
If you grew up in the United States, you're probably familiar with the history of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Homes in Gettysburg share their zip codes with scenes straight of our history textbooks, from the spot of the Civil War's most famous battle to the site of President Lincoln's most famous address. But as you consider different towns and neighborhoods in Pennsylvania, make sure you know what modern Gettysburg is really like.Ā
When families move to Gettysburg, they find out firsthand that our historic town actually has some surprises up its sleeves. Here are four things you might not know about life in Gettysburg:
- Most of Our National Landmarks are Free to Visit
Gettysburg is packed with national history, and every summer, our parks and cobblestone streets attract families who want to experience the Civil War era firsthand. But for families with homes in Gettysburg, these pieces of history are accessible all year long, and many of them are actually completely free. For example, most small towns have free public parks, but ours happen to be national landmarks too. Entry to the sprawling, scenic Gettysburg National Military Park is free, so Gettysburg homeowners get to enjoy it every day. Other free attractions in Gettysburg include the Gettysburg Museum of History and Mister Ed's Elephant Museum.
- Gettysburg is Still a Small, Close-Knit Town
Gettysburg is one of the oldest and most historic American towns, attracting visitors from all over the country and world to its well-preserved battlefields and museums. But despite our popularity among tourists and history buffs, we're still a relatively small community, where neighbors know each other by name and small businesses still thrive. This is partly because of our historic layout. There's only so much space for homes in Gettysburg, because our town is surrounded by sprawling parks and cemeteries that are permanent national monuments. We also have regulations that preserve the historic look of our businesses and homes in Gettysburg, making sure it feels like a small, quiet town in every way.
- DC and NYC Are Close Enough For Day Trips
If you love fresh air, green grass, and the intimacy of small-town life, that doesn't mean you want to give up the thrills of big city life. Gettysburg is just a few miles away from the Pennsylvania-Maryland border, so Baltimore and Washington DC are even closer than Pennsylvania's two biggest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Drive to Baltimore or our nation's capital in less than two hours, or reach Philadelphia in less than three. Even New York City is less than four hours away (only slightly longer than the drive to Pittsburgh), making Manhattan a great destination for weekend getaways.
- Conewago Valley is Home to Hours of Scenic Drives
Gettysburg isn't the only small, scenic town in the area. Our town sits between two lush and historic valleys, full of blossoming fruit orchards, old churches, and covered bridges that take you back to simpler times while showing off our state's incredible beauty. Destination Gettysburg actually compiled two different scenic valley tours, with driving directions for dozens of different scenic routes through these neighboring valleys. If you love driving through the countryside and discovering hidden gems, you'll love living in Gettysburg.
Does Gettysburg sound like a town your family could call home? If you're ready to look at properties in this historic Pennsylvania community, our REALTORSĀ® in Gettysburg are ready to help. Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more about our agency or schedule an appointment with an agent near you.
