Monaghan Township offers rural living along Yellow Breeches Creek
Located on the northern edges of York County, Monaghan Township offers rural living right on the border of suburbia. Yellow Breeches Creek is the community’s north border, separating it from Mechanicsburg 's sprawling suburbs on the other side of the water. On Monaghan’s side of the river, the township maintains the rural feel found elsewhere in York County, where country roads pass rolling hills covered with crops and fields. Other than a handful of housing developments and the town hall, most amenities frequented by the township’s almost 2,700 residents are in nearby communities.
Sporadic housing and the occasional subdivision across the township
Most of Monaghan Township’s homes sit at the end of long driveways on either open fields or behind thick woods. “It’s more farms or houses that are on several acres,” says Realtor Susan Anderson with Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA. “There probably are specific developments, but mostly, the housing is sporadic.” One of these subdivisions, located off Autumn and Spring drives, features split-level and ranch-style homes along tree-lined streets with basketball hoops in driveways. These Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals typically range from $350,000 to $780,000. Some custom homes with in-ground pools and river views are priced higher, often between $900,000 and $1.7 million. Properties span half an acre to 8 acres, with homes on more acres typically costing more. This township receives a 1 out of 10 Cap Index Crime Score, which is less than the national average of 4.
Fishing and floating along Yellow Breeches Creek in Monaghan
Yellow Breeches Creek separates Monaghan Township and suburban communities to the north. Fly fishing for trout is popular here. “People do a lot of floating and kayaking there,” Anderson says. Monaghan Township doesn’t have any official access points, though those looking for an easy boat launch can cross the river into Upper Allen Township to spaces like McCormick Park. Simpson Park offers trails, horseshoes and a nine-hole disc golf course in addition to creek access. On the southern side of the community in Warrington Township , Roundtop Mountain Resort is open in the winter for skiing and tubing.
Northern York County School District and Messiah University
Monaghan Township is zoned for Northern York County School District, which receives a B-minus from Niche. It includes B-rated Northern High School, which includes a ski club that meets at the nearby resort. Messiah University is right across the river from Monaghan Township, with some of its sports fields and athletic facilities located within the community. Founded in 1909, the private Christian university hosts about 3,400 undergraduate and graduate students.
Orchards and farms with seasonal events in Monaghan Township
With a more rural feel, some farms and orchards in the area offer seasonal attractions. Mt. Airy Orchards is big in the fall, where they open their 150-acre property for apple picking. The grounds also feature a corn maze, a pumpkin patch and a hay bale mountain. Castle Creek Farm focuses primarily on herbs and hosts the Lavender Thyme Faire in June. The festival showcases lavender products, including lavender lemonade and whoopie pies, while also featuring live music and educational programs. The Monaghan Township Volunteer Fire Company offers Tuesday Night Bingo every week. Sports fans can catch games at Messiah University.
U.S. Route 15 links the community with Pennsylvania's state capital
Monaghan Township is a more car-dependent community, where country throughways like York and Siddonsburg roads crisscross the township. While there are plenty of bridges over the river, York Road’s bridge is one of the major crossings. U.S. Route 15 is just north of Monaghan, linking residents with bigger cities like Harrisburg , without adding any traffic noise to the township’s quiet atmosphere. The state capital is about 14 miles away, and Harrisburg International Airport is 21 miles away. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center is about 11 miles away.
Local restaurants in nearby municipalities like Dillsburg
As a more rural community, Monaghan Township doesn’t have any restaurants. Instead, locals can head to neighboring communities for dining. Baker’s Diner in Dillsburg is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A big glass case at the front displays the cakes and other desserts. Road Hawg Barbeque is another Dillsburg staple, known for its wings, ribs and sandwiches. In nearby Monroe Township Cumberland , T.J. Rockwell specializes in pub fare and has an outdoor deck with umbrellas and a fire pit. Weis Market is the closest grocery store, about 4 miles away. Giant and Aldi are 5 miles away in Dillsburg.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
