Thinking about a move to Elizabethtown? You have two great lifestyles to choose from: the walkable, cafe-filled borough and the quieter, more spacious townships just beyond. It can be hard to compare daily convenience with room to roam. This guide gives you a clear picture of how life feels in both, plus commuting, parks, and housing insights so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Elizabethtown at a glance
Set in northwestern Lancaster County, Elizabethtown Borough is about 10 miles south of Hershey and roughly 18 to 20 miles from Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York. PA-283 and PA-230 make regional driving straightforward. The borough’s 2024 population estimate is around 11,993 within about 2.65 square miles, and the mean commute for residents is about 22.3 minutes. You can explore these figures on the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Elizabethtown Borough.
- Population and area: see the borough’s snapshot on Census QuickFacts
- Regional context and access: find the borough overview on Elizabethtown’s site
Walkable borough living
What daily life feels like
If you value short walks to coffee, shops, and services, the borough core is a natural fit. Central Elizabethtown earns a Walk Score around 79, which indicates most errands can be done on foot. You’ll find a compact Main Street scene with boutiques and local spots like Folklore Coffee and EVO 206, creating an easy, park-once or no-car rhythm to your day. Check walkability details on Walk Score’s Elizabethtown page.
Parks and trail access
The borough highlights a 39-acre linear Community Park with trails, courts, fields, and play equipment. You also connect to local pedestrian and bike paths. For longer rides and hikes, the Conewago Recreation Trail begins near town and links to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, so you can scale up from quick strolls to weekend outings. See the parks and trail overview from the borough’s about page.
Homes and streetscape
Inside the borough, you’ll see smaller lots, a mix of older single-family homes, twins, and some newer infill. Yards are typically modest, and blocks are tight-knit, which supports a walk-friendly lifestyle. If you want a historic streetscape or shorter yard work, this side of E-Town may suit you.
Township life beyond the borough
Where “beyond” begins
Outside the borough, you enter nearby townships such as Mount Joy Township, West Donegal Township, Rapho Township, and adjacent areas like Conoy and East Donegal. These are the places locals mean when they say “beyond E-Town.” For a quick orientation, see the regional context on Elizabethtown’s Wikipedia entry.
Space, quiet, and trade-offs
Many township areas preserve agricultural and low-density zoning, which allows farms, larger lots, and open space. That is a big reason the countryside feels so different from the borough’s denser blocks. For details on how zoning supports rural character, review the township ordinance framework on Ecode360 and the community overview at Mount Joy Township.
What you can expect day to day:
- More privacy, larger yards, and quiet evenings.
- Driving for groceries, restaurants, and services, often into the borough or to larger centers.
- Closer proximity to fields, trailheads, and county park networks.
Commute and transit options
Car connections
PA-283 provides direct routes to Harrisburg and Lancaster, while PA-230 and PA-743 serve local corridors. The borough positions you well for regional access. Find the transportation overview on Elizabethtown’s about page.
Rail and bus
Elizabethtown has an Amtrak stop on the Keystone Corridor, connecting you to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York. Red Rose Transit Authority’s Route 18 links Elizabethtown with Lancaster and nearby towns. These options make the borough a stronger transit node than many small communities in the region. See details on the borough site.
Airport access
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is under about 15 miles from town, which is helpful if you travel often. Get an at-a-glance view via the borough’s overview page.
Home prices and housing choices
When you look at home values here, it helps to compare a few sources:
- Aggregator indexes often show Elizabethtown’s typical values in the mid-300,000 dollar range.
- Recent MLS-based snapshots have shown median sale prices in the low to mid-300,000s.
- The American Community Survey reports a median value of owner-occupied homes around 238,700 dollars for the borough, which reflects a different timeframe and method. You can review ACS data on Census QuickFacts.
Inside the borough, expect smaller-lot single-family homes, twins, and some renovated older properties. Outside the borough, you’ll see larger single-family lots, some newer subdivisions, and properties with acreage. As always, compare recent neighborhood-level sales to understand price differences for your specific target area.
Schools and education
Elizabethtown Area School District serves the community. Public ratings show the high school commonly around 7 out of 10 on GreatSchools. Always review current district and school-level information and visit in person to understand programs, services, and fit for your needs. You can view the Elizabethtown Area Senior High School profile on GreatSchools.
Which lifestyle fits you
Both the borough and the surrounding townships offer strong value. Your best fit comes down to how you like to live each day.
Borough benefits
- Walk to coffee, shops, and services.
- Shorter trips and a stronger pedestrian feel.
- Close to the Amtrak station and RRTA bus connections.
Township benefits
- Larger lots and more privacy.
- Quieter evenings and a country backdrop.
- Room for gardens, hobbies, and possibly animals, depending on local rules.
Quick checklist
You might like the borough if you:
- Prefer quick walks to errands and dining.
- Want a smaller yard and older character homes.
- Value easy access to Amtrak and bus service.
You might like the townships if you:
- Want more land and outdoor space.
- Do not mind driving for groceries and restaurants.
- Prefer a rural or suburban setting with fewer immediate neighbors.
Plan your move with a local guide
Choosing between walkable convenience and wide-open space is personal. If you want a clear plan, local context, and a smooth process, our team is here to help. From first-time purchases to move-up sales, relocation, and new construction coordination, we bring decades of Elizabethtown insight and a full-service approach to your goals. Connect with The John Smith Team to talk next steps or Request a Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
Is Elizabethtown walkable for daily errands?
- The central borough scores around 79 on Walk Score, which means most errands can be done on foot, while walkability drops quickly outside the core.
Can I commute without a car from Elizabethtown?
- Partially. The Amtrak Keystone stop and RRTA Route 18 offer rail and bus options to regional centers, though many township addresses and errands still require driving.
What outdoor recreation is nearby?
- Inside town, a 39-acre Community Park offers trails and play spaces; just outside, the Conewago Recreation Trail connects to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail for longer rides and hikes.
How do home prices compare inside vs. outside the borough?
- Aggregators often place typical values in the mid-300,000s, MLS medians have run in the low to mid-300,000s, and ACS shows a lower median value due to method and timeframe; lot size and acreage drive wide variations outside the borough.
Which airports serve Elizabethtown travelers?
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is the closest commercial option at under about 15 miles from the borough, offering convenient regional and national flights.
