Like many of Lebanon County’s townships, South Londonderry is less of a unified neighborhood and more so a swath of forests and farmlands dotted by tiny towns and winding highways. “In South Londonderry, you’ve got some really small, rural towns like Lawn and Colebrook, where you might have one restaurant and a fire station, and that’s about it,” says Stephanie Butler, lifelong Lebanon County resident and Realtor with Suburban Realty. “But you’re also close to Campbelltown, which is one of the bigger towns, and Mount Gretna, which is very unique.” Mount Gretna sits on the eastern cusp of the township and is a summertime attraction for folks all over south-central Pennsylvania. Butler explains: “It used to be a Victorian resort town, so it wasn’t originally built for year-round living, but they’ve updated all the houses to accommodate for that. Nowadays, there’s Mount Gretna Lake, tons of hiking trails and all kinds of artsy events. It’s a bit eclectic and very charming.” Residents of this area benefit from nearby Campbelltown amenities, top-rated schools and Interstate 76 access but can still experience rural living and wooded summer getaways.
From rural cottages to spacious luxury homes
Homes in this township range from early 20th-century two-story cottages to newly built homes with stately brick exteriors. There’s plenty of variation in between, from 1970s ranch-style homes to mobile homes and even secluded log cabins. Across the area, however, one fact remains the same: larger lots surrounded by rolling fields or dense woodlands are a major part of South Londonderry’s appeal. “It has that country atmosphere, which makes it a good place for people who don’t want all the hustle and bustle,” Butler says. While houses in need of repairs can list for as low as $135,000, most renovated or well-maintained single-family homes are priced from $330,000 to $545,000. Luxury properties can also be found here, in subdivisions such as the Estates of Forest Ridge or the Timber Hills area of Mount Gretna. These spacious homes may have over 10 acres of land or over 4,000 square feet and list between $775,000 and $1.5 million. South Londonderry holds a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
1970s ranch-style homes with large lawns can be found in South Londonderry.
Newer subdivisions with spacious houses are popping up throughout South Londonderry.
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Mount Gretna is a local summer destination
Tucked away in the woods at the far southeast corner of the township is Mount Gretna, a little borough that’s so old that much of it is only accessible by narrow walking paths. People from all over the nearby region come here in the summer to cool off at Mount Gretna Lake or lace up their skates at Mount Gretna Roller Rink. More than anything, though, Mount Gretna might be best known for its creative spirit. “The Mount Gretna Outdoor Arts Show is very prestigious,” Butler says. “Some people around here hate it because it gets so crowded that it’s hard to drive around, but it’s very popular. So many vendors apply that they get selected on a lottery system. Not just anyone can get in. You’ll see fancy wood carvings, pottery and jewelry.” During the summer, Mount Gretna is also especially popular for its dining options, which include the dinner theater at Timbers and ice cream at the Jigger Shop. “The Jigger Shop isn’t just any old ice cream shop,” Butler says. “Some of the things there are served flaming, like the baked Alaska. It’s only open seasonally, so I usually make a point to go once a year.”
A marching band performs for the patrons of the Mount Gretna Arts Fest near South Londonderry.
Mt Gretna Beach is a popular summer spot on Conewago Lake in West Cornwall.
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Palmyra Area Schools are top-rated in the county
South Londonderry is part of the Palmyra Area School District, which Niche ranks as the No. 1 district out of six in Lebanon County. The nearest elementary school, Lingle Avenue Elementary, and Palmyra Area Middle each score an A grade from Niche. Palmyra Area High earns a B-plus and offers a student internship program in partnership with local employers, allowing students to receive high school credit for hands-on work experience in their selected profession.
Palmyra Area Senior High School has 1,181 students in grades 9-12.
Palmyra Area Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
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Renovated restaurants in Campbelltown
When running errands, most South Londonderry residents head into Campbelltown, where they can stock the fridge at Redner’s Warehouse Markets or dine at one of many local restaurants. “Most people think of Campbelltown as just a little town on the way to Hershey, but it has more than you’d think,” Butler says. “Rising Sun Bar & Kitchen used to be such a dive, and they’ve renovated it and now it’s become a place where families go. They’ve expanded into this old building and taken out the upper floor to open it up so you can see all the bricks and beams. It has a real rustic vibe. And it’s unique because they serve all the usual bar food plus sushi, too.” The restaurant is situated along U.S. Highway 322, alongside numerous small businesses and eateries such as Hauz ‘O Hoagies and Soprano’s Pizza. “Soprano’s has the best garlic bread ever. It comes with these big hunks of garlic on it, and the rigatoni is practically three meals’ worth!” Butler says.
Rising Sun Bar & Kitchen is a historic watering hole with a modern look near South Londonderry.
Pizzas are made to order at Soprano's Pizza next to South Londonderry.
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Hiking on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
Small community playgrounds can be found in the towns scattered across South Londonderry, including ones in Colebrook and Lawn. Both playgrounds are connected by the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, a mixed-use path that follows the region’s former railroad corridor. Spanning more than 20 miles through the Lebanon Valley, the trail is a popular place to jog, bike or walk the dog beneath the shade of the trees. More hiking trails can be found at the Park at Governor Dick east of Mount Gretna, while more parks are situated in Campbelltown. In October 2023, volunteers came together to build a brand-new playground at Campbelltown Community Park, incorporating interactive features such as slides, a zipline and a xylophone with sheet music. Other park amenities include soccer fields, a baseball field, basketball courts and volleyball courts.
Campbelltown Community Park sits outside of South Londonderry and has a gravel walking path.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail in South Londonderry is a popular spot for a run.
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Along the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Two national highways run through South Londonderry: U.S. Highway 322 and Interstate 76, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. State highways such as Pennsylvania Route 241 and Pennsylvania Route 117 also crisscross through the heart of the area. Save for select walkable sections of Mount Gretna, a car is practically a must for getting around rural South Londonderry. Downtown Lebanon is roughly 8 to 13 miles away, while Harrisburg is approximately 20 to 30 miles west. Harrisburg International Airport is the nearest place to catch a flight, though between Mount Gretna and Hersheypark, some residents find they don’t have to travel far for a getaway. Philadelphia is about 85 to 90 miles east via the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
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