$381,607Average Value$190Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A rural but well-connected township along two Interstates
Although most of Bethel is less than 10 miles from Downtown Lebanon, there are few traces of the city to be found in this rural township. A network of winding country roads and highways weave through the miles of farmland, set against the backdrop of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. “Probably the most notable thing about Bethel is that it’s along Interstate 78, and Interstate 81 is up there, too. So it’s easy to get around, and there’s a lot of trucking traffic that goes through that way,” says Kristan Reed, a Lebanon County native and Realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate. “Really, it’s the land that usually attracts people. Hunting is also a huge deal up there, because it’s close to the State Game Lands.” Although there isn’t much in Bethel aside from Interstates, farmland and forested preserves, the township also curves around Fredericksburg. The small borough is essentially the area’s town center, where a handful of businesses and community buildings are located.
If you're a nature lover, Bethel home buyers can explore scenic private lake communities.
The streets of Fredericksburg have older brick homes dating back to the late 1800s in Bethel.
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Cabins near hunting lands and new construction homes close to town
Rolling hills punctuated by forests and farms comprise Bethel, with most of its homes clustered around the borough of Fredericksburg and its central thoroughfares. New construction homes with farmhouse flairs, such as barn-style panel siding, have cropped up in neat subdivisions, some of which are 55-plus communities. Older ranch-style, split-level and bi-level homes from the 1970s and ‘80s as well as some late 20th century new traditional houses tend to occupy larger lots near the Pennsylvania and U.S. Highways. Most single-family homes are priced from $150,000 to $600,000, with some secluded cabins and cottages near the mountains priced at the lower end of this range. On the other hand, farmhouses on multiple acres of land list for up to $1 million.
Mountain log cabins are perfect for seclusion and privacy in Bethel with easy access to trails.
New construction homes are being built in communities closer to northern Lebanon in Bethel.
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Northern Lebanon Secondary School boasts a robust agricultural center
Bethel is part of the Northern Lebanon School District, which Niche rates an overall C grade. Northern Lebanon Elementary opened in the 2023 school year, replacing four smaller elementary schools with one consolidated, state-of-the-art campus. The elementary school serves students in kindergarten through the sixth grade, while grades seven through 12 attend Northern Lebanon Secondary School. The combined middle and high school features an agricultural center that is overseen by the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter. Students in FFA host annual plant sales, compete in statewide conferences and participate in the Lebanon Area Fair animal shows and exhibitions. Both schools are currently unrated due to the district’s recent restructuring.
Hunting and hiking in the State Game Lands or Swatara State Park
Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 80 runs through the northern end of the township and is notable for containing a roughly 10-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. “Hunting is definitely the thing to do,” says Reed, “You can hike, too, but since it’s the State Game Lands, there are certain seasons where you have to wear hunting vests for safety.” Rocky outcrops offer sprawling views of the Lebanon Valley, with room for game hunters and wildlife watchers alike. The State Game Lands is also flanked by Swatara State Park, a 3,500-acre swath of forest nestled in the valley of the Swatara Creek. Popular biking trails follow the former Reading Railroad corridor, with an old cabin, a small waterfall and plenty of fishing spots along the way. Those who prefer more thrilling bike rides can hit the dirt tracks at Sleepy Hollow Motocross Park, located along U.S. Highway 22 just outside of Fredericksburg. A couple of golf courses are also near town, such as Pine Meadows Golf Complex and Blue Mountain Golf Course.
Cross the Berlin Iron Bridge on the Swatara Rail Trail in Swatara State Park.
State game lands number 080 is a primary location for hunters in Bethel to find big game.
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Hinklefest Chicken Festival is the township’s trademark event
One of Bethel’s biggest events is the Hinklefest Chicken Festival, an annual poultry-themed fair celebrating the region’s chicken farming industry. For more than three decades now, Hinklefest has brought live music, carnival rides and a chicken cooking competition to Fireman Park, the township’s grassy festival space. Matthews Public Library and the Lions Club are just two of the local organizations that benefit from the yearly event.
Dine on Pennsylvania Dutch meals or head into Fredericksburg
Businesses are sparse in this rural area, though there are a couple of stop-ins along the Interstate. Redner’s Warehouse Markets is Bethel’s primary supermarket, and Esther’s Restaurant is the place to go for a down-home diner meal with Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Folks can also head into Fredericksburg to dine on American fare at Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel or grab a pizza to-go from Gubba’s. This small borough is home to churches, gas stations, municipal buildings and community centers, but most retail stores are located about 5 to 10 miles away in Lebanon.
Customers become regulars at Esther's family restaurant in Bethel with delicious menu options.
Gubba's, in Fredricksburg, serves up a mouth-watering meat-lovers pizza in Bethel.
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Interstate 78 and route 22 intersect in Bethel, creating a convenient access point to cities.
Interstates 78 and 81 connect to the wider region
U.S. Highway 22 runs through Bethel alongside Interstate 78, which also connects to Interstate 81. Both the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the nearest international airport are located in Harrisburg, which lies approximately 30 to 35 miles west. Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard Training Center and major Lebanon County employer, is along the way. Traveling roughly 95 to 100 miles east will land residents in Philadelphia, putting it just within day-trip distance.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Stauffer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Swatara State Park
Sleepy Hallow Motocross Park
Lions Park
Earl Wenger Field
Fredericksburg Fireman's Park
Transit
Airport
Harrisburg International
49 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bethel
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bethel, Bethel Township sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bethel, Bethel Township over the last 12 months is $420,395, up 31% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Peaceful Country Living with Modern Comforts!Discover easy living in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home nestled in a quiet rural setting. Thoughtfully landscaped, the outdoor space is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find two generously sized bedrooms, plus a versatile third room ideal for a home office, guest space, or extra storage.Recent
Charming property on 1.4 Acres – Thoughtfully Updated & Move-In Ready!Nestled at the end of a picturesque tree-lined driveway, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, charm, and modern comfort. Set on 1.4 serene acres, this property welcomes you with new siding on the entire home, a brand-new roof of architectural shingles on both the house and garage,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Stauffer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,572
Median Age
42
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,231
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,864
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.2%
College Graduates
13%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
17/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
