Thinking about living in Hershey, PA? Most people know the name for chocolate and theme-park fun, but day-to-day life here is about much more than tourism. If you are considering a move, this guide will help you understand what Hershey feels like as a real place to live, from housing patterns and walkability to jobs, parks, and everyday convenience. Let’s dive in.
What living in Hershey feels like
Hershey is a census-designated place in Derry Township with a 2020 population of 13,858, which gives it a smaller-town feel on paper. At the same time, it has a much bigger presence because of major employers, medical facilities, entertainment venues, and public amenities that serve the wider region. That mix gives you a community that feels lived-in and active year-round.
According to U.S. Census QuickFacts for Hershey, the owner-occupied housing rate is 53.7%, the median owner-occupied home value is $379,200, and the median gross rent is $1,268. Those numbers help frame Hershey as a place with both ownership and rental options, rather than a one-note housing market. If you are comparing central Pennsylvania communities, that balance can matter.
Township planning documents describe Derry Township as a blend of urban, suburban, and rural settings. In practical terms, that means you can find a more compact, walkable core in and around central Hershey, along with more spread-out residential areas farther out in the township. It is one reason Hershey appeals to buyers with different lifestyles and housing goals.
Beyond the chocolate brand
Yes, the chocolate identity is real, but it is only part of the story. Hershey has a distinctive local economy and institutional base that shapes daily life well beyond tourism. That makes it especially worth a closer look if you want a town with amenities that feel larger than its population.
Major local employers include The Hershey Company, which is headquartered in Hershey and operates three manufacturing plants in town. Another major anchor is Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which Penn State Health identifies as the only locally based academic medical center in central Pennsylvania and reported 11,676 total staff across the hospital and College of Medicine in FY2024.
That employment base matters if you are relocating for work or simply want a market supported by more than one industry. Hershey combines healthcare, manufacturing, education, and hospitality in a way that helps support local demand and year-round activity. For buyers and sellers, that kind of economic diversity can be an important sign of long-term stability.
Entertainment is part of daily life
Living in Hershey means being close to attractions and events that many towns of similar size simply do not have. The key difference is that these amenities are not just for tourists. As a local resident, you can enjoy them as part of your normal routine.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts highlights concerts, comedy, family entertainment, sporting events, and touring Broadway shows at venues including Hersheypark Stadium, GIANT Center, and Hershey Theatre. Hersheypark is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania and includes rides, a water park, and ZooAmerica. Hershey’s Chocolate World is free to enter and open year-round.
For you as a resident, this creates both benefits and trade-offs. On the plus side, you have unusual access to entertainment and seasonal energy close to home. On the other hand, a destination town can feel busier during peak tourism periods, so the exact location of a home within the broader area may shape your day-to-day experience.
Walkability and neighborhood patterns
One of the most appealing parts of Hershey is that it does not feel like a single-style suburb. The village core stands out as the most walkable area, with a historic grid of narrower, lower-speed streets and sidewalks. Township planning materials note that schools, restaurants, and neighborhood grocery stores are located close to denser residential areas, making it possible to reach some daily destinations on foot or by bike.
That pattern can be attractive if you value being near downtown-style amenities without moving to a larger city. It also creates a different rhythm of living than you may find in more auto-dependent suburban communities. If you want convenience and neighborhood connectivity, the core of Hershey deserves a close look.
Growth has expanded outward from traditional areas such as Hershey, Palmdale, and Swatara Station/Hockersville, according to the Derry Township Comprehensive Plan. As you move farther from the historic core, the development pattern becomes more spread out. That gives you more variety in lot size, layout, and housing style, depending on what fits your priorities.
Housing options in Hershey
Hershey offers a broader range of housing than many buyers expect. Local design standards allow detached houses, townhouses, apartment houses, commercial buildings, and vertically mixed-use buildings. In plain language, you are not limited to one type of neighborhood or home.
The Downtown Core Design Standards also reference traditional Colonial and Craftsman influences, which helps explain some of the area’s visual character. In the village core, you may find older homes with more architectural detail and established street patterns. Farther out, you are more likely to see newer mixed-use or suburban-style development.
That variety can be helpful whether you are looking for a primary residence, downsizing, or evaluating long-term value. A community with mixed housing types often gives buyers more flexibility by price point, maintenance level, and lifestyle. It also means sellers benefit from reaching different kinds of buyers depending on the property.
Parks and outdoor access
If outdoor access matters to you, Hershey stands out. Derry Township maintains 10 public parks totaling 250 acres, which is a strong parks footprint for a place of this size. These spaces help support everyday recreation, not just occasional outings.
A major feature is the Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail, a 13.5-mile route that runs through most of the township and connects parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas. That kind of trail network adds real quality-of-life value because it supports walking, biking, and getting around in a more connected way. It is a practical amenity, not just a scenic bonus.
You also have Hershey Gardens, with 23 acres of gardens, seasonal displays, and the Butterfly Atrium. Together, the parks system and outdoor destinations make Hershey feel more balanced as a full-time community. You get access to green space without giving up proximity to employers, shops, and entertainment.
Schools and community amenities
For everyday living, school access and community facilities often matter just as much as housing. The local public school system is the Derry Township School District, whose schools page lists Hershey Elementary School, Hershey Middle School, Hershey High School, Dauphin County Technical School, and Trojan Academy. If school options are part of your move, it is helpful to start with the district’s official information.
The same page also notes Milton Hershey School, a private boarding option for qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade who live on campus in Hershey with all costs covered. As with any school-related decision, you will want to review official eligibility and admissions details directly.
For recreation and daily wellness, the Derry Township Community Center supports fitness, gym, tennis, and aquatics programming. Amenities like this can make a big difference in how connected and functional a town feels after the move is done. They support the idea that Hershey is a real community first, even with its destination-town profile.
Why buyers consider Hershey
For buyers, Hershey’s biggest draw may be its combination of convenience and identity. You get a place with a recognizable name and major amenities, but it still functions like a small town in many ways. That balance can be hard to find.
You may want to consider Hershey if you are looking for:
- A small-town setting with a strong employment base
- Access to healthcare, entertainment, and recreation close to home
- A walkable historic core or more suburban housing farther out
- A housing market with varied property types
- A location in central Pennsylvania with year-round activity
From a practical real estate standpoint, buyer decisions here often come down to lifestyle fit. Some people prioritize proximity to the village core and trails, while others want a quieter residential pattern outside the busiest areas. Understanding those trade-offs can help you focus your search.
Why sellers benefit from Hershey’s identity
For sellers, Hershey’s dual identity can be a strength. It is widely recognized, but it also offers substance behind the name through jobs, parks, schools, and community infrastructure. That gives you more than one story to tell when marketing a home.
A well-positioned listing can speak to buyers relocating for work, buyers seeking everyday walkability, or buyers drawn to the area’s entertainment and recreation. The right strategy depends on the home’s location, condition, and style. In a market with older character homes and newer development, pricing and presentation should reflect the property’s actual fit in the local landscape.
That is where clear, data-informed guidance matters. If you are buying or selling in a place like Hershey, you want advice grounded in how people really use the area, not just broad marketing language.
If you are weighing a move to Hershey or thinking about how your property fits into today’s market, Wendell Hoover offers practical, local guidance backed by real transaction experience. Discover your property's investment potential and schedule a consultation.
FAQs
What is everyday life like in Hershey, PA?
- Everyday life in Hershey blends small-town living with access to major employers, entertainment venues, parks, trails, and community amenities throughout Derry Township.
What types of homes can you find in Hershey, PA?
- Hershey includes a mix of detached houses, townhouses, apartment-style housing, and mixed-use development, with older homes in the village core and newer suburban-style options farther out.
Is Hershey, PA walkable for daily errands and activities?
- The village core is the most walkable part of Hershey, with sidewalks and closer access to schools, restaurants, and some neighborhood services.
What parks and outdoor amenities are available in Hershey, PA?
- Derry Township maintains 10 public parks totaling 250 acres, and the 13.5-mile Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail connects parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas.
What schools serve residents in Hershey, PA?
- The local public system is Derry Township School District, which includes Hershey Elementary School, Hershey Middle School, Hershey High School, Dauphin County Technical School, and Trojan Academy.
Why do homebuyers consider moving to Hershey, PA?
- Buyers often consider Hershey for its mix of housing options, strong employment anchors, community amenities, outdoor access, and central Pennsylvania location.
