From Mount Gretna to Quentin, West Cornwall is vast and varied
Just a few miles southwest of the heart of Lebanon, West Cornwall spans from resort towns to untouched forests and new construction subdivisions. This eclectic neighborhood is home to one of the biggest and most unique attractions in Lebanon County, a small town by the name of Mount Gretna. Originally a Victorian resort town, the tiny borough is now known for embracing the arts and the outdoors. But even beyond this vacation destination, West Cornwall’s year-round residents are treated to walking trails and area-favorite restaurants in Quentin. This township’s wide swath of housing ranges from 55-plus communities to brand-new and established neighborhoods alike.
Mount Gretna is a local summer getaway
“Mount Gretna is sort of like the local alternative to Hershey Park,” says Joshua Johnson, a Realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate who was born and raised in Lebanon. “Well, it’s not an amusement park, but it’s got a lake where people go swimming, and there’s these big water slides and lots of stuff to do. There’s an ice cream shop there called the Jigger Shop that’s got some of the best ice cream ever. The whole area is really old-school.” This summertime destination hosts the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show, a nationally juried exhibition and arts festival that’s been going strong for five decades. The town also has a roller rink and numerous local restaurants. Timbers is a rustic eatery serving American fare with a side of dinner theater performed by the Gretna Theater, a professional theater group founded in 1927.
Mt Gretna Beach is a popular summer spot on Conewago Lake in West Cornwall.
The Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is considered one of the best shows in the country.
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Rental homes in Mount Gretna and new constructions in Quentin
Most homes in West Cornwall are located in Mount Gretna or Quentin. Much of Mount Gretna was built in the Victorian era, which is reflected in the area’s homes, some of which are only accessible by footpaths due to the town’s construction prior to the automobile. A few log cabins and Craftsman bungalows are also scattered throughout the area, owing to the town’s woodsy, eclectic feel. Most homes here sell from $165,000 to $600,000, and many are used as seasonal homes or rentals. Closer to Quentin, housing ranges from new construction subdivisions to townhouses to multi-acre mansions, putting list prices between $215,000 and $925,000. This area is also home to some 55-plus communities, where manufactured homes list for $130,000 to $225,000.
West Cornwall's Mt Gretna section is a secluded area with large homes on small wooded lots.
Some newer homes in West Cornwall include these ranch homes in an over-55 community.
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Plenty of room to hike on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail cuts through West Cornwall along a former railroad corridor, turning an abandoned industrial space into a well-utilized walking and biking trail. South of the trail is the Park at Governor Dick, which encompasses over 1,000 acres of forested land and over 16 miles of trails to explore. The park’s 66-foot observation tower is the namesake for the Tame the Tower Trail Challenge, a new annual event started in 2024 celebrating the park’s natural beauty with a trail run. Those who prefer to tee up and hit the greens can head to Fairview Golf Course, an 18-hole course opened in the 1950s. Although the golf course suffered destruction at the hands of an F-3 tornado in 2003, the community came together for a massive cleanup operation that allowed the course to reopen just one week later.
Governor Dick Park is 1,105-acre forested park located in beautiful southern Lebanon County.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is paved and well-suited for both bikers and runners.
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Dine on pub fare or Pennsylvania Dutch specialties in Quentin
Though there are few places to shop and dine outside of Mount Gretna in West Cornwall, some of the most beloved eateries in the Lebanon area are located in and around Quentin. “Quentin Tavern is classic. It’s one of the best restaurants around,” says Joan Hains, a Lebanon resident and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. “That and Blue Bird Inn are two of the places everyone goes to.” A 250-year-old Catalpa tree growing through the back deck is just one notable feature of the Quentin Tavern, in addition to its historic building and fan-favorite American fare. The restaurant is not to be confused with Quentin Haus, another local spot specializing in Pennsylvania Dutch food such as the Dutch pot pie, a stew made with square noodles. Everyday needs are just north of the neighborhood along Quentin Road, a big-box shopping corridor with stores such as Target, Tractor Supply Co. and Giant.
Draft beer and pub cuisine are always on tap at The Hide-A-Way in West Cornwall.
Many West Cornwall folks head to the Quentin Tavern for a cold beer and a warm handshake.
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Cornwall-Lebanon Schools score above average
West Cornwall homes are zoned to the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. Cornwall Elementary scores a B-plus from Niche and hosts community events such as an annual superhero 5k and fun run, which has been ongoing for a decade. Both Cedar Crest Middle and Cedar Crest High earn a B grade from Niche. The middle and high schools are directly adjacent to one another, with the combined campus undergoing renovations to update the classroom facilities.
Cedar Crest Middle School earns a B grade from niche.com.
Cedar Crest High School receives a B grade from niche.com.
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South of Lebanon and close to Interstate 76
West Cornwall is roughly 5 to 10 miles south of Downtown Lebanon. U.S. Highway 322 runs through the neighborhood, putting residents about 30 to 35 miles from Harrisburg, home to the Pennsylvania State Capitol and Harrisburg International Airport. Interstate 76 is just south of West Cornwall and runs 85 miles east to Philadelphia.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Video By
Jacob Cooperman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melisa Peris,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in West Cornwall, PA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West Cornwall, PA over the last 12 months is $341,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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