sunday buffet, complete with fresh oysters. Hershey also has a vibrant craft brewing and distilling scene – aside from Troegs, one of the 25 largest craft breweries in the United States, smaller local spots like Hidden Still Spirits, YAH Brew, and an outpost of the regional Iron Hill chain offer food and drink options for the adventurous. For groceries, residents have multiple options including Giant and Karn’s, while big box retailers are concentrated in the Outlets as well as to the west of town.
Quizzo Night at Yah Brew is a non-touristy, local favorite in Hershey.
Many tourists visit Hershey but the locals know that The Penn Hotel is the place for oysters.
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Incredible housing variety
Weidman mentions that there is a notable difference in housing around Hershey. “There’s the village, versus the township. The village has a suburban feel to it, but outside of the village there’s still farming, it’s rural.” It’s no exaggeration – farmers toil in their fields a mile north of roller coasters and rock stars. The village itself is a mixture, Weidman points out, “There are a lot of homes that are still standing that were constructed for Hershey’s original workers, they’re the essence of town. Some are older and interesting, neat but not modern. Others are enormous homes on postage stamp properties, built for the management of the chocolate factories and the other entities.” Beyond that, newer subdivisions and apartment and townhome complexes have been added to the mix. This puts houses in an expanse of ranges, with million-dollar custom homes sitting a block from modestly priced split-levels. Generally, manufactured homes, condos, and older duplexes can be found in the $150,000 to $250,000 range, while brick ramblers and small Cape Cods on modest properties fetch from $250,000 to $400,000. Larger versions – over 2,000 square feet of space – and modern custom builds sell in the $400,000 to $700,000 range, while unique historic estates often sell for $1 million and above.
These classic craftsman homes are finished in different colors to show off their owners' tastes.
Hershey is home to many grand houses; some new and some built to look that way.
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A Top Ten school district
“We’ve got a great school system,” Wiedman says, and that is backed up by facts – Niche rates Derry Township School District as the ninth best school district in the entire state. Elementary school is split into three groupings within the same school – Hershey Early Childhood Center for kindergarten and first grade, Hershey Primary Elementary for second and third grade, and Hershey Intermediate Elementary for fourth and fifth grade. The former gets an A-minus from Niche, the other two get an A grade. Hershey Middle School and Hershey High School both earn A-plus grades. The high school maintains a top-tier boys soccer program, winning numerous championships. The Milton Hershey School, a private boarding school, sits in eastern Hershey, and is a cost-free school continuously funded by a trust developed by Milton and Catherine Hershey before his death.
Older students attend the Hershey High School in Palmdale.
Local students attend the Hershey Middle School in Palmdale.
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Derry Township Parks provide great green spaces
While Hersheypark is certainly a park, residents are more likely to spend their free time at the Derry Township Parks and Recreation complex with its baseball fields, pickleball and tennis courts, a competition lap pool, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, a senior center, and the Cocoa Castle playground. Founders Park, just down the road, has baseball and softball fields as well as soccer fields, and hosts Little Leagues and tournaments. Eight other parks offer something for everyone – from fishing and boating on the Swatara Creek to music and activities in Chocolate Town Park. As if that’s not enough, golfers can swing away at one of three golf courses at Hershey Country Club, while the Hershey Racquet Club features eight indoor tennis courts.
Kids can have hours of fun at Cocoa Castle at Derry Township Parks.
Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Alumni Memorial Grove Park covers an area of 20 acres.
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A car is a must-have in Hershey
Residents in Hershey will be car dependent, with very limited public transit, while biking and walking is really only useful for recreation. Harrisburg International Airport, offering commercial flights to 17 cities, is an 11-mile drive from town. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is right in Hershey, provides 24-hour emergency care and is central Pennsylvania’s only Level I Trauma Center for both children and adults.
Hershey is just a short ride from Harrisburg International Airport.
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Michael Voyack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rachel Stoltzfus,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hershey, PA sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hershey, PA over the last 12 months is $455,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome home to this impeccably maintained, move-in-ready townhome located in the highly desirable Cambridge Commons community of Derry Township. Perfect for those seeking both comfort and effortless convenience, this home puts you just minutes from Hershey’s vibrant downtown amenities, dining, and attractions, as well as the nearby hospital campus.Inside, you will find a bright and
Newly Built Home (2007) in the Heart of Hershey! Welcome to 506 West Caracas Avenue, a beautifully newly built almost 2,300-square-foot single family home offering modern design, spacious living, and the convenience of being in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Thoughtfully designed with today’s lifestyle in mind, this home provides an inviting combination of comfort, style, and functionality.
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Nestled on a rare, private, oversized 100' x 172' downtown lot, 426 Chestnut Ave presents an extraordinary opportunity to own a premier new construction home in the heart of Hershey. Boasting 5 spacious bedrooms and 5.5 luxurious bathrooms, this thoughtfully designed floor plan delivers exceptional comfort and functionality. Because construction is currently underway, discerning buyers still have
Simple, updated, and perfectly located. This move-in ready 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath split-level sits on a quiet street in the highly desirable Hershey School District (Derry Township), offering an incredibly short, easy commute to the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The smart multi-level layout maximizes your living space, starting with a bright living room featuring new flooring that flows right
Turnkey investment opportunity in the heart of Hershey. Welcome to 325 Park Avenue, Hershey, PA! Fully occupied two-unit property featuring two 1-bedroom, 1-bath units with separate utilities. Major capital items have already been addressed, offering investors a well-maintained income-producing property without the immediate burden of major exterior or mechanical projects.Recent improvements
This move-in ready home is located in the heart of the Hershey Village. It is walking distance to school, the recreation center and in-town shops and restaurants! Plus it comes with all the amusement park perks enjoyed by adding a villager pass endorsement to your season passes! As you enter, the light and bright living room you'll enjoy a cozy fireplace- an ideal space to read a good book or
Vacant 2-unit property on a .16-acre lot in Hershey featuring two 2-bedroom, 1-bath units, two kitchens, and four total bedrooms. Residential zoning/classification provides flexibility for continued rental use or potential conversion to a single-family home. On-street and off-street parking. Both units are vacant, allowing a new owner to establish market rents or renovate to suit their needs.
Timeless elegance meets unmatched convenience in this exceptional 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence nestled in one of Hershey’s most desirable neighborhoods, South Hills. This home delivers a rare blend of classic character and an unbeatable location, roughly 1 driving mile from the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Situated on a wide, tranquil, tree-lined street, the property offers wonderful
Don't miss the opportunity to live In-Town in Hershey! Walk to school, the Recreation Center, and in-town shops and restaurants. The kitchen has an abundance of natural light, white cabinetry and a butcher block countertop in the workspace. The sink overlooks a nice size and flat backyard. It opens into the dining and living room areas- great flow for entertaining. Updated white oak and hickory
Available Immediately! Freshly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath upstairs apartment in the heart of Hershey. This updated unit features brand-new LVP flooring throughout, fresh paint, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and an updated bathroom.Conveniently located just minutes from Hershey’s top attractions, Hersheypark, shopping, restaurants, and the Penn State Health Milton S.
Welcome to Briarcrest Gardens, a comfortable residential community that offers cozy 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes rentals in Hershey, PA. Each of our apartment homes offers spacious living and modern amenities in a convenient location within walking distance of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Plus, water, sewer, and trash utilities are included in the rent!Move now and
Step into timeless elegance at 226 E Caracas Ave, a truly spacious and stunning historic home located right in the heart of downtown Hershey. This rare rental offering features 5 generously sized bedrooms and 3.5 luxurious bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living. Enjoy the unbeatable convenience of being walking distance to all downtown amenities, including Hershey's premier
Newly remodeled hemlock court apartments. phase I - featuring all 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Granite kitchen counter, new appliances, tile floors in kitchen and baths. Private patio balconies, quiet and private setting. Just minutes from downtown Hershey. Pet free. Smoke Free. Call or email for a private tour.
Each fully furnished suite has two floors of living space and each one is uniquely decorated. With our 15 day minimum stay, the Suites On Chocolate are perfect for residents desiring home like accommodations for an extended stay. Suites On Chocolate is the first true extended stay accommodation in Hershey, PA. Suites On Chocolate offers nine fully furnished, all-inclusive Suites that have
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Located in the heart of downtown Hershey, this 2nd floor apartment is in close proximity to the numerous shopping, dining and entertainment options located up and down Chocolate Avenue. Right across the street from Pronio’s Markey and less than 2 miles from Penn State Hershey Medical. Rent includes all utilities as well as 3 AC units for those warmer Summer days. Large Living Room (16x14), 2
Nice three bedroom second and third floor unit with shared large rear yard in quiet neighborhood. Ready to move in tenant pays Electric and Water Owner pays for sewer and trash. No Smoking. $60 nonrefundable application fee required per applicant and if selected$75 admin fee. 615 Min. Credit Score
Experience elevated living at 252 Crescent Drive, an impressive end-unit townhome offering approximately 1,527 square feet of beautifully designed living space in the desirable Crest of Hershey community. Thoughtfully arranged across two levels and filled with natural light, this distinctive residence combines architectural character, privacy, and everyday convenience in one of Hershey’s most
Spacious townhome for rent located in the Crest of Hershey featuring 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a 1-car attached garage. Walking distance to Penn State Medical Center and close to all Hershey Attractions.
Updated Apartment Living in the Heart of HersheyDiscover a renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment at 203 W Caracas Ave in Hershey, PA, offering nearly 900 square feet of comfortable, well-planned living space in a highly convenient downtown location. Set within a classic 1930-built apartment home, this residence blends original character with refreshed finishes, creating an inviting option for
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