New homes rise as Marysville keeps its relaxed vibe
For generations, the people of Marysville have lived quiet, outdoorsy lives. Set between two mountains along the western banks of the Susquehanna River, the Perry County borough offers seclusion and a laid-back atmosphere less than 8 miles from the busy capital city of Harrisburg. “My backyard was the mountain. We would ride motorcycles down in the park and go down to the river and fish on Sunday afternoon,” says John Walak, a Marysville native and the owner of John H. Walak Real Estate. “It’s still the same. People are down-to-earth and friendly.” Home to about 2,600 people, the borough is growing as new developments climb the once-untouched ridgeline to the south. Walak says organizations such as the local Lions Club and sportsmen’s association are intertwined with the community, providing public green spaces and social activities. Specialty Bakers, which has been making ladyfingers, French twirls and the like for nearly 125 years, is a top employer.
Homes range from historic properties to modern construction
Marysville has experienced a housing development boom over the last decade, welcoming new subdivisions in its southern end. These communities with wide, sidewalk-lined streets feature Craftsman-inspired neotraditional homes on lots that exceed a half-acre. Marysville’s older housing stock includes midcentury ranch-style homes and split-levels resting on wide streets south of downtown, as well as postwar bungalows, cottages and ornate Victorians lining streets named after trees in the borough’s center. Some properties along North and South Main streets back up to the Susquehanna River.
The median price for a single-family home is around $500,000, above the national median. Most homes fall between $120,000 and $415,000. However, new construction starts around $470,000 and can exceed $800,000. Townhouses rarely go on the market. One unit sold between January and August 2025 for around $260,000.
Parks, trails and the Susquehanna River offer year-round outdoor fun
The Marysville Lions Club maintains a 37-acre park where residents can play baseball, walk along Fishing Creek and reel in fish from a pond. Swimming at Marysville Borough Pool is a popular summertime activity. Nearby, the long-running Marysville Sportsmen Association features a trout nursery and firing range. Two boat ramps provide access to the Susquehanna River, including one along South Main Street that offers views of the historic Rockville Bridge, an iconic landmark known for its picturesque stone archways. River adventures often start at the locally owned Blue Mountain Outfitters. “You can rent kayaks and canoes. They’ll take you upriver and you can float down to Harrisburg,” Walak says. Hikers can traverse the trails ascending Cove Mountain close to home or visit nearby State Game Lands and conservation areas.
Main Street Marysville is up and coming
Marysville is one of at least nine Perry County communities in line to receive funding and organizational support from the state to help revitalize its downtown. Railroad tracks and U.S. Route 15 bisect this borough center, which features various small businesses. A few local restaurants dot the community, including Waterfront Bar and Grill, where diners can enjoy pub fare on the back patio with river views, and Marysville All American Diner, a no-frills spot known for Jimmy’s Big Mouth Burger. Liquid Noise Brewing Company draws a post-work crowd. “They have a small restaurant. You can get gluten-free pizza, which my wife likes,” Walak says. He adds that residents often head to Enola to buy groceries at Giant and shop at the national retailers filling Summerdale Plaza. Harrisburg offers boutique shopping, nightlife and entertainment.
Susquenita Schools students can pursue various career paths
The Susquenita School District earns a B-minus overall rating from Niche. The district has three schools and an online academy. Susquenita Elementary receives a B-minus and Susquenita Middle gets a C-plus. The B-minus-rated Susquenita High partners with the Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center to provide career-focused programs in fields such as advanced manufacturing and construction.
Family fun at the annual Marysville Lions Club’s Carnival
For nearly 80 years, the Marysville Lions Club’s Carnival has turned the organization’s grounds into a summer fair. Held over six days at the end of July into early August, the free carnival features a nostalgic midway with games, rides and, of course, fair food. “Ice cream, funnel cakes, chicken fingers and milkshakes,” Walak says. Live music and a Friday night fireworks show add to the excitement.
Marysville is somewhat walkable and bikeable, but most people drive
Residents can walk and bike around most of Marysville, but the community is primarily car-dependent due to the lack of mass transit options in the area. Commuters have access to U.S. Route 15 and Interstate 81. Downtown Harrisburg is around 8 ½ miles away, while Harrisburg International Airport is less than 20 miles away. “A lot of people work in Carlisle, which is about 30 minutes away,” Walak says. Carlisle has many distribution centers for familiar brands, ranging from Amazon and At Home to Quaker Oats and Giant Food. Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center is the closest full-service hospital, less than 7 miles away in Enola.
