Suburban Neighborhood in Messiah College, Pennsylvania
Cumberland County 17055
Neighborhood Reviews
3.6
$400,770Average Value$182Average Price per Sq Ft47Homes For Sale
Suburban growth meets bucolic setting minutes from Harrisburg
Along the Pennsylvania Turnpike just a few miles west of Harrisburg, Upper Allen Township was once a bustling agricultural hub for its orchards and grain farms. Today, the Cumberland County township is absorbing the capital city’s suburban growth, offering a blended rural-suburban feel set amidst a pastoral backdrop. “Upper Allen Township has been growing like crazy because of high demand,” says Jim Bedorf, a real estate expert on the Bedorf-Prince Team of Coldwell Banker Realty. Local Realtor Jan Wheeler notes the growth has positively impacted the community: “I have buyers coming to me who are specifically looking to move here because it’s just across the river from the state capital and has access to great schools.”
Upper Allen Township offers a blended rural-suburban feel set amidst a pastoral backdrop.
New subdivisions are being constructed in Upper Allen Township with New Traditional homes.
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New Traditional home styles make up new construction
“Upper Allen Township has a good mix of new and vintage properties,” Wheeler says, adding that the neighborhood has options for first-time to experienced homebuyers. “But Upper Allen Township has accessibility to builders and developers, which is how it’s experiencing its growth.” New construction and to-be-built styles come in the form of New Traditional single-family homes, ranging from $380,000 for 1,300 square feet to $812,000 for a four-bedroom home spanning over 3,700 square feet. Larger estates with lots up to 13 acres may fetch up to $1.1 million. Set in leafy subdivisions with wide streets, old farmhouses and ranch styles from the late midcentury period start from $224,500 and go up to $375,000. Bedorf says one of the area’s draws is that it’s relatively affordable compared to other suburban communities in the region because of North Allen Township’s low taxes and variety of home types.
Large estates that sit on big plots are found scattered throughout Upper Allen Township.
Rapid growth in Upper Allen Township has led to the construction of many newly built homes.
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Pastoral setting gives way to neighborhood parks and diverse treescape
Although residents are surrounded by green pastures, they can seek out additional natural spaces throughout the Township at a handful of neighborhood parks. Friendship Park and Winding Hill Park North offer colorful playgrounds and picnic areas, paved pathways and sporting facilities like baseball diamonds and soccer fields. Located behind Mechanicsburg Middle School, the 26-acre Trails and Trees Environmental Center features a grove of trees dedicated to past 1st-grade classes and cherished teachers who have passed. The grove's tree species, which include elms, red oaks, sycamores, Japanese cherry, and pecan, are also intended to represent various cities and historical landmarks. Though students and alumni come here to celebrate memories, others come to admire the butterfly-filled gardens and spot chirping sparrows and percussive woodpeckers.
Fisher Park in Upper Allen Township has 5 baseball fields that are busy with games in summer.
Trails and Trees Environmental Center in Upper Allen Township offers 26 acres of nature.
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Desirable, top-rated schools of Mechanicsburg Area School District
Residents are also attracted to the area due to Upper Allen Township’s highly-rated public school district, Mechanicsburg Area School District, which is ranked the third-best school district in Cumberland County by Niche. “Mechanicsburg schools are very desirable because they have full-day kindergarten,” Wheeler adds. Students start their education at Shepherdstown Elementary or Upper Allen Elementary, both of which earn a B-plus overall grade. Fourth and fifth graders attend B-plus-rated Elmwood Academy before advancing to Mechanicsburg Middle School, which receives a B. At A-minus-graded Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, job shadowing and strong post-secondary preparation programs expose students to career and college opportunities. Upper Allen Township is also home to Messiah University, a private Christian institution that serves 3,320 undergraduate and graduate students.
Elmwood Academy in Upper Allen Township serves 4th and 5th graders and received a B+ from Niche.
Mechanicsburg Middle in Upper Allen Township works to balance independence and stimulation.
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Sparse suburban feel with convenient Interstate access
US Route 15 runs north and south through Upper Allen Township, and the neighborhood boasts proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. “It’s a very easy commute to the capital and the rest of the metropolitan area,” Wheeler says, adding that residents like the township’s proximity to the major thoroughfares, which connects them to Pittsburgh to the west or Philadelphia to the east. The Harrisburg International Airport is a 28-minute drive away.
Commuters of Upper Allen Township can hop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to get around the area.
Residents of Upper Allen Township are a short commute away from Downtown Harrisburg.
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Casual family-owned locales and the Paulus Farm Market
“Dining experiences in Upper Allen Township vary depending on tastes, from Korean to Italian,” Wheeler says. Apart from the slew of casual fast-food spots along the Turnpike and Route 15, family-owned mainstays like Ferrante’s Pizza and Momo BBQ are located just north of the neighborhood. Across from a CVS Pharmacy and a regional PaulB Hardware store, the Cracked Pot Coffee Shop employs young people transitioning out of foster care, helping create a space for community and personal growth inside a converted colonial-style home with outdoor seating on the portico. Grocery stores like GIANT and Weis Markets keep fridges and pantries stocked and are a mile or 2 away from homes. Both a family farm and an open-air market, Paulus Farm Market offers fresh produce and meats, baked goods, and homemade meals. Open Mondays through Saturdays, the farm is a seasonal attraction for its sunflower and snapdragon picking in the summer and farm animal petting and pumpkin patch in October.
Fresh produce and homemade goods can be found at Paulus Farm Market in Upper Allen Township.
Shoppers of Upper Allen Township can head to Giant, which is conveniently located in the area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Adrian Young,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Trails And Trees Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
McCormick Park
Boating
Fishing
Trails
Fisher Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Grantham Park
Lake
Playground
Parking Lot
Simpson Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Picnic Area
Winding Hill Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Mt Allen Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Spring Run Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Miller's Crest Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
Harrisburg International
28 min drive
Bus
Wilson Rd & Lancaster Blvd (Lifecare Hos
Bus
Upper Allen Business Park
Bus
Louise Dr Opp. Scott St
Bus
Wilson Ln & Lindham Court Apartments
Bus
Ritter Rd & #5050 (Stop 3)
Bus
Winding Hill Park And Ride
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.665 Reviews
4.0Niche User
3/20/2016Niche Review
Great atmosphere for young childrearing families. Great school districts and friendly people abound.
4.0Niche User
7/31/2014Niche Review
Besides the thunder storms i think we live in a very safe area.
5.0Niche User
6/1/2015Niche Review
THE BEST PART OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IS THE SERVICE THEY PROVIDE. IT IS VERY FAMILY ORIENTED. YOU LEARN TO KNOW THE PEOPLE ON A FIRST NAME BASIS. IT GIVES A SENSE OF HOSPITALITY AND "HOMEY" FEELING.
3.0Niche User
6/4/2015Niche Review
It seems that pay is low and not a lot of open jobs especially for high school students
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Upper Allen Township
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Upper Allen Township Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Upper Allen Township, Messiah College sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Upper Allen Township, Messiah College over the last 12 months is $369,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Single Floor Living. Beautiful Hardwood Floors. Replacement Windows. Nestled in Spring Run Acres in Upper Allen Twp with quick access to Rt 15 and the PA Turnpike. BONUS Sunroom and Finished Room in Basement [not included in square footage]. Walking Distance to Park. Mostly Fenced Yard [only needs a very small section to complete it]. Basement Egress for Potential Finishing. Upside Potential
Beautiful end unit townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience with desirable first-floor primary living. Located in Upper Allen township offering easy access to Rte 15, PA turnpike and all of the conveniences of Central PA including restaurants, shopping, hospitals, banking and more. Step inside and prepare to be impressed! This open concept floor plan offers soaring vaulted
Jennifer HollisterJoy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome is tucked away in a quiet, desirable neighborhood in Mechanicsburg, PA—close to schools, parks, and shopping, yet removed from the hustle and bustle.This home features numerous recent updates, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, including brand-new carpet, updated bathrooms, stylish shiplap accents, and fresh paint throughout—making it truly
Welcome to this beautifully crafted custom home by Roland Builder, located in the sought-after Whitney Ridge neighborhood in Upper Allen Township, Mechanicsburg, PA. Designed with true open-concept living, the main level offers a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining area, and living room—perfect for entertaining and everyday life. As you move into the living room, you’ll be struck by the
Welcome to this charming two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath townhouse nestled in Upper Allen Township—offered at an incredible $170,000.Step through the front door into a cozy yet spacious living room, where natural light filters in, setting a warm and inviting tone. This comfortable space flows effortlessly into the heart of the home: a generously sized kitchen and dining area designed with both
**Professional photos will be uploaded on Monday, 6/9**Welcome to the 2nd Street House!If you’ve been dreaming of a white farmhouse full of charm, character, & the perfect location... this might be the one. Located in Mechanicsburg School District, this 3 bed 2 bath home was built in 1900 & sits on a spacious corner lot, giving you plenty of room to garden, play fetch with your pup, or a backyard
ARCONA STRAND is a place designed for you. A place where you can relax, work, and experience the outdoors - all on your own schedule. Connect with old friends, or make new ones, while hanging out at the pool, working out at the athletic club or attending special events at the strand. All steps from Arcona, The Great American Neighborhood(R) with shops, restaurants, walking trails, and preserved
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in a quiet and newer-built community in Mechanicsburg. Built in 2017 and thoughtfully updated, this home features brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, combining style with easy maintenance.Enjoy an open-concept layout with a spacious kitchen, living room, and dining area—perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home. The
Call Terraces at Shepherdstown home! Move into your dream community where comfort, leisure, and entertainment are designed with your lifestyle in mind. With a prime location, our pet-friendly townhouses for rent in Mechanicsburg, PA, have everything you need to feel right at home.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Adrian Young,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
26,177
Median Age
35
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,781
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,612
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
52%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
21/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
