Are you thinking about moving and wonder what life is like in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania? Welcome to Homegrown, the new section of our channel that focuses on everything Shippensburg, PA. I am teaming up with local Shippensburg Real Estate Agent, Africa Degler, and we are going to welcome you to Shippensburg, PA, and show you what life here is really like. We’ll explore everything from history to housing prices so you can get an idea of what to expect.
Life In Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Shippensburg is a small town that has a great sense of community, a very affordable cost of living, and has that hometown feel, which makes it a great place to raise your family. It is also the home of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania which adds that young, college spirit that is felt throughout the town. Additionally, you are in close proximity to the highway and will have tons of mom-and-pop shops to explore. But the area is also home to some other interesting things.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg is best known for being home to Shippensburg University. Ship, as the locals call it, is one of 14 state universities in Pennsylvania and is most known for their teaching program, and the John L Grove College of Business which is AACSB accredited. It is also the only state university in Pennsylvania to offer degrees in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mechanical Engineering (BS) and Software Engineering. Shippensburg University also home to the Luhrs Center, which brings in a wide variety of cultural programing, Broadway shows, comedy, and music performances, which is open to the public.
Local Economy and Employment Opportunities
Ship is also home to Volvo Construction Equipment. Volvo came to Shippensburg in 2007 and specializes in the production of compact wheel loaders, asphalt pavers, asphalt compactors, and soil compactors. In 2014, they added a museum which can be visited by appointment. Volvo brings over 800 jobs into our local economy!
Another company that has roots dating back to the early 1900’s in Shippensburg is Beistle Company. Beistle, is an American company known for manufacturing holiday decorations and party goods. They are particularly well known for their Halloween decorations and their catalog now has over 10,000 items!
Community Favorites in Shippensburg, PA
Some of the local staples in our community include Maplewood Farm Market, SHAPE, and the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. Maplewood Farm Market is a local market that sells fresh produce, deli items, flowers, herbs, country home décor, and so much more! They also have an outdoor eating area and greenhouses making it the perfect place to get what you need for your outdoor landscaping.
Next is SHAPE (Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education), which is located in downtown Shippensburg. They feature exhibits supporting the local community, including the local high school and other Pennsylvania artists. SHAPE also has an educational program for the young and the young at heart!
Last, Shippensburg is the start of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail! This 13-mile-long trail took the place of the Cumberland Valley Railroad which operated from 1837 to 1919 (hence rails to trails). The rails began to be converted to a trail in 2004 and is still being expanded today. Right now, it begins in Shippensburg and ends in Newville. The Rail Trail is for all ages and is open for biking, running, walking, or horseback riding. You can also enjoy interpretative way-point signs on the agricultural and Civil War heritage along the trail.
Population and Location of Shippensburg
Pennsylvania is a large state. It’s technically 46,055 sq miles and is the 5th most populous state in the country with a population of 12,804,123 people. Shippensburg is located in the southern part of the state, just 41 miles south of our state capital, Harrisburg. It spans across the bottom of Cumberland County which has a population of roughly 250,000 and the top of Franklin County which has a population of 155,000. Both counties are included in the list of fastest growing counties in Pennsylvania!
Shippensburg’s History
Shippensburg is also the oldest community in the Cumberland Valley, and the second oldest west of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. In July 1730, 12 Scotch-Irish families came to the site of present-day Shippensburg and built cabin homes along Burd’s Run. Shippensburg began as the western outpost of colonial settlement, according to the borough. A historical site known as the Widow Piper’s Tavern, built in 1735 by Samuel Perry, sits on the corner of East King Street and Queen Street, and was the home of the Cumberland County courts in 1750 and 1751. The building has since been restored and is now home to the Shippensburg Civic Club.
The Sense of Community
So, now that you have a better understanding about the local community, location, and history in Shippensburg, we will also be telling you about the lifestyle and things to do here. Shippensburg defines small town living, but we’re not in the middle of nowhere. We have our Walmart and Starbucks, but we don’t have large department stores, or malls. However, Shippensburg is located only 2 hours from DC, 2.5 Hours from Philadelphia, and 3 hours from Pittsburgh which just makes shopping a biannual event.
What people love the most about life here is the people and sense of community. Anything within walking distance to downtown and to Shippensburg University is very sought after. Most of the homes are sold before they even hit the market and usually above market value…just because of location. If you are serious about moving and living here, you probably have a bunch of questions such as, what is the cost of living? What are commute times like? Or even what are the best neighborhoods to check out?