Moving to Elizabethtown, PA: Living in E-town Guide

Elizabethtown, or “E-town” as most people in South Central Pennsylvania call it, is a college town and railroad town in the northwest corner of Lancaster County. It has a walkable downtown along Market and High streets, a private liberal arts college a short walk from the square, an Amtrak station, and the 1,400-acre Masonic Village on the edge of town. Hershey, Harrisburg and Lancaster are all close.

E-town suits a wide mix of people: young families drawn by the schools, college staff, retirees, and commuters who split their week between Harrisburg and Lancaster or ride the train toward Philadelphia. The median age is only 34.9, younger than the county and state, and homes still cost less than the Lancaster County median.

Planning a move to Elizabethtown? Call our York PA & Maryland team at 717-844-5125 or get your price online.

Where Is Elizabethtown?

Elizabethtown is in northwestern Lancaster County, 18 miles southeast of Harrisburg. The borough’s officially accepted history says Captain Barnabas Hughes laid out the town in 1753 and named it for his wife, Elizabeth. It became a borough in 1827, and a railroad came through in the 1830s. Conoy Creek drains the borough and flows southwest to the Susquehanna River at Bainbridge.

Main routes and distances:

PA 283: a four-lane freeway touching the northeast edge of the borough, about 18 miles southeast to Lancaster and 18 miles northwest to Harrisburg
PA 230: runs through the center of town, 18 miles northwest to Harrisburg and 6 miles southeast to Mount Joy
PA 743: 10 miles north to Hershey and 8 miles south to Marietta
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): the main commercial airport for South Central Pennsylvania, about 9 miles southeast of Harrisburg in Lower Swatara Township

Elizabethtown also has an Amtrak station where all Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian trains stop, which makes it one of the easier small towns in the region for rail commuting. Red Rose Transit Route 18 runs to Lancaster.

Elizabethtown Population & Demographics

Elizabethtown is growing slowly and steadily. The borough had 11,639 residents at the 2020 Census, and the Census Bureau estimates 11,961 as of July 2025, a 2.9% increase. With the college in town, the median age of 34.9 is well below the Pennsylvania median of 40.9.

Measure	Elizabethtown	Pennsylvania	United States
Population (July 1, 2025 estimate)	11,961	—	341,784,857
Population (2020 Census)	11,639	—	331,449,281
Median age (ACS 2020–2024)	34.9	40.9	38.9
Residents 65 and older	16.7%	21.4%	18.9%
Median household income (2020–2024)	$76,105	$77,971	$80,734
Per capita income (2020–2024)	$40,293	—	$44,673
Bachelor’s degree or higher (25+)	31.4%	35.2%	35.7%
Owner-occupied housing rate	58.2%	—	65.2%
Mean travel time to work	22.3 min	26.3 min	26.4 min

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (Vintage 2025 estimates and 2020–2024 American Community Survey); median age, commute time and state median age from Census Reporter (ACS 2024 5-year).

The borough covers 2.65 square miles of land, and at the 2020 Census it had about 4,389 people per square mile, so most neighborhoods are close-set streets rather than big lots. The Census Bureau estimates 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, compared with 11.7% statewide.

Is Elizabethtown Safe?

The borough has its own police force, the Elizabethtown Borough Police Department, which is overseen by the elected mayor. The department posts news and community alerts on CrimeWatch. We did not find a recent, reliable crime data source for the borough that we felt comfortable quoting here. If safety is a top concern, call the department’s non-emergency line about a specific street and visit the area on a weeknight and a weekend. Homes just outside the borough in the surrounding townships may be covered by a different agency, so ask which one serves your address.

Cost of Living in Elizabethtown

Home Prices

The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in Elizabethtown at $238,700 (2020–2024). That is below the Lancaster metro median of $301,100, the Pennsylvania median of $254,500 and the U.S. median of $332,700.

Recent sales show a hotter market. Redfin reports that homes in the 17022 ZIP code, which includes the borough and nearby parts of the surrounding townships, sold for a median of $376,912 over the three months ending August 2026, up 10.9% from a year earlier. The median home sold in 14 days, and Redfin rates the market as very competitive. The gap between the survey value and recent sales is normal; the survey covers every owned home, while Redfin only counts homes that sold recently, many of them newer.

Rent

Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) in Elizabethtown is $1,174 a month, according to the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 survey. That is just under the Pennsylvania median of $1,209 and well below the U.S. median of $1,413. About 42% of occupied homes in the borough are rentals, so there is a real apartment and twin market, much of it close to downtown and the college.

Best Neighborhoods in Elizabethtown

Downtown and the Square

The blocks around Market Street and High Street are the heart of town. The Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce’s dining guide lists coffee shops, a pâtisserie, a bar and grille and other local spots along these two streets. Homes here are mostly older, and many are close together. This area suits people who want to walk to dinner, the library or a weekend event. Street parking can be tight, so ask about off-street spots before you sign.

Near Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College sits on a 204-acre campus a short walk from downtown. Streets near campus mix faculty homes, family houses and student rentals. This area suits college staff, graduate students and anyone who likes having concerts, lectures and games nearby. If you are renting, look closely at lease dates, since the student calendar drives demand in late summer.

The Surrounding Townships

The Elizabethtown Area School District also serves Conoy and West Donegal townships and the north and west parts of Mount Joy Township. These areas mix farmland with newer subdivisions. They suit buyers who want a bigger yard and a garage while keeping an E-town address and schools. Expect to drive for most errands.

Weather & Climate

Elizabethtown has a hot-summer humid continental climate. Average monthly temperatures range from about 30.1°F in January to 74.9°F in July, and the plant hardiness zone is 6b. The nearest long-term weather station, in Lancaster, records 1991–2020 averages of 39.9°F highs and 22.2°F lows in January and 87.0°F highs and 64.7°F lows in July, with about 44.2 inches of precipitation and 21.4 inches of snow a year.

The easiest moving months are late April through early June and September through October. July and August moves work fine with an early start. Snow falls mostly from December through March, so winter movers should hold a backup date.

Things to Do in Elizabethtown

Masonic Village Farm Market

The Masonic Village Farm Market is open to the public and sells local fruits, vegetables and bedding plants along with baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream. From May through December it is open Thursday through Sunday, with shorter Friday and Saturday hours from January through April. The market also has pick-your-own and harvest seasons and the Orchard View Café.

Conewago Recreation Trail

This 5-mile Lancaster County trail follows the former Cornwall-Lebanon rail line between Route 230 and the Lebanon County line, northwest of Elizabethtown. It runs along Conewago Creek through farmland and woods and connects to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail. It is open dawn to dusk for walkers, bikers and horseback riders, and leashed dogs are welcome.

The Elizabethtown Fair

Established in 1973, the Elizabethtown Fair is one of Pennsylvania’s 108 agricultural fairs. Every August it brings animal and agricultural exhibits, a free petting zoo, free nightly entertainment, contests, rides and plenty of food. Many local civic groups and churches use it as their main fundraiser, so it is a good way to meet neighbors.

Elizabethtown College Campus

Chartered in 1899 by members of the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College brings sports, performances and lectures to town. The campus has 81 clubs and organizations and an 80,000-plus square foot sports, fitness and well-being center, and the High Library holds more than 134,000 volumes.

Day Trips to Hershey

Hershey is 10 miles north on PA 743, which puts its attractions, restaurants and events within an easy drive. Lancaster’s downtown and Harrisburg’s riverfront are both about 18 miles away on PA 283.

Where to Eat in Elizabethtown

Moo-Duck Brewery

Moo-Duck Brewery at 79 S. Wilson Ave. brews small batches on a hand-built system and pours 12 taps of seasonal, unfiltered beer, from light lagers to chocolate stout. Owner Mike started as a homebrewer, and co-owner Kristen runs the food side. The house motto is “No TVs. Conversation Welcome.” It is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Lucky Ducks Bar & Grille

Lucky Ducks at 45 N. Market St. is an American bar and grille in the middle of downtown. The menu covers burgers, seafood, steaks, pasta, sandwiches and salads, with fish tacos, the Trifecta sandwich, black bean chicken chili and jumbo lump crab cakes among the favorites. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Orchard View Café at the Masonic Village Farm Market

The Orchard View Café at the Masonic Village Farm Market is open seasonally, from weekends in May through Thursday-to-Sunday hours from June through October, and it sits right next to the market’s baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream. Check the market’s website for current café days and hours before you go.

Jobs & Economy

Elizabethtown has a surprisingly large job base for its size. Major local employers include the Masonic Village, Elizabethtown College, a large Mars chocolate plant, Nordstrom’s East Coast fulfillment center, Continental Press and White Oak Mills. On the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s list of Lancaster County’s top 50 employers (first quarter of 2026), Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge ranks ninth and Nordstrom ranks 13th.

Countywide, the biggest employers include Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster County government, Giant Food Stores, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories and Dart Container. The borough’s mean commute is only about 22 minutes, and the Amtrak station adds another option for Harrisburg and points east.

Schools in Elizabethtown

The Elizabethtown Area School District serves the borough plus Conoy and West Donegal townships and parts of Mount Joy Township. GreatSchools lists about 3,532 students in five schools, including Bear Creek School, Elizabethtown Area Middle School and Elizabethtown Area Senior High School. Elizabethtown Area High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023.

Elizabethtown College, a private liberal arts college, is right in town. Harrisburg and Lancaster add more options, including community colleges and larger universities, within about 18 miles.

Elizabethtown Quick Facts

County	Lancaster County
Municipality type	Borough (incorporated 1827)
Population	11,961 (July 2025 estimate); 11,639 (2020 Census)
ZIP code	17022
Area codes	717 and 223
Land area	2.65 square miles
Main roads	PA 283, PA 230, PA 241, PA 743
Train	Amtrak Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian
School district	Elizabethtown Area School District
Nearest major airport	Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
Nickname	E-town

Moving to Elizabethtown: Tips From Our Crew

Plan the truck spot downtown. Market and High streets are busy, and many older homes have no driveway. Tell us about on-street parking, alleys and rear entrances so we can plan where the truck goes. If you need to reserve curb space, ask the borough what it requires before moving day.
Watch the college calendar. Move-in and move-out weekends at Elizabethtown College bring extra traffic and rental turnover near campus. If you are moving close to the college in late August or May, book early.
Measure twins and older homes. Many downtown houses have narrow, turning stairways and small doorways. Measure large furniture ahead of time so our crew can plan to take pieces apart.
Use PA 283 for bigger trips. For moves to or from Harrisburg or Lancaster, the freeway is usually faster than PA 230 through town. Midday starts tend to miss commuter traffic.
Retirement community moves need planning. If you or a parent is moving into a senior living community, ask about elevator reservations, loading areas and move-in windows. We can bring a certificate of insurance at no charge.
Downsize before you move. Moving from a family house to an apartment or senior community often means a lot of extra furniture. Our junk removal service can clear out what you are not taking.
Book early for August. Between the fair, the college and the end of summer, August is a busy month. Two to four weeks of notice gives you the best choice of dates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Elizabethtown

How much do movers cost in Elizabethtown, PA?

It depends on the size of the home, the distance, stairs, parking and how much packing you want. A downtown apartment and a four-bedroom house in West Donegal Township are very different jobs. For a real number, get a free quote: call 717-844-5125, and an owner will call you back within 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Is Elizabethtown, PA a good place to live?

Many people like E-town for its walkable downtown, college events, Amtrak station and location between Harrisburg, Hershey and Lancaster. The median home value is below the county and state medians, though recent sales in the 17022 ZIP code have climbed quickly. Visit on a weekday and a weekend to get a feel for it.

Does Elizabethtown have a train station?

Yes. Elizabethtown’s Amtrak station is served by all Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian trains, which run toward Harrisburg to the west and Lancaster and Philadelphia to the east. Red Rose Transit Route 18 also runs buses between Elizabethtown and Lancaster.

What school district is Elizabethtown in?

The borough is served by the Elizabethtown Area School District, which also covers Conoy and West Donegal townships and parts of Mount Joy Township. GreatSchools lists about 3,532 students in five schools. The high school was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023.

Do you handle long-distance moves from Elizabethtown?

Yes. For long-distance moves, you get a binding estimate, so the price does not change after you book. Your belongings travel on your own dedicated truck with the same W-2 crew door to door, and you get a guaranteed delivery date. There is never a rescheduling fee, and military families get 5% off.

Move to Elizabethtown With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family owned since 2015, and owners Matthew Treharn and Amber Hallaman still stand behind every job. Our crews are background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employees, never subcontractors. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60 to 90 days. We have 850+ Google reviews across five locations.

From downtown twins to township homes and senior community apartments, our Elizabethtown movers handle local moves, packing and unpacking, storage, piano and safe moving and office moves. Certificates of insurance are free. Call our York team at 717-844-5125 or visit our Elizabethtown moving page.

Get My Price

Moving to Elizabethtown, PA: Living in Elizabethtown Guide