Living in Palmyra

About Palmyra

A Closer Look at the Area

Palmyra is a compact, walkable borough at the western edge of Lebanon County, sitting right on the Dauphin County line and offering one of the easiest commutes to Harrisburg in the entire 717 area code. Founded in 1749 and laid out along the historic road from Harrisburg to Reading, Palmyra grew as a tavern and stagecoach stop before settling into its present identity as a quiet, family-friendly residential borough with a genuine small-town feel. The borough's downtown centers on a walkable Main Street of local shops, restaurants, and small businesses, anchored by the Palmyra Area Public Library and a calendar of seasonal community events. Mature shade trees canopy the residential streets, where the housing stock runs a classic Pennsylvania range — historic stone and brick homes near the center, mid-century colonials and ranches on the outer blocks, and newer construction in the surrounding North and South Londonderry townships. Palmyra's location is its defining advantage. The PA Turnpike interchange at Palmyra puts downtown Harrisburg within 20 minutes, and Route 422 runs directly through the borough connecting it to Lebanon city to the east and Hershey and Harrisburg to the west. Hersheypark, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and the entire Hershey employment corridor are within a 10-minute drive, making Palmyra a favorite for medical professionals and Hershey-area employees seeking affordable housing close to work. Families are drawn to the well-regarded Palmyra Area School District, consistently rated among the stronger districts in the mid-state. With its combination of walkable small-town charm, an unbeatable commute to both Harrisburg and Hershey, top-rated schools, and housing notably more affordable than neighboring Derry Township, Palmyra is one of Lebanon County's most desirable residential addresses.