Trying to decide between Hershey and Palmyra for your next move? You are not alone. Families and relocating professionals often weigh home prices, property taxes, utilities, and commute patterns before they choose. In this guide, you will get a clear, side-by-side framework to compare costs, easy formulas to plug in your own numbers, and a simple worksheet to build a monthly budget. Let’s dive in.
Quick comparison summary
- Hershey sits within Derry Township in Dauphin County. Palmyra is in Palmyra Borough in Lebanon County. Different counties and school districts mean different property tax structures.
- Housing stock differs. Hershey offers many established neighborhoods and older homes in central areas. Palmyra features a mix of established streets and newer subdivisions, which can influence maintenance and HOA costs.
- Commute trade-offs matter. Hershey is near major employers like Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Palmyra runs along the US‑422 corridor with straightforward access to Hershey and regional routes.
- Utilities and services vary by address. Electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer providers can differ between the two locations. Fixed charges and usage rates affect your monthly bills.
- Lifestyle factors influence costs. Seasonal tourism around Hersheypark can affect traffic and parking at times. Both areas offer access to shopping, parks, and local services.
Housing costs
Buying a home
Your purchase price and monthly mortgage payment will be your biggest line items. Hershey’s core neighborhoods tend to have mature housing stock and infill options. Palmyra offers a range of single-family homes plus more recent subdivisions in some areas. Newer homes can reduce near-term maintenance but may include HOA fees, while established homes can offer larger lots or unique layouts.
If you are comparing two similarly priced homes, the tax line and the operating costs often drive differences between Hershey and Palmyra. Be sure to collect recent sales data from the local MLS for the specific neighborhood, not just the ZIP code.
Renting first
Many newcomers rent for 6 to 12 months while they learn the area and confirm commute patterns. You will find apartments and townhomes in both Hershey and Palmyra. When comparing rent, also compare renter’s insurance, parking fees, and which utilities are included versus billed separately.
Market pace and inventory
Inventory and days on market can shift quickly. Established Hershey neighborhoods may see steady demand near major employers. Palmyra can offer a broader mix of options, including new construction phases when available. If you need to move on a tight timeline, ask for current months of inventory and days on market for your price band.
Property taxes explained
How Pennsylvania property taxes work
In Pennsylvania, your property tax bill is a combination of four components:
- County millage
- Municipal millage
- School district millage
- Any special district levies
Most of the bill usually comes from the school district portion. Hershey is in Derry Township within Dauphin County, and Palmyra is in Palmyra Borough within Lebanon County. Because the counties and school districts differ, the total millage can differ.
Assessed value and millage
Counties use an assessed value to calculate taxes. That figure may be tied to market value using a county assessment ratio or a past base year. Your annual tax is based on this formula:
- Total annual tax = (Assessed Value × Total Millage Rate) / 1,000
- Monthly tax cost = Total annual tax / 12
You will need the parcel’s assessed value from the county assessment office and the combined millage for county, municipal, and school district. Check for any homestead or owner-occupancy exclusions and any available exemptions that apply to your household.
Step-by-step tax comparison
- Look up the property’s assessed value with the county assessment office for each location you are considering.
- Add up the published millage rates for county, municipal, school district, and any special districts.
- Apply the formula to estimate the total annual tax for each property.
- Divide by 12 to compare monthly tax costs side by side.
This method isolates the tax impact so you can see how much of your payment difference comes from taxes versus price or interest rate.
Utilities and recurring housing costs
Electricity and gas
Electricity in the region is commonly served by PPL Electric Utilities. Natural gas service may be available through UGI or Columbia Gas, depending on the address. Some older homes may use heating oil or propane, which can introduce seasonal price swings. Ask for 12 months of past utility bills during your inspection period to get realistic averages.
Water and sewer
Hershey is generally served by the Derry Township Authority for water and sewer. Palmyra is served by the Palmyra Borough Authority. Both typically use a fixed monthly service charge plus a per‑1,000‑gallon usage rate. Water efficiency upgrades can lower your bills, so factor in basic conservation measures if your usage is high.
Trash and recycling
Trash and recycling are handled by the municipality or a contracted hauler. In some cases, you will pay a quarterly or annual fee, and in others you will purchase tags or stickers. Confirm the policy for your address so you can add it to your monthly budget.
Internet and TV
Major providers such as Xfinity and, in some areas, Verizon offer service. Plan for a base internet package that meets your work and streaming needs. If you work from home, consider the cost of a higher‑speed tier.
Insurance, HOA, and maintenance
Homeowners insurance varies by replacement cost, age of the home, and coverage choices. If a property sits in a special flood zone, you may need a flood policy. Many Palmyra subdivisions and some townhome communities in both towns include HOA fees. Budget for routine maintenance using a practical guideline of 1 to 3 percent of the home’s value per year, divided by 12 for your monthly plan.
Commute and transportation
To Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hershey neighborhoods offer short, straightforward access to the medical campus. From Palmyra, the drive follows the US‑422 corridor into Hershey. Traffic conditions can change with shift schedules and seasonal events, so test your route during typical commute times.
To downtown Harrisburg
If you commute to downtown Harrisburg, routes from Hershey often use US‑322 and PA‑283. From Palmyra, you can connect to these corridors via US‑422. Consider park-and-ride options or employer parking benefits if available.
Transit options and parking
Regional transit providers, including Capital Area Transit in the Harrisburg metro and rabbittransit in Lebanon County, operate routes that may connect to your workplace. Check schedules and fares to compare against driving. Employer or municipal parking policies can add to your monthly cost, especially for downtown garages or campus lots.
Monthly commute cost formula
Use this simple approach to estimate your monthly commute spend:
- Monthly fuel cost = (Roundtrip miles × Commute days per month ÷ Vehicle MPG) × Average gas price
- Add monthly parking fees
- Add any transit pass costs
Testing your route during peak and off‑peak periods will help you weigh time versus cost.
Lifestyle and other cost factors
Amenities and seasonal traffic
Living near Hersheypark, Giant Center, and central Hershey amenities offers convenience. Seasonal tourism and event schedules can add traffic. Palmyra offers easy access to daily shopping and services along US‑422 with a more local feel. Consider how often you plan to visit attractions, parks, or restaurants when you think about time and fuel.
Schools and tax implications
School district taxes typically form the largest part of your property tax bill. Hershey neighborhoods are served by Derry Township School District, and Palmyra neighborhoods are served by Palmyra Area School District. Review district information through the Pennsylvania Department of Education to understand programs and planning needs. Keep any school-related activity costs in your household budget as a separate line item.
Sales tax and local wage taxes
Pennsylvania’s state sales tax is uniform, but some municipalities collect an earned income tax or local service fee. Confirm local income tax withholding with your employer or municipality. Add these recurring deductions to your take-home pay calculations when you plan your housing budget.
One-page monthly budget worksheet
Use this checklist to build a total monthly cost of living for each town. Create two columns: one for Hershey and one for Palmyra.
Inputs to collect
- Home purchase price or monthly rent
- Down payment percent and mortgage rate if buying
- Assessed value and total millage rate
- Homeowners insurance annual premium
- HOA fee if applicable
- Average monthly utilities: electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet
- Commute inputs: roundtrip miles, commute days per month, vehicle MPG, average gas price, monthly parking or transit pass
- Maintenance reserve: 1 to 3 percent of home value per year ÷ 12
- Childcare or education-related costs if applicable
- Any other recurring fees or services
Formulas to use
- Mortgage payment: use a standard mortgage calculator
- Monthly property tax = (Assessed Value × Total Millage Rate ÷ 1,000) ÷ 12
- Monthly insurance = Annual premium ÷ 12
- Monthly utilities = Electric + Gas + Water + Sewer + Trash + Internet
- Monthly commute cost = Fuel formula + Parking + Transit
- Monthly maintenance reserve = (Home purchase price × Maintenance percent) ÷ 12
Net monthly occupancy cost
Buying:
- Mortgage + Property tax + Insurance + HOA + Utilities + Maintenance reserve + Commute + Childcare or other recurring costs
Renting:
- Rent + Renter’s insurance + Utilities + Commute + Childcare or other recurring costs
Fill in both columns and compare line by line. Focus on which items drive the variance. In many moves, the differences come from property taxes, HOA fees, and commute costs rather than the sticker price alone.
Which area fits your budget and lifestyle
If you want quick access to the medical campus and central Hershey amenities, Hershey neighborhoods can cut commute time and simplify daily routines. If you prefer newer subdivisions, a variety of lot sizes, and potential HOA-managed amenities, Palmyra often provides those choices. Your best value comes from matching the home and location to your daily patterns, then validating the tax and utility lines with precise inputs.
When you are ready to compare real homes, walk through neighborhoods, and plug real numbers into this worksheet, connect with a local advisor who knows both markets well. Reach out to David Becker for a tailored, side-by-side plan for your move.
FAQs
How do property taxes differ between Hershey and Palmyra for the same priced home?
- Taxes combine county, municipal, and school district millage, and because Hershey and Palmyra are in different counties and districts, the total millage can differ, so compute each location using your assessed value and the published millage.
What is the best way to estimate my monthly commute cost in the Hershey area?
- Use roundtrip miles, commute days per month, your vehicle’s MPG, and the average gas price, then add parking or transit passes to get a monthly total.
Are utilities higher in Hershey or Palmyra?
- It depends on the home and provider mix; electricity is commonly through PPL, gas service varies by address, and water and sewer authorities differ, so compare fixed charges and recent usage for each property.
Should I rent first if I am relocating to work at Penn State Health?
- Renting for 6 to 12 months can give you time to confirm commute patterns, learn neighborhoods, and collect real utility data before you buy.
How do HOA fees affect my budget in newer Palmyra communities?
- HOA dues add a fixed monthly or quarterly cost but may cover amenities or exterior items, so include them in your net monthly occupancy comparison.
What maintenance budget should I use when comparing homes?
- A practical planning range is 1 to 3 percent of the home’s value per year, divided by 12, with newer systems often falling near the lower end.
