Commercial conveniences mixed with suburban residences near Harrisburg
Peaceful yet busy, the Paxtonia area east of Harrisburg comprises a sizable shopping center and a large swath of modern and midcentury residential developments that provide a convenient suburban haven. The borough is home to many who work in Hershey or Harrisburg, both of which are 6 miles away. “It’s not downtown, but there’s a lot of businesses. It’s like the main commercial center of Harrisburg,” says Ysmaine Domiciano, an EXP Realty agent whose office is in the community. “Once you branch out from there, it becomes more residential with lots of nice homes and new developments.”
Local shops and well-known retailers
The neighborhood features a number of family-owned eateries and shops in the smaller commercial complexes along Jonestown Road. Locals may get groceries and fresh vegetables at the local Karn's grocery chain before returning home after work. The nearby Paxton Towne Centre is home to familiar retailers and restaurant franchises, such as Costco, Target and The Home Depot.
Nestled in the more residential section of the community, SpringGate Vineyard and Brewery frequently hosts public and private events, including regular trivia and karaoke nights, weekend craft markets, food truck festivals and much more on its 60-acre farm estate and the massive barn that houses its tasting room.
Small Cape Cods to modern farmhouses
“Paxtonia is more of a single-family home community with a suburban feel, and a majority of homes are 20 years old,” says Sherri Anderson, a Realtor with RE/MAX 1st Advantage. An amalgam of traditional style Cape Cods, bungalows and ranch-style homes are situated on the modest lots and grassy streets here. Located on quarter-acre lots, these properties are a little larger than what you’d find in older neighborhoods immediately outside the downtown city center. Larger split levels and Colonial Revivals with upward of 2,000 square feet offer more space on half-acre parcels. Price tags may range between $115,000 for a fixer-upper and $810,000 for contemporary new builds with New Traditional and farmhouse-style influences. Though less typical, the neighborhood does have a few townhouses, ranging between $185,000 to $425,000 for an end unit with an attached garage.
Anderson says that the smaller size of the neighborhood creates a sense of community. “It’s family-oriented and close-knit,” she says. “When people buy in Paxtonia, they stay for a long time.”
Strong academics in the Central Dauphin School District
Among Paxtonia’s aspects that attract homebuyers its strong school district is one of them. Central Dauphin School District serves students here, receiving a B-plus overall grade from Niche and ranking third among the best school districts in Dauphin County. Students may start at Paxtonia Elementary, which earns a B-plus score, before advancing to B-rated Central Dauphin Middle School. Central Dauphin Senior High School earns an A-minus and maintains high marks in academics, sports and diversity.
Recreational opportunities at George Park
Spanning more than 60 acres in the heart of Paxtonia, George Park is Lower Paxton Township’s largest public recreational space. The public park is a hub of activity, as kids climb the playground or participate in Paxtonia Athletic Association’s little league teams at one of the six baseball fields. Soccer and other sports fields fill with players over the weekend, and walking paths stay busy with dog walkers and bikers. There are opportunities for learning and growth here, too, as a 13-acre natural area includes a trail coursing through protected wetlands inhabited by frogs, birds and turtles. Pocket parks like Meadowbrook Park and Lamplight Park have additional open spaces, playgrounds and courts.
Getting around Paxtonia
Anderson says Paxtonia’s central location is a benefit for residents, as Hershey and Harrisburg are both 15 minutes away. US Highway 22 and Interstate 81 connect residents to Hershey and Downtown Harrisburg. Commuters may take the bus at one of the many bus stations scattered along Highway 22, and the Harrisburg International Airport is only 12 miles away.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Danny Lambert
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
