by Robert Borges on November 6, 2025
Are you considering a move for a better value, a more engaging lifestyle, or a quieter place to enjoy retirement? For active adults and potential homebuyers, Central Pennsylvania offers a unique sweet spot: historic charm, easy access to major cities, and powerful financial incentives.
The Keystone State is consistently ranked as tax-friendly for retirees, with no state tax on Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, or IRA withdrawals. When combined with attractive real estate value and top-tier community planning, this region becomes a prime destination for your next chapter.
To help you navigate this rich landscape, the expertise of Private Communities Registry (PCR)—a leading online resource since 1996 for showcasing master-planned, active adult, and all types of lifestyle communities throughout the country—can be your guide.
Why Choose Central Pennsylvania for Your Active Lifestyle?
The towns of Lititz, Mechanicsburg, Gettysburg, Fayetteville, Boiling Springs, East Petersburg, and Red Lion share a common thread: they offer a quality of life often sought in larger metro areas, but with a significantly lower cost of living and property taxes—a key consideration for retirees.
Where Can I Find Walkable Downtowns and Cultural Vibrancy in PA? (Lititz & East Petersburg)
For buyers seeking a truly walkable, European-inspired downtown paired with a distinct community identity, the towns of Lititz and East Petersburg in Lancaster County offer an ideal setting. Lititz is often cited as one of America's coolest small towns, boasting boutique shopping, dining, and the historic Lititz Springs Park. East Petersburg is a quieter, family-friendly borough that provides a tight-knit community feel while still being minutes from the larger amenities of Lancaster City.
Lifestyle Appeal: Excellent for those who value artisan shops, community festivals, and easy access to cultural events without relying on a car.
Real Estate Tip: Look for carriage homes or townhomes near the downtown corridor that minimize maintenance, allowing more time for enjoying the town’s amenities.
Featured Community: Lititz, PA
Traditions of America at Lititz
Located in Lancaster County, Traditions of America at Lititz is a 55+ community set in “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the artsy, walkable downtown of Lititz. The community’s award-winning clubhouse features a fitness center, pools, a sports bar, and organized activities led by a full-time lifestyle director. With nearby access to the Susquehanna River for outdoor recreation and 172 single-family and 72 garden homes on 60 scenic acres, it’s an ideal destination for active retirees seeking small-town charm and convenience in Central Pennsylvania.
Featured Community: East Petersburg, PA
Traditions of America at East Petersburg
Blending small-town charm with modern amenities, Traditions of America at East Petersburg is a 55+ community near Lancaster offering resort-style living in a peaceful countryside setting. The 9,500-square-foot clubhouse includes a yoga studio, wine tasting room, golf simulator, and more, complemented by outdoor pools, pickleball courts, and walking trails. Residents enjoy a full calendar of clubs and social events led by a lifestyle director. With single-family and garden homes designed for first-floor living and low-maintenance convenience, this Lancaster County community provides easy access to downtown Lancaster, Hershey, and Harrisburg.
Which Central PA Towns Have the Best Healthcare Access and Convenience? (Mechanicsburg & Boiling Springs)
When convenience and medical access are priorities, the Harrisburg-adjacent towns of Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County) and Boiling Springs provide the perfect balance. Mechanicsburg is ideally situated near major highways (I-81, I-83, PA Turnpike), offering quick travel to Harrisburg’s highly-rated hospitals (such as those associated with Penn State Health).
Boiling Springs offers a different kind of convenience—peaceful living with immediate access to nature. Centered around the spring-fed Children's Lake and the Appalachian Trail, it’s ideal for active adults who prioritize daily hiking, fishing, or scenic walks, but still want easy access to Mechanicsburg’s amenities just down the road.
Lifestyle Appeal: Perfect for adults prioritizing excellent hospital proximity and recreational access (golf, hiking, biking).
Real Estate Tip: Mechanicsburg offers a high concentration of newer 55+ planned communities designed with low-maintenance living in mind.
Featured Community: Mechanicsburg, PA
Traditions of America at Silver Spring
Named one of the nation’s best master-planned communities, Traditions of America at Silver Spring in Mechanicsburg offers a thriving 55+ lifestyle near Harrisburg. The clubhouse serves as the community hub with fitness facilities, an indoor pool, sports bar, and spaces for recreation and wellness. Outdoor amenities include pickleball, bocce, a putting green, and miles of walking trails. Low-maintenance homes—both single-family and garden—feature modern layouts and customization options. With proximity to Gettysburg, the Susquehanna River, and top healthcare, Silver Spring combines resort-style living with rich Pennsylvania history and natural beauty.
Featured Community: Boiling Springs, PA
The Porches of Allenberry
Nestled along Yellow Breeches Creek in Boiling Springs, The Porches of Allenberry offers boutique-style living in a serene South Central Pennsylvania setting. Adjacent to the renowned Allenberry Resort, residents enjoy access to resort amenities like fly fishing, yoga, a cedar sauna, and live entertainment. The community itself features a pool house, fitness center, and walking trails, promoting wellness and relaxation. With 128 craftsman-style homes featuring open layouts, first-floor owner’s suites, and maintenance-free services, The Porches provides a tranquil, active, and social lifestyle just minutes from Harrisburg and the Appalachian Trail.
Where Can I Find Real Estate Value and Local History in Central PA? (Gettysburg, Fayetteville, & Red Lion)
For history enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers, these three towns offer distinctive value and character across Adams, Franklin, and York Counties.
- Gettysburg: While globally famous for the Civil War Battlefield, the area just outside the immediate borough offers a fantastic array of communities and cultural opportunities, including community college access for lifelong learning and robust cultural tourism.
- Fayetteville: A quiet, scenic town offering a lower cost of entry and a small-town feel, while still being close to the larger services of Chambersburg and Harrisburg.
- Red Lion: Located in York County, Red Lion is an evolving borough with a history rooted in the furniture and cigar industries. It offers some of the most affordable housing in the region and is experiencing ongoing revitalization, making it an excellent long-term value proposition for homebuyers.
Lifestyle Appeal: Best for those looking for housing affordability, deep history, and towns poised for future growth.
Featured Community: Gettysburg, PA
The Links at Gettysburg
Set amid the rolling hills of Adams County, The Links at Gettysburg is a premier Pennsylvania golf community offering a peaceful, luxury lifestyle near historic Gettysburg. Residents enjoy championship golf on the acclaimed “Golf’s Gettysburg Address” course, a welcoming clubhouse with dining and social spaces, and resort-style amenities like pools, fitness facilities, and pickleball courts. The community’s single-family homes feature open layouts and scenic golf course views, with maintenance-free living that allows more time to enjoy Gettysburg’s cultural and recreational attractions.
Featured Community: Fayetteville, PA
Penn National
Located in Fayetteville’s scenic Cumberland Valley, Penn National is a master-planned golf community consistently ranked among America’s best. Surrounded by Michaux State Forest and farmland, this active adult destination offers two championship golf courses, a vibrant clubhouse with dining and fitness, and outdoor amenities including pools, walking trails, and pickleball. With over 40 clubs and events, residents enjoy a friendly, social atmosphere. Single-family and villa homes offer golf or mountain views and low-maintenance living just minutes from Gettysburg and Chambersburg, making Penn National a top choice for Central Pennsylvania retirees.
Featured Community: Red Lion, PA
The Paddock at Equine Meadows
Just outside York, The Paddock at Equine Meadows is a friendly 55+ community offering low-maintenance, ranch-style homes designed for comfort and convenience. The clubhouse serves as the social hub with fitness space, a library, and a community room for gatherings, while sidewalks and patios encourage neighborly connection. Homes range from 1,300 to 3,000 square feet with two to three bedrooms and upscale finishes, and COA services include lawn care and snow removal. Close to York’s shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, The Paddock delivers relaxed, easygoing retirement living in the heart of York County.
How Tax-Friendly is Pennsylvania for Retirees?
Pennsylvania is one of the most retirement-friendly states when it comes to income tax.
- Retirement Income: Social Security, military pensions, and income from 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts are not taxed by the state.
- Earned Income: PA has a low flat state income tax rate of 3.07% on earned income.
- Property Taxes: Property taxes are locally assessed, meaning they vary by county and school district, but state programs offer significant relief (Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion and Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, for example).
What is the general cost of living in these Central PA towns compared to the Northeast?
While the cost varies, the region generally boasts a significantly lower cost of living than major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C., and New Jersey. Lower housing prices, combined with no state tax on retirement income, make monthly budgets stretch considerably further.
Your Next Step
Finding your perfect lifestyle community requires careful research. As PCR has shown home seekers since 1996, the key is matching the right amenities with the right location. Whether you choose the historical resonance of Gettysburg, the peaceful retreat of Boiling Springs, or the walkable charm of Lititz, Central PA offers an array of options to build your ideal retirement.
Ready to explore lifestyle communities in these and other Central PA towns? Start your search at PrivateCommunities.com today!
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
