$322,233Average Value$181Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Highways and hiking trails at the base of the Blue Mountain
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much in Swatara aside from its namesake: the Swatara Creek. However, that tiny tributary has given birth to some of northern Lebanon County’s foremost outdoor attractions, including Swatara State Park and winding Blue Mountain trails. The rest of the area is comprised of sweeping fields and pastures, plus the quiet suburbs that have sprung up around Jonestown. “It’s a small community, but one where people know each other,” says Stephanie Butler, a Realtor with Suburban Realty who was born and raised in Lebanon County. “There are events in Jonestown, which is where most of the population is. Outside of that there isn’t a whole lot, but the state parks out that way are gorgeous.” Plus, multiple national highways and proximity to employers make Swatara attractive for commuters.
Hike the Swatara Rail Trail in Swatara State Park for 10 miles.
Farms with large acreage sit on the rolling hills in Swatara.
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Jonestown subdivisions and rural farms
From cabins near the mountains to tidy subdivisions and sprawling farmhouses, Swatara’s homes are scattered across the rural landscape. Most properties for sale tend to be near Jonestown, where New Traditional houses from the 1990s through the 2000s are arranged in neat rows on quarter-acre lots. Mid-20th-century cottages can also be found close to town, while older farmhouses with acreage and outbuildings lie on the outskirts along rural roads. Single-family homes typically list from $150,000 to $500,000, with houses on multi-acre lots listing for up to $700,000. Some townhouses and duplexes near Jonestown can be priced from $180,000 to $215,000, while manufactured homes sell below $100,000. Swatara currently has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Livestock in Swatara is commonly seen outside neighboring farmhouses.
Escape the summer heat in Swatara under the covered front porch of a new traditional home.
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Northern Lebanon Schools are nearby in Fredericksburg
Swatara is part of the Northern Lebanon School District, whose campuses are located just east of the township in Fredericksburg. Northern Lebanon Elementary opened in fall 2023, consolidating the district’s four former elementary schools into one building. It serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade and is adjacent to Northern Lebanon Secondary School, which houses grades seven through 12. The adjoined campuses encourage community and collaboration across grade levels. For example, the elementary school hosts annual events such as a fall festival, which includes a petting zoo provided by the NLSS Future Farmers of America chapter. Both schools are currently unrated by Niche due to the school district’s recent restructuring.
Hike through Swatara State Park or tackle the Appalachian Trail
Swatara Creek has long been the lifeblood of northern Lebanon County, supporting native wildlife, serving as a transportation corridor and even providing drinking water to locals for hundreds of years. Nowadays, “the Swatty” is best known as a gateway to outdoor recreation along the Swatara Rail Trail and up through Swatara State Park. “They have a nice trail loop so you can hike up along the creek one way and come back down on the other side,” Butler says of the park. “There’s all these scenic bridges, and the park doesn’t have a lot of amenities, but it feels very tucked-away and rustic.” Swatara Township is also home to an 8-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through State Game Lands No. 80. Along the crest of the Blue Mountain, this 11,000-acre stretch of forests is set aside for hunting and fishing, with the added bonus of mountaintop views and Appalachian overlooks. For more traditional recreation, folks head to Jonestown Community Park for baseball games, tennis matches and pick-up basketball. The park’s wooden playground with tire swings and a play car is popular with kids.
Cross the Berlin Iron Bridge on the Swatara Rail Trail in Swatara State Park.
Find designated mountain bike trails at Swatara State Park.
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Access to three national highways, plus Fort Indiantown Gap nearby
“Swatara has great proximity to employment, with all the major thoroughfares around there like U.S. Highway 22, Interstate 78 and Interstate 81,” Butler says. “It’s sort of a bedroom community. A lot of the people I know who live around Jonestown don’t actually work there, but it’s nice and quiet and you can get to other places easily.” Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard Training Center and Lebanon County’s biggest employer, is roughly 5 to 10 miles west. Lebanon is about 5 to 15 miles south, while Harrisburg is 25 to 30 miles west and is home to the Pennsylvania State Capitol and Harrisburg International Airport. Even Philadelphia is a day-trip away, at approximately 95 to 105 miles southeast.
Swatara State Park creates beautiful backdrops for a impromptu photo shoot session.
2 story cottages in Swatara add a charming appeal to the rural area.
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Local businesses are located along Market Street in Jonestown
Jonestown is a centrally located borough right at the heart of Swatara near the junction of its U.S. Highway 22 and Pennsylvania Route 72, and most of the area’s businesses are located in town. BG’s Value Market of Jonestown is the neighborhood’s primary grocer, while Jonestown Ag Supply is a lifeline for many local farmers. Some eateries cluster along Market Street, including Swatara Coffee Company, a quaint family-owned café pouring freshly roasted cups of joe. “There’s an ice cream place called Frostbitez that’s supposed to be good. I still haven’t been because every time I drive past, there are people lined up around the building,” Butler says. “I really like Pizza Town & Italian, and there’s a good little Chinese place down by the post office called May’s Wok.” More diners, gas stations and fast-food chains can be found further north along the interstates. Outside of Jonestown, a sparse array of warehouses, churches and local farms dot the rural landscape. Fredericksburg’s amenities can also be convenient to some residents, as it borders the eastern side of the township.
From tractor service to rakes for the garden, Jonestown Ag Supply has everything for Swatara.
For a quick bite in Swatara, head to Pizza Town to grab a slice of pizza.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Stauffer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Memorial Lake State Park
Swatara State Park
Jonestown Park
North Mill Street Park
Transit
Airport
Harrisburg International
49 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Swatara
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Swatara Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Swatara, Swatara Township sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Swatara, Swatara Township over the last 12 months is $307,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in Ready! This beautifully crafted 1,700 sq. ft. home by Hennick Construction sits on a generous 0.63-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of space, comfort, and country charm. Step inside to find a thoughtful layout featuring a first-floor primary bedroom for added convenience, a bright and open loft space, and two additional bedrooms—ideal for guests, a home office, or a growing
Welcome to 39 Troy Ave, a peaceful retreat nestled on 2.5 picturesque acres! This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers a perfect blend of privacy, nature and functionality. Surrounded by partially wooded land and beautiful open views, the property provides a serene country feel while still being close to amenities. Step inside to find a cozy layout filled with natural light and warm character. The
Build your custom home on this open 0.47-acre lot with scenic views of Blue Mountain—just 2 miles from beautiful Swatara State Park and offering convenient access to both I-81 and I-78. The featured 2-story home includes a first-floor primary bedroom, a full basement, and 2-car garage, starting at $448,000. A 4-bedroom option can be built for $479k.Prefer something different? No problem! Act now
Welcome to a stunning custom to-be built home by Inch By Inch Construction, offering the perfect blend of modern luxury and serene living in Jonestown, PA. This meticulously crafted residence is designed to provide a lifestyle of comfort, elegance, and convenience.As you approach the home, you’ll be captivated by its impressive curb appeal, with sleek architectural lines, a spacious front porch,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Stauffer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,023
Median Age
41
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,836
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,294
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
17.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.4%
% Population in Labor Force
70%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
10/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
