Mainheim or Elizabethtown?? (Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hershey: for sale, rent, crime)

[familymom]

Mainheim or Elizabethtown--what are the differences? Is one area more desirable, better schools, higher or lower taxes? I am looking for a family oriented town that is walkable. Do any of these towns have wooded areas, I am hoping for at least a few mature trees in my yard.

[Rtom45]

You can find what you're looking for in Etown. They also have the College, their campus is a great place to walk. Masonic Homes is just outside of town, another great place to walk. The homes are nice, older homes for sale have treed lots. People are friendly, you are close to both Harrisburg and Lancaster, you are close to good highways. Most of the time traffic isn't too bad except on route 230 thru the downtown.

[familymom]

Sorry, I misspelled Manheim.

[teachbeach]

Manheim Township schools are rated the highest in several areas in Lancaster County. E-town schools are good as well, and the college town atmosphere is pleasant.

[thatgirlinpa]

Don't move to Elizabethtown. I grew up here and now that I'm in my 30's I can't wait to get out. Elizabethtown was a great town until about 10 years ago. The downtown area is dying. The stores can not stay in business, the parking is terrible and it takes over 30 minutes to drive from one end of town to the other on the main street during the day. Traffic is terrible in the downtown area. Rent has gone through the roof ($700 - 1200 for a decent place). When you come to Elizabethtown drive around the streets right off of the main street. It is turning into a run down "ghetto" style. I am not trying to be ignorant but no one takes care of any of the older homes or businesses. The borough and townships will not let any decent stores or resturants come in. I do agree that Rockwell's is a great place to eat though.
The school system is really bad also. I graduated from Elizabethtown and the education and staff was not what is should have been. This town is more worried about the sports teams then educating the students.

[waiting4wyoming]

Originally Posted by teachbeach

Manheim Township schools are rated the highest in several areas in Lancaster County. E-town schools are good as well, and the college town atmosphere is pleasant.

Manheim Township School District is in Lancaster. I think Warwick is the school for Manheim or Manheim Central. There's a BIG difference. I would probably prefer E-town over Manheim anyday. See them both daily and HAT driving through Manheim.

[Lakeland Yankee]

I was born and raised in Lancaster County and if I were you I would pick Etown. It's about equal distance to Harrisburg and Lancaster so you'll always have them for employment,shopping,etc. Etown has no real crime and it is completely safe even in the middle of the night down any back street. Manheim is nice also but it has a little more crime and isn't as nice overall.

thatgirlinpa is right about traffic though,as it can be heavy on Route 230 at 5pm on weekdays. There's plenty of wooded areas out Mount Gretna road toward Lawn and out past Old Hershey Rd area. The people also are very friendly,honest,and kind overall. You might want to check out the Mt. Joy area also. All three areas are great for families.

[familymom]

I like the idea of wooded areas. I research Mount Gretna alittle, but not much going on there. What schools do Mt. Joy go to? Is there a town? Lititz also made my list, any pros or cons on that town?

[Lakeland Yankee]

Originally Posted by familymom

I like the idea of wooded areas. I research Mount Gretna alittle, but not much going on there. What schools do Mt. Joy go to? Is there a town? Lititz also made my list, any pros or cons on that town?

Mount Gretna is a very rural area, but I love all the state game lands there. I believe Mt. Joy students go to Donegal School district . Mt. Joy is a little town about 10 minutes from Etown if you follow 230 east. It is near interstate 283 so you have easy access to Lancaster or Harrisburg.
Lititz is a nice safe clean little town outside of Lancaster and Manheim. I can't think of any cons about any of the areas, it's just more of a personal preference. They are all very family friendly and safe areas. I like Elizabethtown because you are close to the Susquehanna River (Falmouth and Bainbridge area) and all the state game lands out Lawn and Mount Gretna way. You'll easily find wooded lots in any of the areas if you travel outside the towns a couple minutes. Lancaster County really is a beautiful and friendly place. Good Luck.