Section Image

West Hanover

West Hanover

$387,125 Average Value

West Hanover blends a rural atmosphere with suburban amenities

West Hanover offers residents the perfect blend of suburban amenities and a rural atmosphere. You can find larger lots and homes at every price point, all of which are in the highly rated Central Dauphin School District. While there are plenty of local parks and restaurants to take advantage of, West Hanover’s central location means Harrisburg and Hershey amenities are a short drive away. In less than 20 minutes, you can be riding roller coasters and eating chocolate at Hersheypark.

This West Hanover Township's home site is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Harrisburg.
This West Hanover Township's home site is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania's state capitol building is just a short drive from West Hanover.
Pennsylvania's state capitol building is just a short drive from West Hanover.
Hersheypark is known around the nation for its famous roller coasters and chocolate.
Hersheypark is known around the nation for its famous roller coasters and chocolate.
1/3

More land is available for higher prices than Harrisburg

Like much of Central Pennsylvania, there is a wide variety in West Hanover’s housing market. You can find split-level and ranch-style homes from the mid-20th century next to a small community of New Traditional builds. There are also townhouses and manufactured homes.

Prices also vary greatly, and trend higher than in Harrisburg. “You might pay a little bit more, but your chances of finding land are better,” says Nate Smarsh, Realtor with the Fred Lynn Team at Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA, who has over five years of experience in the area. Nearly half of the properties are half an acre or more. Older homes generally cost between the low $200,000s and low $400,000s, while new construction can range from the low $400,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Some larger homes or multiacre properties can sell for over $1 million. Townhouses typically cost between the mid-$200,000s and the low $400,000s, and manufactured homes can range from under $100,000 to the low $200,000s.

The quiet community of West Hanover Township has newer lots with open green space.
The quiet community of West Hanover Township has newer lots with open green space.
Split-level homes in West Hanover Township are colorful and feature cozy front porches.
Split-level homes in West Hanover Township are colorful and feature cozy front porches.
1/2

The highly rated Central Dauphin School District is a draw

West Hanover is part of the highly rated Central Dauphin School District. “That’s why a lot of people move here,” says Realtor and resident Fred Lynn, who leads the Fred Lynn Team. The district partners with Dauphin County Technical School to offer career and technical education programs and dual-enrollment courses through Harrisburg Area Community College.

Rated B+ on Niche, West Hanover Elementary School serves 600 students with strong academics.
Rated B+ on Niche, West Hanover Elementary School serves 600 students with strong academics.
Central Dauphin Middle School teaches West Hanover students from grades 6-8.
Central Dauphin Middle School teaches West Hanover students from grades 6-8.
Central Dauphin Senior High School combines strong academics with successful athletics.
Central Dauphin Senior High School combines strong academics with successful athletics.
1/3
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.

Residents can get to Hershey or Harrisburg in about 20 minutes

Another major draw is West Hanover’s central location. “Anything in Hershey or Harrisburg is in a 10- to 15-mile radius,” says Realtor Taylor Henry, who has worked in the area since 2017. Interstate 81 goes through the township, but otherwise Lynn says, “It’s mostly what I call backroads.” The closest hospital is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, about 10 miles away.

Locals spend time at community parks and Hersheypark

“West Hanover has a great parks system,” Lynn says. The township offers a range of activities and parks, including:

  • A playground and multipurpose field at Fairville Park
  • Zumba classes and rentable rooms at the West Hanover Community Center
  • Baseball diamonds at Houck Memorial Park
  • Hiking and fishing at the nearby Memorial Lake State Park
  • Public golf courses like the one at Manada Golf Club
Residents make the drive to Hersheypark when they want a little more of a thrill. However, the park is more than rollercoasters and chocolate. You can also head to The Boardwalk, a water park, and ZooAmerica, which highlights animals native to North America.

Fairville Park has a harmony musical garden with a variety of instruments.
Fairville Park has a harmony musical garden with a variety of instruments.
Memorial Lake State Park is open for kayaking and canoeing.
Memorial Lake State Park is open for kayaking and canoeing.
1/2

You can try local restaurants or visit nearby cities

There are a handful of local restaurants to try in and around West Hanover, including:

  • The DogHouse, which regularly has live music
  • Skyline Family Restaurant, known for its comfort food
  • Jojo’s On 22, which serves authentic Italian food in casual and high-end settings
There are more options in the surrounding cities, where you’ll also find big-box stores like Walmart. The closest grocery store is Giant, but residents can pick up essentials at Dollar General.

Skyline View diners head to Skyline Family Restaurant for home-cooked style meals.
Skyline View diners head to Skyline Family Restaurant for home-cooked style meals.
The pizza at JoJo's on 22 Pizzeria is delicious and known all around Harrisburg.
The pizza at JoJo's on 22 Pizzeria is delicious and known all around Harrisburg.
1/2
Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Justin Schmidt
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Edward Pokoj
Video By
Edward Pokoj

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sue Kleinfelter, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Open Houses

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

West Hanover Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,812
Median Age
46
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$96,576
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$120,500

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.5%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
38.3%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.1%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
19''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bikeability®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Walkability®

10 / 100

Not friendly

Transit®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
West Hanover