Question About Hershey (Lancaster, Palmyra, Milton: for sale, real estate, crime)

[friendnc]

I'm not planning on moving or anything, but my family and I visited Hershey on vacation over the summer and thought is was a very nice, pretty town. Is it a nice place to live? Is housing expensive? Just curious

[sdbriselli]

I was on this forum looking for information to help my sister-in-law who is looking to buy her first house and came across your question. I am so glad that you enjoyed your vacation in our town! Hershey is a wonderful place to live! The housing market is like most in the area - there are modest, older homes that are affordable and new, large and expensive homes that are not so affordable. The big plus is that the houses in the area really hold (and increase) their value.
Not being sure what you discovered during your visit here, the town of Hershey (which is actually just a postal designation - we're actually Derry Twp) is a result of Milton Hershey's desire to build the world's largest chocolate factory in the area of his birth. We have so many unique and wonderful things here in our town purely as a result of this generous man. I could go on for pages and pages.
Bottom line, the schools are Blue Ribbon, the crime is incredibly low, there is a real community mindedness, and plenty of jobs in the south central Pa region. I couldn't say enough good things about living here...and I have lived all over the country. Sure, we have our problems like any place, but how bad can it be when you smell chocolate when you step out of your door in the morning!
If you have any other or more specific questions, I would be delighted to answer them!

[bboy36win]

Originally Posted by friendnc

I'm not planning on moving or anything, but my family and I visited Hershey on vacation over the summer and thought is was a very nice, pretty town. Is it a nice place to live? Is housing expensive? Just curious

There are a lot of +'s, as sdbriselli lists. Also, lots of entertainment right in town. Pro hockey, big-name concerts & other performances at the Stadium and Giant Center, plus the Hershey Theatre.

The largest drawback, I think, is the high volume of tourists in the area, especially during the summer months. This brings a lot of $$ into the area, and that's a good thing, but the added traffic volume can get a little crazy.

[friendnc]

We were there on vacation at the time. We were heading back home the week you guys had the rain for days and days with the flooding. We toured the Hershey Factory and related attractions, and took a nice bus tour. Then we just got in our van and just rode around for an hour or two. It was very nice drive. We love doing that in interesting communities we visit. We did the same thing in the Amish communities near Lancaster. So immpressed with everything we saw. Talked to quite a few Amish people and were just taken back by how nice they were. We really have a great respect for them. We love it here in NC (suburban Charlotte), and plan on never leaving. But if we were ever to consider a place outside of NC/SC, it would be central PA. You have a great place to be proud of and we'll be back to visit in a year or two. Thanks for the responses!!!

[dedy]

We're planning a move near Hershey.... prob. Annville or Palmyra. I love the area and want to move about 1/2 way between Wilkes Barre, Pa. and Baltimore to be about 1/2 to our daughter's family in W.B. and half to our family here in Balto. One question...is the whole Hershey Choc. Factory there in Hershey moving to Mexico??
Thanks... Dede

[Lewisburg transplant]

I used to work in Hershey. The common complaint from the locals (folks who were born and raised there) is that they cannot afford to live there!

The housing costs are out of sight. If you don't make a 6 digit salary, then you need to look elsewhere.

[BjhMachine]

Dede,
To answer your question about the Hershey Plant(s), no they are not moving to Mexico. From what I understand more than 80% of Hershey chocolate consumed in the US will still be made in the US. They've been making chocolate in Mexico for the Mexican market for years.

Hershey is nice and real estate is expensive (for the area), but i don't think you need a six-figure salary to live in it. If the sticker prices aren't for you, maybe look just outside of Hershey in the surrounding townships. You mentioned Annville or Palmyra - I recommend both highly. Lower taxes, solid schools, very safe, with all the same convenience and fun.

[PennsylTexan]

I grew up in that area and also worked at the park for many years. We have friends who live in Hershey and if we ever move back to PA, Hershey would be the only place I would want to live in. The market value is a little high for housing, but I have never heard of a house in Hershey losing its value. Combine that with great schools and the lingering smell of chocolate and it is a good choice!

[ff18wife]

Wow what a great review of the Hershey area. I would love to visit...missed a chance this past summer when I was laid up for a few weeks. In-laws are taking the kids for 3 days in June. Hopefully I'll get there someday...

[knicksin8]

Is it possible to buy a new construction single family house with at least 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, in Hershey, PA for under $400,000?

If so, what are the names of some nice developments or good realtors in the area to further inquire?

I have done a rudimentary online search, but I have been unable to locate any new houses for sale in Hershey.