Lykens Township offers space, privacy in the Pennsylvania countryside
Lykens Township is a rural Pennsylvania destination, about 35 miles north of Harrisburg, the state capital. This agricultural community of about 1,600 offers the space and freedom of rural living among the Dauphin County countryside, which is populated with many churches. Residents, who include the Amish, enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle, where solitude is more important than convenience. Yet, despite their seclusion, they are conveniently located to the amenities of Gratz, a borough that is landlocked within the township.
Homes are typically spread out on acreage lots
The community’s housing offers space, space and more space. Acreage homes are the norm, not the exception, along quiet country roads. Large farmhouses and ranch-style homes are among the options that sit on these spacious lots. Several homes offer impressive views of the Lykens Valley. The Colonial influence is also prominent, especially among a collection of traditional-style homes in the community’s northeast corner. With only a handful of homes sold in the past year, there is not enough information to provide an accurate price range. Residents can expect a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. For context, Harrisburg averages more than 2 feet of snow per year.
Gratz is a nearby destination that offers shopping and dining
The nearby Pennsylvania Route 25 corridor, known as Market Street in Gratz, offers select shopping and dining options. Popular destinations include the Shady Lane Hardware & Variety Store, which offers everything from tools to toys, and The Village Beacon grocery store. Residents can also pick up fresh produce and other food items from roadside stands and Amish markets in the area. There’s a Walmart Supercenter in Elizabethville, less than 10 miles from the community.
River, parks and a golf course among nearby recreational options
The surrounding area offers opportunities to hunt, hike and fish among the rural landscape. The Susquehanna River winds its way just west of the community. Lykens Glen Park features more than 50 acres of picturesque green space along Rattling Creek south of the community. A nearby ballfield hosts organized youth games. Lykens Valley Golf Course in nearby Millersburg is open to the public.
School district Discovery Program focuses on character
The Upper Dauphin Area School District, rated C-plus by Niche, serves the township. The elementary, middle and high schools are rated between B-minus and C-plus. The district-wide Discovery Program focuses on developing the character of its students. Upper Dauphin Area High School offers a Career and Technical Education program.
Regional roadways provide access to Harrisburg, nearby towns
Route 25 and Route 225 are among several regional roadways that connect residents to nearby communities and regional points of interest. Harrisburg, which is home to an international airport, is about an hour away via PA-225. U.S. Route 15 also provides access to the state capital, but it is on the other side of the Susquehanna River and is not as easily accessible from the township. There are several large-scale medical facilities in Harrisburg, but the closest medical center is Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital in Coal Township, a little over 20 miles away.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
