Which area is nicer to live, Hershey or Middletown? (Harrisburg: apartments, income)

[ruby_9c]

Hi. My fiance and I are looking at two houses to rent. One is in Hershey and the ohter is in Middletown. Both are on nice sized lots and the rent is about the same for both. The House in Hershey is much smaller than the one in Middletown, but we don't know if Hershey is a nicer area than Middletown. Hershey would be closer to our families, but Middletown would be closer for our commute to Harrisburg for work.

Can anyone help us decide which location is better. We've read about what is close by online for both areas, and they look about the same. I'm sure there is a difference living in the two tho.

Thanks for your help!

[Rtom45]

Hershey is the better choice in my opinion. My wife and I just recently sold a house in Elizabethtown, which is close to both locations you mentioned. We're pretty familiar with the whole area. My daughter is currently living in Hershey after having been in several different apartments in that general area. She is very satisfied with her current location. I think the proximity of the airport to Middletown is a drawback. I believe you will find Hershey more expensive than Middletown but probably worth the extra cost.

[teachbeach]

Hershey will have more going on, Middletown seems sort of quiet and parts of it seem depressed.

[micrguy]

I used to rent in Hershey and the taxes were really high. Coming from a state that had very low taxes, moving to Hershey was quite a shock when all of the various tax bills started coming in. When I went to the local tax office for them to explain what all of the various taxes went to (I had never heard of school taxes, local income tax or township occupation taxes and since moving from PA have never seen them again), I got an employee to admit that the taxes are high to keep poor people out of Hershey.

But the upside is that the town is clean, crime is low and there are some really nice parks and trails close to town.

[PSU1212]

In my opinion, Hershey is a much better choice. I've rented in Middletown for just over 1 year now, and I cannnot wait to leave. Hershey is beautiful! Middletown seems to be getting more run down. There are some nicer areas of town, but I don't think it would be worth it. I'd say stick with Hershey!

[Sunil's Dad]

I would definitely choose Hershey; it would be a bit expensive for someone not used to the area though. Compared to New Jersey, however, Hershey is positively cheap.