South Central Pennsylvania
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Borough
A college borough between Lancaster and Harrisburg
Elizabethtown is a borough in western Lancaster County about 20 miles southeast of Harrisburg. It is home to Elizabethtown College and serves as a small commercial center for the surrounding farmland, with a walkable square and Amtrak service.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1793 and named for Elizabeth Reeb, the borough grew as a railroad town on the main line between Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
Housing & Real Estate
Elizabethtown offers older singles, twins and rowhouses at moderate prices, with newer development outside the borough.
Restaurants & Shopping
The square and Market Street host cafes, pizzerias and family restaurants serving students and residents.
Schools & Education
Elizabethtown Area School District serves the borough, and Elizabethtown College is within it.
Parks & Recreation
Elizabethtown Borough Park and the nearby Conewago Trail provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
Amtrak's Keystone Service stops in Elizabethtown, and Route 230, Route 241 and Route 283 serve the area.
Local Businesses
Independent shops and services line the square, supported by college traffic and commuters.
No businesses are listed in Elizabethtown yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Elizabethtown College
- Conewago Trail
- Hershey (10 miles west)
- Lancaster city (20 miles east)
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Amtrak service
- Moderate housing costs
- College-town atmosphere
- Between Lancaster and Harrisburg
Considerations
- Limited retail variety
- Quiet downtown after dark
- Route 230 traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amtrak stop in Elizabethtown?
Yes. Elizabethtown station is served by Amtrak's Keystone Service between Harrisburg and New York.
Which college is in Elizabethtown?
Elizabethtown College, a private liberal arts college, is located in the borough.