In the Susquehanna Valley, Progress is an established suburb where mature trees form a canopy over residential streets, traditional homes and manicured lawns. The community is home to just under 11,000 people, and while it stretches across Susquehanna and Lower Paxton Townships, most residents live in Susquehanna Township. “Progress is a welcoming suburban community with a rich mix of outdoor spaces, excellent schools and a convenient location near Harrisburg,” says Joy Daniels, broker and owner of the Joy Daniels Real Estate Group. “It’s an ideal spot for families and individuals who value both tranquility and access to urban amenities.” U.S. Route 22 passes through Progress and connects residents to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, less than 5 miles away in downtown Harrisburg. “Many people work in Harrisburg since it’s the state capital and offers a lot of employment opportunities,” Daniels says.
Progress is an established suburb in the Susquehanna Valley with a population just under 11,000 people.
The dome of the capital building dominates Downtown Harrisburg and is always bustling with state workers.
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A seller’s market with home prices below the national median
Progress is primarily residential. A drive down its tree-lined streets will reveal a variety of housing styles and options. “It ranges from starter homes to larger upscale homes. Ranch-style homes are the most common, but there are also traditional Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods,” Daniels says. “There are also some historic homes that date back to the mid-20th century. They offer incredible charm, mature landscaping and lots of character. Some of those have Victorian-era architecture.” The median price of single-family homes is around $245,000, significantly lower than the national median. “This area offers a good value as compared to more urban areas like Hershey or Camp Hill, which makes it attractive for first-time buyers,” Daniels says. “The inventory is still very low, and we’re starting to see longer days on the market.” Properties sell after an average of 35 days on the market. With zero months of supply currently available, Progress typically has a strong seller’s market with low inventory and high demand.
Progress is a primarily residential community where the median price of homes are around $245,000.
Newer construction Colonial Revivals can be found in the more upscale subdivisions of Progress.
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Most residents live in the Susquehanna Township School District
Progress is split between two school districts: the Susquehanna Township School District and the Central Dauphin School District. Students may attend school based on the municipality they live in. The Susquehanna Township School District serves most of the community and earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche, which also ranks it as the most diverse school district in Pennsylvania. Those who live in Lower Paxton Township can attend the B-plus-rated Central Dauphin School District, which Niche ranks as the second-best school district in Dauphin County. Nearby private school options include the St. Margaret Mary School, a Catholic institution serving prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Central Dauphin East Senior High School provides academic opportunity for students grade 9-12.
Susquehanna Township High School serves about 750 students in grades 9-12 in the Susquehanna Township.
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Outdoor recreation includes parks and the Capital Area Greenbelt
Green spaces are scattered among residential subdivisions. Standouts include the 25-acre Veterans Park, which has two playgrounds, various athletic facilities and a picnic pavilion. In 2023, Susquehanna Township adopted a master plan for the construction of Wedgewood Hills Park. While the town is still working to fund the project, plans include a walking trail connecting to the Capital Area Greenbelt – a multi-use trail system that forms a 20-mile loop around the Harrisburg area. Residents are less than 3 miles from the historic Reservoir Park, which is home to the National Civil War Museum.
Outdoor recreation in the Harrisburg area revolves around the Susquehanna River. The Capital Area Greenbelt connects Progress to the Walnut Street Bridge, which is less than 5 miles west and leads pedestrians across the river to City Island. The 63-acre island is home to attractions like the Harrisburg Senators Baseball Stadium and is a popular spot for kayaking. Residents are also less than 15 miles from Hersheypark, the biggest amusement park in Pennsylvania.
The Capital Area Greenbelt attracts local adventurers in Paxtang.
Veterans Park is Progress's biggest green space, and offers a paved walking path.
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National Night Out at Susquehanna Township High School
Each August, the community comes together to celebrate National Night Out at Susquehanna Township High School. The festivities include live music, food and demonstrations from local groups like the Susquehanna Township Police Department.
Shopping and dining around U.S. Route 22
Shops and restaurants line the U.S. Route 22 corridor. There are local businesses, fast-food restaurants and local eateries like the Progress Grill, an upscale establishment known for its surf ‘n’ turf. Progress also has several shopping centers where residents can run errands, including The Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace. “There are some nice clothing stores in that plaza,” Daniels says. “While there may not be a large shopping district, there are plenty of practical options for retail, groceries and specialty shopping.” For more shopping and dining, the Colonial Park Mall is less than 2 miles away.
Progress is less than five miles east of downtown Harrisburg. The city center includes a vibrant Restaurant Row with cafés, bars and local eateries on North Second Street. It’s also a hub for entertainment with spots like the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center and the Midtown Cinema.
Hungry customers are satisfied with top quality menu items at Progress Grill.
Many bars and restaurants line the bustling Second Street in Downtown Harrisburg.
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Getting around the Harrisburg area and beyond
Progress offers access to several major thoroughfares. Interstate 81 runs along the community’s northern edge, while Interstate 83 forms its eastern border. I-83 offers a direct route to Baltimore, about 85 miles south, and Washington, D.C., about 125 miles away. Residents are less than 5 miles from the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, and Dauphin County lists the state government as its top employer. Progress is also home to the Pennsylvania Game Commission headquarters. Public transportation includes bus service provided by the Capital Area Transit, also known as rabbittransit. “There are several bus stops on the major roads,” Daniels says. The Amtrak station in downtown Harrisburg connects riders to Philadelphia, New York City and other major metropolitan areas. For flights, Harrisburg International Airport is less than 15 miles from Progress.
Pennsylvania UCR Program shows a decrease in crime
According to data from the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the Susquehanna Township Police Department saw a nearly 8% decrease in the total number of offenses reported between 2023 and 2024. There was a nearly 2% decrease in the number of offenses reported to the Lower Paxton Township Police Department during the same timeframe.
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