Upper Allen

While they share a similar name, Lower Allen Township is far different from the neighboring Lower Allen community. Unlike its next-door neighbor, Lower Allen Township mixes rural and suburban living together – residents can be walking in the woods as easily as they can enjoy the nearby Capital City Mall. “It’s very well run,” says Beth Masland, Realtor with RE/MAX Realty Associates, “The township has innovative programs for trash and recycling, and the police department is one of the best in the area.” With housing options ranging from apartments to condos, to single family homes on small lots and even farmsteads, the Township offers plenty of choice. All of this comes with major nearby routes that puts Downtown Harrisburg only a 10-to-15-minute drive away. From 1950s ranch-style homes along sidewalk-lined streets, to modern Traditional town houses in communities with small lawns, to massive neo-Colonial estates on large, meticulously landscaped lots, there’s a great variety of option available in Lower Allen Township, which Masland cites as one of the big draws of the neighborhood. Befitting a car-dependent neighborhood, nearly every home comes with off-street parking in the form of a driveaway or garage. Smaller ranchers and town houses generally fetch from $200,000 to $450,000, while new builds in named sub-divisions and larger single-family homes can get from $500,000 up to $775,000 and above. Properties in Lower Allen Township move fairly fast, generally spending around three weeks on the market, roughly half the national average. Sitting in the West Shore School District, the students of Lower Allen Township usually start their schooling at Rossmoyne Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche. From there, they move on to Allen Middle School, then finish up at Cedar Cliff High School, both of which earn a B grade from Niche. Cedar Cliff and Red Land Senior High School, the other high school in the district, are known for their fiery sports rivalry that culminates in the yearly football match-up. Children can also attend nearby private schools including the West Shore Christian Academy or and Saint Theresa Elementary School and Trinity High School. Residents in Lower Allen Township are car-dependent, with sparse public bus routes available and subpar walkability. Harrisburg International Airport offers commercial flights to airports throughout the United States and is around a 15-mile drive from the neighborhood. For emergency treatment round the clock, the nearest hospital is Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, which is within 7 miles for most of the community, usually around a 15-minute drive. Most of the shopping and retail in Lower Allen Township is centered around the Capital City Mall, which Masland notes continues to reinvest and reinvent itself, retaining anchor stores and bringing in new stores regularly. There are some local favorites that shine though, like Marzoni’s Brick Oven and Brewing Company, a brewpub that makes brick-oven pizzas to go along with their house-brewed beers as well as Isaac’s Craft Kitchen and Brewery, a sandwiched-focused Central Pennsylvania chain that also serves their own brews. BJ’s offers bulk necessities, while Masland mentions the area was particularly happy to be chosen for the location of Central Pennsylvania’s only Trader Joe’s, adjacent to the mall. “Lower Allen Park has a beautiful playground. The park is 106 acres, it’s got ball fields, a dog park, the Sun Fort wooden structure playground… you can hold parties within the barn,” Masland relates. The countryside has plenty to offer, from fishing along the Yellow Breeches Creek to getting a round in at Liberty Forge Golf Course, a public course that offers year-round gold, weather permitting. For folks looking for pint-sized golfing, Creekside at Liberty Forge is across the street from the full-sized course, and has an 18-hole mini golf course, creek floating, and a TopTracer Driving Range that offers hitters the chance to virtually play courses. “There are neighborhood food trucks, National Night Out is popular – the Lisburn fire company has a big festival in the summer with rides, food, farm equipment, and a chicken barbecue,” says Masland. The Olde Tyme festival takes place for four days in August, with an antique tractor parade being the highlight while showing off the area’s agricultural roots.