Why Pennsylvania's Fastest Growing City Should Be On Your Radar

Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania, is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state and should be on your radar if you're looking to relocate. Its many attractive features make it popular, including being a few miles from the state capital, Harrisburg, and easily accessible to major highways.

The charming town is ideal for families and offers many family-friendly historic, natural, and commercial attractions. Silver Spring Township was built for its strategic location and remains so today. However, the fascinating thing about Silver Spring Township today is that one does not have to look far to see the historical sites among modern commercial attractions and restaurants. The historic sites have been preserved, giving a unique glimpse into why this town was founded and its significance in previous eras.

Other benefits of Silver Spring Township include its strategic location, lower cost of living, and a strong sense of community pride. History buffs will love the Native American and Civil War heritage and the historic structures that charm this quaint community. Here are some primary reasons Silver Spring Township should be on your radar.

Why Silver Spring Township is Growing Rapidly

Silver Spring Township was founded in 1757, and many historic structures have been preserved. Today, it is a hot spot for domestic migration because of its small-town vibrancy and bustling commercial district, which provides many jobs. The city is just over 33 square miles with over 93 miles of road, making commuting an easy chore.

The city has many historic and natural interests, making it attractive to potential residents and visitors. A board of elected officials governs it to ensure safety and fairness throughout the community. It adopts laws that protect the welfare of the citizens. The population is booming because of the abundance and diversity of attractions and lower living costs than in nearby cities. However, it is only a short commute to the bigger metropolises.

Natural Attractions

The Appalachian Trail runs through the western and northern Township areas and Native American trails. The serene nature of these areas provides a peaceful respite from a hectic work life, which is attractive to many in the workforce. The Township is bordered by three natural bodies of water: the Conodoguinet Creek, Hogestown Run, and Trindle Spring Run, and includes the villages of Hogestown and New Kingstown, providing ample angling and boating opportunities.

There are also many connecting waterways and six parks, such as Stony Ridge, Potteiger, and Willow Mill. Four primary access points to the water trail connect the Township to Conodoguinet Creek. Stony Ridge Park is an astounding 103-acre sports complex 500 feet from the Appalachian Trail. Pottegier Park, a seven-acre neighborhood Park, includes walking trails. Willow Mill Park comprises 18 acres and a 100-seat pavilion along the creek for live events and venues.

Though the town is charming and offers plenty of historical and cultural activities, this is an active community that likes to spend time in the natural elements that surround the Township. Several other parks offer playgrounds, walking trails, and family picnic areas within walking distance of one of the many waterways.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail runs through the western and northern boundaries of the town and Hagerstown and Kingstown. The access points are marked with white signs, some just a few hundred feet away from popular areas, making the trail accessible for day trips or weekend jaunts.

Schoolhouses

Another attractive option for families relocating to the Township is the highly rated school system. The Cumberland Valley School District opened in 1952, and the town received its first elementary school in 1954. Before then, there were eight one-room schoolhouses, many of which were auctioned to private buyers and converted into residences.

The historical schoolhouses were built in the early 19th century, and many can still be seen today; New Kingtown, Mumma, Simmons, Anderson, and Hogestown schoolhouses can be discovered on a short drive through the Township. This unique bit of history ties in nicely with the modern schools and provides a fascinating perspective into the town's significance then and now.

Historical Sites

James Silver founded many historical sites in the town in 1757, and these are among the many reasons the Township is growing rapidly. The city was strategically planned to be centrally located near significant east-west and north-south travel routes that still ring true today. The historic mill in Willow Mill Park is a landmark structure that has been the town's signature since the late 1790s. It served as a grist mill from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. An initiative was formed to preserve this historical structure over 20 years ago.

The Junkin House, built in 1747, is one of the Township's oldest buildings. The town is also home to historic farmlands. The 14.4-acre Shillelagh Farm consists of farmland, agricultural fields, and woodlands that protect the quality of Hogestown Run. The landmark land is a monument to Cumberland County's preservation efforts, which blend the past with modern-day attractions that draw residents to this growing Township.

Commercial Attractions

Silver Spring Township is home to seven parks and sports fields and offers commercial attractions like Silver Spring Commons and ABC West Lane. The Commons is a shopping complex with modern retailers like Old Navy and Marshalls and restaurant chains like Olive Garden.

There are also many quaint eateries, which are great places to mingle with other residents. Silver Spring Diner offers casual fare, and Black and Bleu is a place to eat ribs and steak. The restaurants are the soul of any small town, and Silver Spring Township is no different. Dining at one of the local restaurants tells the cultural story of the historic city in casual settings that are hard to beat.

Housing and Jobs

Silver Spring Township offers jobs in many industries, such as scientific, technical, and professional services, and a lower cost of living than surrounding cities. The median income is just above $113,000, and the labor force is around 10,500 people, which is a prime reason the small town should be on the radar of those looking for a career change.

Real estate and other statistical sites give Silver Spring Township a high rating for families, public schools, and housing. It is considered great opportunities for young professionals or those starting families. The Township offers a good balance of life and work opportunities, with many focused on family-centric activities, community events, and rare natural beauty in more urban areas.

Silver Spring Township is a charming historical village with ample employment and housing opportunities for young professionals. It is strategically located by major highways, and its many local roads ease traffic congestion. It is a short drive from the state capital, ideal for those who do not mind commuting to and from work.

There is a tight-knit community with an active lifestyle centering on the many trails and waterways throughout town, providing a symbiotic balance between work and recreation. The public schools have a high rating, and, combined with the lower cost of living, Silver Spring Township is an attractive option for families. Educational opportunities expand beyond the classrooms, as the town is packed with preserved historical significance, providing opportunities to explore the town and make it your own.