CUMBERLAND COUNTY

County Offices
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle 717-240-6100
www.ccpa.net

Chamber of Commerce
4211 Trindle Road
Camp Hill 717-761-0702
www.wschamber.org

Taking in the majority of the region known as the West Shore, Cumberland County nestles along the western shoreline of the Susquehanna River. Serving as one of the transportation hubs for the East Coast region, this unified community encompasses a variety of distinctive municipalities to provide a home to more than 160,000 residents. New residents will find well-developed boroughs that provide cultural, educational, and commercial amenities to the surrounding townships and rural villages.

Planning officials continue to try to find a balance between rural and urban land use as residential, commercial, and industrial development sprawls over Cumberland County’s eastern quadrant and pushes to the west. At this point, development trends are still consistent with those of the 1990s. Land-rich townships on the eastern side of the county continue to welcome the lion’s share of new homes, including Hampden, Silver Spring, Upper Allen, North Middleton, and East Pennsboro. Slower but steady growth is evident to the agricultural west, where the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and the whir of Amish buggies can still be heard.

The federal government is the largest employer in Cumberland County, operating major installments like the Naval Support Activity operation in Hampden Township. Popularly known as the “Navy Depot” by those who live and work in this area, the NSA employs more than 5,000 people—and approximately 85 percent of them are civilians. In spite of cutbacks over the years, NSA has played an important role in underlining Cumberland County’s enviably healthy economy. Many other Cumberland County residents receive paychecks from federal and state agencies because of the close proximity of other military installations and the state capital of Harrisburg. Diversifying the economy is a cross-section of businesses and companies including several corporate headquarters.

Services
Newcomers to Cumberland County can look forward to outstanding educational opportunities in local public and private schools as well as institutions of higher education. Carlisle is home to the highly respected Dickinson College, known for its exceptional programs, cultural enrichment, and community involvement by student volunteers. Several other colleges and universities are available within a reasonable commute, including Shippensburg University; Capitol College, the merger of Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Schuylkill; Central Pennsylvania College; and the oldest law school in Pennsylvania, Dickinson School of Law. Other options include Messiah College, Penn State Harrisburg, and Wilson College. The Harrisburg Area Community College provides campuses in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Gettysburg.

Cumberland County residents enjoy easy access to well-respected, full-service hospitals and convenient health centers. The Carlisle Regional Medical Center in Carlisle and Holy Spirit Hospital in East Pennsboro Township just outside Camp Hill anchor a complete network of healthcare services and facilities. Health Management Associates, owner of Carlisle Regional Medical Center, will be building a state-of-the-art hospital campus in South Middleton Township by 2005. HMA continually introduces advanced services to ensure the latest in medical, surgical, and technological breakthroughs. Satellite facilities throughout the area include the Gilmore B. Seavers Medical Center in Shippensburg.

Holy Spirit Hospital provides a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The Holy Spirit Health System also provides family health centers throughout the area, a pediatrics practice, a women’s health center, and numerous outpatient clinics. Over the decades, Holy Spirit Hospital has grown from a single hospital to a comprehensive health system that employs 2,300 and features highly acclaimed resources like the four-story Ortenzio Heart Center. Seidle Hospital in Mechanicsburg is a leading provider of healthcare services to the West Shore area. The Frederickson Outpatient Center is another convenient resource, providing outpatient surgery and clinical and diagnostic testing areas to maximize the quality care available close to home.

Lifestyle
Cumberland County residents enjoy many of the pleasures of country living without sacrificing easy access to first-rate cultural and intellectual advantages. Dickinson College in Carlisle is well known for its performing arts events, fine arts gallery, and high-caliber lecture series. Several theaters are convenient to home, including Allenberry Playhouse east of Boiling Springs, Totem Pole Playhouse in Franklin County, Gretna Theatre in Lebanon County, and the nearby live stage performances in Harrisburg. The renovation of an Art Deco 1930’s movie house, Carlisle Theater, features live performances and films. Carlisle Arts Learning Center nestles in the historic district in a 1912 building, encouraging exploration and appreciation of the visual arts.

Four distinct seasons and the panoramic beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside enhance the opportunities for outdoor adventure and recreation. Fish and boating are both popular sports, although Carlisle is synonymous with car shows. Auto enthusiasts from around the world flock to this area several times each year when the fairgrounds overflow with the “featured vehicles” from Corvettes to pickups. Since its founding in 1974, the car show tradition has grown in size and prestige. One of the nation’s largest Corvette gatherings occurs each August, attracting more than 5,000 Corvettes and more than 65,000 attendees.

Throughout Cumberland County, quality commercial development is keeping pace with residential expansion, transforming yesterday’s rural areas into suburban havens. Widespread revitalization and renovation of malls and shopping centers include Camp Hill Mall, Carlisle Commons, and The Point at Carlisle Plaza. Popular retailers and national chain stores are finding new markets in growing townships throughout the area, adding to the economic vitality of small shopping plazas or anchoring new commercial corridors. Many of the Interstate 81 interchanges throughout the county are popular locations for commercial and industrial expansion. Communities throughout the county benefit from a close-knit spirit and a family-oriented lifestyle that focuses strongly on school and church activities. From its unique attractions and impressive amenities to the charm of a rural lifestyle, Cumberland County excels in quality of life.

Camp Hill
Municipal Offices
717-737-3456
www.camphillborough.com

Chamber of Commerce
717-761-0702
www.wschamber.org

Ideally located just four miles west of Harrisburg, Camp Hill Borough serves as the center of the West Shore region and the location of the regional chamber of commerce. The community is also home to one of the area’s most popular shopping malls, recently renovated for added appeal. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Maurice K Goddard Trail that meanders through the borough and provides opportunities for hiking and biking just beyond the front door step. Many are drawn to Camp Hill for its tree-shaded streets, enhanced by the lush backdrop of 65 acres of open space and park. The largest of the parks is Siebert, which offers a swimming pool, a playground, tennis courts, and sports facilities from fields to courts and tracks. Many residents also enjoy passive activities like strolling, bird watching, and nature study. One of the unique features in Camp Hill is the space for community gardens, and many residents have maintained the same plot for years.

Carlisle
Municipal Offices
717-249-4422
www.carlislepa.org

Chamber of Commerce
717-243-4515
www.carlislechamber.org

Surrounded by sprawling townships like North and South Middleton, West Pennsboro, and Dickinson, the Borough of Carlisle takes pride in offering an idyllic hometown. The thriving downtown district, strong neighborhoods, an attractive living environment, and the preservation of historic buildings are just a few of the advantages in Carlisle. Residents enjoy abundant recreational opportunities within and around the borough as well as celebration of the arts and culture. Newcomers will find a small-town spirit and amenities associated with a larger city in Carlisle, home to Dickinson College, a popular antiques district, Victorian architecture, wonderful museums, famous festivals, and the oldest Army Post in the nation. In fact, the Carlisle Barracks were first developed by George Washington in the 1700s. A popular farmers market, lush parks, natural areas, and a wide selection of recreational programs designed to appeal to all age groups add to the quality of life.

East Pennsboro
Municipal Offices
717-732-0711
www.eastpennsboro.net

Chamber of Commerce
717-761-0702
www.wschamber.org

The rapidly growing East Pennsboro Township covers approximately 12 square miles in the northeastern corner of Cumberland County. Bordered by the panoramic Blue Mountains and the rolling Susquehanna River, the township is home to nearly 20,000 and serves as one of the largest municipalities in Cumberland County. This area provides an important transportation and healthcare center, the latter anchored by Holy Spirit Hospital. Several leading companies contribute to a healthy and growing local economy and provide opportunities for employment close to home. Known for many years as a community that grew up around the Enola Rail Yard, modern East Pennsboro serves as a suburb of Harrisburg. Well-kept older neighborhoods harmonize with beautiful new construction in developments graced by access to lush parks and recreational amenities.

Hampden
Municipal Offices
717-761-0119
www.hampdentownship.us

Chamber of Commerce
717-243-4515
www.carlislechamber.org

The rapidly expanding Hampden Township area is located six miles west of Harrisburg in the Greater Mechanicsburg area. Distinguished as Cumberland County’s most densely populated and fastest-growing municipality, the township is also home to a Naval installation that serves as one of the region’s largest employers. Residents enjoy suburban conveniences and lush parks that include the 32-acre Hampden Park with a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, sports courts and fields, a picnic pavilion, a paved walking trail, and several playgrounds. The Creekview Recreation Area covers 36 acres and adds a wide variety of sports facilities including a wheelchair fitness course and a sledding area. Fine residential developments and modern commercial conveniences continue to attract newcomers to this attractive area.

Lower Allen
Municipal Offices
717-975-7575
www.latwp.org

Chamber of Commerce
717-761-0702
www.wschamber.org

Just five miles southwest of the capital city of Harrisburg, Lower Allen Township nestles within the Greater Camp Hill area. The township is home to the flourishing Rossmoyne Business Center and is experiencing rapid growth in all sectors. The township enjoys the natural beauty and recreational site of Yellow Breeches Creek along its southern border, a stream that is renowned for its trout fishing. Natural resources and a superb location ensure that the trend toward development will continue and even accelerate. Limestone deposits and acres of fertile land are only minutes away from the Susquehanna River and downtown Harrisburg. Originally settled by Scottish-Irish farmers, this area boasts some of the finest residential and retail developments in the West Shore region. In addition to community parks and local recreational facilities, this area is surrounded by golf courses, Ski Roundtop, Pinchot State Park, Hershey family attractions, and two speedways.

Mechanicsburg, Silver Spring, Upper Allen
Municipal Offices
Mechanicsburg Borough
717-691-3310
www.mechanicsburgborough.org
Silver Spring Township
717-766-0178
www.sstwp.org
Upper Allen Township
717-766-0756
www.uatwp.org

Chamber of Commerce
717-796-0811
www.mechanicsburgchamber.org

Historic and charming, Mechanicsburg Borough serves as a long-established community surrounded by rapidly growing townships like Silver Spring and Upper Allen. In fact, the borough celebrated its 175th anniversary of incorporation in April of 2003. Festivities included the dedication of the new municipal center, opening a new page of history in the Mechanicsburg area. Located eight miles west of the capital city of Harrisburg, the borough is best known for one of the largest one-day street fairs on the entire East Coast—Jubilee Day. The borough’s Victorian splendor and historic sites provides a delightful contrast to the subdivisions and country manors that dot the townships. Experiencing residential and commercial growth, Upper Allen Township is distinguished as the home of the “Book of the Month Club.” Silver Spring Township still offers a primarily rural atmosphere in spite of impressive growth and commercial attractions like Silver Spring Commons.

Mount Holly Springs, South Middleton
Municipal Offices
Mount Holly Springs Borough
717-486-7613
www.mhsboro.com
South Middleton Township
717-258-5324
www.smiddleton.com

Chamber of Commerce
717-761-0702
www.wschamber.org

Providing a small-town atmosphere and tree-shaded neighborhoods, the small Borough of Mount Holly Springs is completely surrounded by South Middleton Township. This area borders Carlisle Borough to the north, providing quick and easy access to first-rate cultural and educational resources that range from Dickinson College events to a local arts center and live stage productions. To the south lie York and Adams counties, expanding the opportunities for nationally acclaimed historic attractions, expanded shopping, and cultural amenities. One of the unique features of South Middleton Township is a memorial garden where residents can plant a tree or other greenery and add a memorial plaque if desired. The central feature of the garden is a towering pine tree surrounded by landscaped plantings that honor the township veterans. Sprawling over 52 square miles, the township still blends a rural setting with attractive residential development that includes opportunities for horse properties, small farms, and generous acreage.

New Cumberland
Municipal Offices
717-774-0404
www.newcumberlandborough.com

Chamber of Commerce
717-761-0702
www.wschamber.org

Complete in less than two square miles, New Cumberland is nevertheless the largest of the boroughs in the West Shore region. To the east lie the Susquehanna River and Dauphin County line, while Yellow Breeches Creek and York County stretch to the south and Lower Allen Township to the west. Approximately 8,000 residents enjoy a close-knit hometown atmosphere in this community just two miles southwest of Harrisburg. The largest of the borough’s parks is the Joe Carr Complex along Boiling Springs Road, where 22 sprawling acres offer walking trails, a pavilion stage, and several sports fields. Yellow Breeches Creek is well known for its trout fishing, while the river is ideal for anglers and boaters. Single-family homes and multi-family developments cover the majority of the borough’s available land, with very limited commercial development. Each fall, New Cumberland Borough celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage and draws regional visitors to its wonderful Apple Festival.

Shippensburg
Municipal Offices
Shippensburg Borough
717-532-2147
www.borough.shippensburg.pa.us
Shippensburg Township
717-532-7137
www.ccpa.net/2353/Shippensburg-Township

Chamber of Commerce
717-532-5509
www.shippensburg.org

Straddling the border between Franklin and Cumberland counties, the Borough of Shippensburg and the adjoining Shippensburg Township are nestled in the scenic Cumberland Valley. Southhampton is another neighboring township that adds to the possibilities for country manors and residential development near the quaint borough. Approximately three-quarters of the borough’s population reside in Cumberland County. The availability of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 81 enhance regional travel, including leading metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington DC. The community is justly proud of its inclusion in Norman Crampton’s book, 100 Best Small Towns in America. As charming as it is historic, the Shippensburg area blends beautiful architecture with industry, agriculture, and education. This attractive college town is home to Shippensburg University, a bustling downtown district, and colorful annual events from the Corn Festival to the Shippensburg Community Fair.