Swatara Township Dauphin offers affordability and convenience
Located between Harrisburg and Hershey, Swatara Township Dauphin offers an appealing option for those looking to escape the crowds and high costs of the East Coast’s major cities. “People from Jersey, Philly and New York are moving to that area because it’s more affordable,” says Diana Lockwood, a Realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA. “The home prices there are very affordable. They’re attractive to first-time homebuyers and investors.” This township of about 27,000 people has a mix of new and decades-old homes within minutes of a few shopping centers with restaurants, chain retailers and grocers. A few highways pass through the township, providing convenient routes for those who work for major employers like the state government in Harrisburg and The Hershey Company. “For a lot of people who work and commute, it’s a very central location,” Lockwood says.
Houses range from bungalows to modern Colonial Revivals
Some parts of the township have hilly roads lined by mature maple, oak, catalpa and spruce trees. While the township has some dense neighborhoods, some may still get extra space with a few lots that run between half an acre and 1.5 acres. Buyers will find anything from ranch-style homes, bungalows and bi-levels to modern Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals in some of the township’s newest developments. Many homes under 2,200 square feet and built in the 20th century sell from about $120,000 to $380,000. Several larger and newer homes run between $400,000 and $600,000. Cost and age also affect townhouse costs, which go from $100,000 to $360,000. The township has an average home value of $270,366, less than half of the U.S. average.
Dining options include Tex-Mex, Indian and Himalayan fare
The township has a mix of chain and locally-owned restaurants serving diverse cuisines. Indian Curry Lounge is a regional staple serving popular choices like masala dishes and various naan breads. The restaurant also has Himalayan cuisine with options like its momo dumplings. Run out of a Spanish-style building, Fiesta Mexico is one of a few options for Tex-Mex foods and margaritas. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill is a local institution and late-night hangout where many can grab beers and watch sports. ALDI, Walmart and Sam’s Club offer grocery and retail shopping options.
Students may attend the Central Dauphin School District
Depending on where they live, students may start at Tri-Community or Chambers Hill elementary schools. Tri-Community Elementary receives a C-plus from Niche, while Chambers Hill Elementary gets a B-minus. Students may then go to Swatara Middle and Central Dauphin East High School. Swatara Middle receives a C-plus, and Central Dauphin East High gets a B. Like many of their peers in the greater Harrisburg area, high schoolers interested in working in a trade shortly after graduation may take some courses at the Dauphin County Technical School. The school has various programs offering early exposure to fields like welding, website design and nursing.
Outdoor spots include neighborhood parks and Capital Area Greenbelt
The township has a few neighborhood parks with playgrounds and sports amenities. These places include Enhaut Park, where many can play baseball, tennis and basketball. The Five Senses Garden is one of the stopping points along the 20-mile Capital Area Greenbelt. Walkers on the tree-shaded path may see flower beds with daffodils and poppies and some artwork scattered around the park. Cyclists riding the Greenbelt may go down to the banks of the Susquehanna River and reach downtown Harrisburg. Other outdoor destinations include Steelton Skatepark and Schiavoni Park. Schiavoni Park’s amenities include a disc golf course and a boat launch for those who want to kayak Swatara Creek.
Township becomes festive during the Halloween season
Annual events here include the Halloween Walk-Thru in late October. For the event, many wear costumes and come to Vanatta Park to get treats from various businesses, organizations and agencies like the Swatara Township Police Department. A few days after the walk-through, the township has its annual Trick-or-Treat night.
Commuters have access to rabbittransit buses and interstates
The rabbittransit system has several bus stops in the township. Otherwise, commuters who drive have quick access to Interstate 83 and U.S. Highway 322. I-83 goes to the nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike, while U.S. 322 provides a route to Hershey, 10 miles east. The township is about 5 miles east of downtown Harrisburg, home to institutions like UPMC Harrisburg. The 422-bed hospital’s services include pediatric care and kidney transplants. The township is 6 miles west of the Harrisburg International Airport, which provides direct flights to major hubs like Washington and Chicago.
The community faces a flooding risk
The township is in Dauphin County, which faces an extreme flooding risk, according to firststreet.org. Some areas most at risk in the township are near the Susquehanna River and Swatara Creek.
