Moving to Gettysburg, PA: Living in Gettysburg Guide

Gettysburg is one of the most famous small towns in America. The three-day battle fought here in July 1863 was the Civil War’s bloodiest, and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was delivered at the national cemetery that November. Today the Adams County seat is a working town wrapped around a national military park, with a college, a seminary, a historic downtown and a steady flow of visitors.

Gettysburg suits people who love history and a walkable town center: Gettysburg College faculty and staff, hospital workers, retirees, and remote workers who want small-town life within reach of Harrisburg, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. It is also growing. The Census Bureau estimates the borough’s population rose 17.7% between 2020 and 2025.

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

Where Is Gettysburg?

Gettysburg sits near the intersection of U.S. 15 and U.S. 30 in south-central Pennsylvania, just north of the Maryland line. The town grew from a tavern Samuel Gettys set up at a crossroads in 1760; his son James laid out 220 lots in 1786, and the Pennsylvania Legislature made Gettysburg the seat of the new Adams County in 1800.

Many roads radiate from the town square, which gives Gettysburg easy access in almost every direction. Approximate distances:

Hanover, PA: 14 miles
Chambersburg, PA: 25 miles west on U.S. 30
Carlisle, PA: 27 miles
York, PA: 30 miles east on U.S. 30 (the Lincoln Highway)
Frederick and Hagerstown, MD: 32 miles
Harrisburg, PA: 37 miles
Baltimore, MD: 55 miles
Washington, D.C.: 75 miles

Gettysburg Regional Airport, a small general aviation field, is 2 miles west of town in Cumberland Township. For airline service, Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is about 9 miles southeast of Harrisburg. The York Adams Transportation Authority runs public transportation in Adams County, including the local Freedom Transit bus system.

The town has long been a transportation crossroads. The Gettysburg Railroad reached Hanover in 1858, and the Gettysburg Railroad Station opened a year later. Passenger trains stopped in 1942, but the station was restored in 2006. U.S. 30 through downtown is part of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental U.S. highway.

Gettysburg Population & Demographics

The borough had 7,106 residents at the 2020 Census, and the Census Bureau estimates 8,365 as of July 2025. With Gettysburg College and the seminary in town, it is by far the youngest of the region’s small towns: the median age is just 22.3. The Census Bureau counts a high share of residents with college degrees and a lot of people who walk to work.

Measure	Gettysburg	Pennsylvania	United States
Population (July 1, 2025 estimate)	8,365	—	341,784,857
Population (2020 Census)	7,106	—	331,449,281
Median age (ACS 2020–2024)	22.3	40.9	38.9
Residents 65 and older	12.7%	21.4%	18.9%
Median household income (2020–2024)	$54,365	$77,971	$80,734
Per capita income (2020–2024)	$36,093	—	$44,673
Bachelor’s degree or higher (25+)	44.0%	35.2%	35.7%
Owner-occupied homes	46.7%	—	65.2%
Mean travel time to work	16.4 min	26.3 min	26.4 min

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

The college shapes several of these numbers. Household income looks low partly because of student households, and the Census Bureau’s 14.1% poverty rate for the borough should be read the same way. About 32% of working residents walk to work, and the average commute is just over 16 minutes. The borough is compact, with 1.66 square miles of land and about 4,281 people per square mile.

Is Gettysburg Safe?

The Gettysburg Borough Police Department patrols the borough and offers online reporting for minor crimes through the borough website. We did not find a recent, reliable crime data source for the borough that we felt comfortable quoting. If you have questions about a specific street, call the department’s non-emergency line and visit at different times of day. Homes outside the borough in Cumberland, Straban and other townships are served by other agencies.

Cost of Living in Gettysburg

Home Prices

The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in the borough at $241,500 (2020–2024). That is below the Gettysburg metro (Adams County) median of $268,500, the Pennsylvania median of $254,500 and the U.S. median of $332,700.

Recent sales run higher. Redfin reports that homes in the 17325 ZIP code, which covers the borough and a large area of the surrounding townships, sold for a median of $400,000 over the three months ending August 2026, up 1.6% from a year earlier. Homes typically get about three offers and sell in around 30 days, and Redfin rates the market as somewhat competitive, a bit calmer than many nearby towns.

Rent

Gettysburg is a renter’s town: about 53% of occupied homes are rented. The Census Bureau puts median gross rent (rent plus utilities) at $1,001 a month for 2020–2024, below the Pennsylvania median of $1,209 and the U.S. median of $1,413. Demand near the college follows the academic calendar, so start your search early if you want a summer or August lease.

Best Neighborhoods in Gettysburg

Downtown and Lincoln Square

The blocks around Lincoln Square, where U.S. 30 becomes York Street to the east and Chambersburg Street to the west, hold the town’s oldest buildings, shops, taverns and museums. Living downtown suits people who want to walk everywhere and do not mind visitors on the sidewalks, especially in summer. Expect older brick homes, apartments above storefronts and limited parking.

Near Gettysburg College and the Seminary

Gettysburg College is just steps from downtown, and the United Lutheran Seminary campus sits on Seminary Ridge. The surrounding streets mix faculty homes, family houses and student rentals. This area suits college and seminary employees and anyone who likes campus concerts, lectures and the Majestic Theater nearby. Renters should watch lease dates tied to the school year.

Cumberland and Straban Townships

Much of the Gettysburg area’s housing is outside the borough. Cumberland Township, to the south and west, holds most of the battlefield, the Eisenhower farm and James Gettys Elementary School. Straban Township, to the northeast, is home to Gettysburg Area High School. These areas suit buyers who want a yard, a garage and a Gettysburg address, and who plan to drive into town.

Weather & Climate

Gettysburg has hot, humid summers and cool winters. Weather normals from the Eisenhower National Historic Site station (1991–2020) show a January average high of 39.6°F and low of 20.8°F, and a July average high of 86.2°F and low of 62.8°F. June is the wettest month at 4.74 inches. The monthly snowfall normals add up to roughly 21.5 inches a year, with February the snowiest month at 11.2 inches.

Records show the extremes: 104°F on July 16, 1988, and −25°F on January 21, 1994. For moving, April through early June and September through October are the most comfortable. Keep in mind that late spring, summer and fall weekends are also peak tourist seasons downtown.

Things to Do in Gettysburg

Gettysburg National Military Park

The battlefield surrounds the town, and the park’s Museum and Visitor Center is the place to start. Park rangers run summer programs at key sites, living history demonstrations bring the battle to life, and visitors can even stay in three historic houses on the battlefield. Little Round Top, Cemetery Ridge and Culp’s Hill are all part of the park.

Gettysburg National Cemetery

The national cemetery, inside the borough limits, is the final resting place for more than 6,000 United States soldiers and veterans and the site of Lincoln’s 1863 address. It is a quiet place for a walk, especially during special illumination events.

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Next to the battlefield, this site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who used it as a weekend retreat and a place to meet world leaders. Home tours run on a posted schedule, and the park hosts a World War II Weekend each September.

Seminary Ridge Museum & Education Center

Located on Seminary Ridge along the national park’s auto tour route, this museum covers Gettysburg’s first day of fighting, one of the battlefield’s largest hospitals and the dilemmas that split the nation, all inside a building that was part of the battle. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Majestic Theater

Billed as “the grandest small-town theater in America,” the Majestic hosts films, live performances and arts broadcasts year-round. Its fall 2026 calendar includes classic Halloween films and a Studio Ghibli series.

Where to Eat in Gettysburg

Dobbin House Tavern

Built in 1776, the Dobbin House at 89 Steinwehr Avenue is one of Gettysburg’s oldest buildings. The Springhouse Tavern serves a casual menu daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with first-come seating, and the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms serve a dinner menu every evening. Reserve about a week ahead for the dining rooms.

Garryowen Irish Pub

Garryowen, at 126 Chambersburg Street, describes itself as Gettysburg’s only Irish-owned pub. It serves traditional Irish fare and more than 200 whiskies, with live music on weekends.

Lincoln Diner

A local insider guide published in March 2026 calls the Lincoln Diner a downtown staple that has served locals, tourists and college students for more than 60 years. It is a dependable, casual spot for a meal after a long day of unpacking.

Jobs & Economy

Tourism is a big part of the local economy, from museums and tours to lodging and restaurants. The largest employers, though, are the college and the hospital. On the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s list of Adams County’s top 50 employers (first quarter of 2026), Gettysburg College ranks first and The Gettysburg Hospital ranks second, followed by the federal government, Packaging Corporation of America, Utz Quality Foods, Farm Fresh Turkey Products, Knouse Foods and WellSpan Medical Group.

Adams County is also fruit country, and food processors such as Knouse Foods, Mott’s and Rice Fruit Company appear on the top-50 list. The Gettysburg Area School District, Adams County government and Cross Keys Village are also major employers.

Schools in Gettysburg

The Gettysburg Area School District has about 2,836 students in five schools, according to GreatSchools: James Gettys Elementary, Franklin Township Elementary and Lincoln Elementary; Gettysburg Area Middle School; and Gettysburg Area High School. Lincoln Elementary and the middle school are in the borough, the high school is in Straban Township, and James Gettys Elementary is in Cumberland Township. Parts of the borough are zoned to Lincoln, others to James Gettys, and some families get a choice.

For higher education, Gettysburg College was founded in 1832 and enrolls about 2,200 students from more than 40 states and 60 countries. Harrisburg Area Community College has a Gettysburg campus in Cumberland Township, and the United Lutheran Seminary has a campus here as well.

Gettysburg Quick Facts

County	Adams County (county seat)
Municipality type	Borough
Population	8,365 (July 2025 estimate); 7,106 (2020 Census)
ZIP code	17325
Area code	717
Land area	1.66 square miles
Main roads	U.S. 15, U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway)
School district	Gettysburg Area School District
Colleges	Gettysburg College, HACC Gettysburg, United Lutheran Seminary
Local airport	Gettysburg Regional Airport (general aviation)
Nearest major airport	Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

Moving to Gettysburg: Tips From Our Crew

Plan around tourist season. Summer and fall weekends, and the days around the battle anniversary in early July, bring heavy visitor traffic downtown. A weekday move, started early, is usually far easier.
Ask about truck parking downtown. Many homes and apartments around Lincoln Square have no driveway and sit on busy streets. Ask the borough what is required to reserve curb space for a moving truck, and tell us about alleys or rear entrances.
Watch the college calendar. Move-in and move-out weekends at Gettysburg College bring extra traffic and rental turnover on the north side of town. Avoid those dates if you can.
Measure historic homes. Older brick houses often have steep, narrow staircases and small doorways. Measure large furniture before moving day so our crew can plan to take pieces apart or use another entry.
Know which township you are in. A Gettysburg address can be in the borough or in Cumberland, Straban or another township. Taxes, trash service and school assignments differ, so confirm before you set up services.
Have a February backup date. February averages more than 11 inches of snow at the Eisenhower station. For a winter move, keep a second date in mind and clear walkways ahead of time.
Book early for long-distance moves. If you are coming from Maryland, Virginia, D.C. or farther, reserve your date well ahead, especially for summer, so your dedicated truck and crew are locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Gettysburg

How much do movers cost in Gettysburg, PA?

It depends on the size of the home, the distance, stairs, parking and how much packing you want. A downtown apartment near Lincoln Square and a four-bedroom house in Cumberland 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 Gettysburg a good place to live?

Many people love Gettysburg for its history, walkable downtown, college events and access to Harrisburg, Baltimore and Washington. The trade-off is tourist traffic in busy seasons. Home values in the borough are below the county and state medians, and the local market is only somewhat competitive, so buyers have a bit more room to negotiate than in some nearby towns.

How far is Gettysburg from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore?

Gettysburg is about 75 miles from Washington, D.C., and about 55 miles from Baltimore. Harrisburg is 37 miles away, Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, are about 32 miles, and York is 30 miles east on U.S. 30.

What school district serves Gettysburg?

The Gettysburg Area School District serves the borough and surrounding townships, with about 2,836 students in five schools according to GreatSchools. Everyone attends the same middle and high school, but elementary assignments vary by address, so check with the district before you buy.

Do you handle long-distance moves to or from Gettysburg?

Yes. For long-distance moves, you get a binding estimate, so the price does not change after you book. Your belongings ride 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 Gettysburg 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 historic downtown homes to township houses near the battlefield, our Gettysburg movers handle local moves, packing and unpacking, piano and safe moving, storage and office moves. Certificates of insurance are free. Call our York team at 717-844-5125 or visit our Gettysburg moving page.

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