"History is far more than the excitement of battle, the flags and guns and desperate assaults. In a place like Gettysburg, the visitor -- the native for that matter -- may easily become absorbed in the three days of conflict, forgetting that history was also made here in quiet lives, on farm and village street, through a century before the battle, through a century after it." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
The town of Gettysburg is perhaps most famous for the decisive and massive battle fought there during the American Civil War. However, there is a lot more to modern Gettysburg than this one famous battle. Gettysburg also happens to be a great place for living and visiting, with historical houses, top-notch restaurants and access to plenty of scenic outdoor areas. And don't worry, locals usually don't force new residents to put on Civil War uniforms and start fighting mock battles as some sort of initiation. Although, if that's your thing, it's definitely an option. Ultimately, if you plan to live in Gettysburg, you should know a few things before you make the big move.
Find The Right Home
"History is far more than the excitement of battle, the flags and guns and desperate assaults. In a place like Gettysburg, the visitor -- the native for that matter -- may easily become absorbed in the three days of conflict, forgetting that history was also made here in quiet lives, on farm and village street, through a century before the battle, through a century after it." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
The town of Gettysburg is perhaps most famous for the decisive and massive battle fought there during the American Civil War. However, there is a lot more to modern Gettysburg than this one famous battle. Gettysburg also happens to be a great place for living and visiting, with historical houses, top-notch restaurants and access to plenty of scenic outdoor areas. And don't worry, locals usually don't force new residents to put on Civil War uniforms and start fighting mock battles as some sort of initiation. Although, if that's your thing, it's definitely an option. Ultimately, if you plan to live in Gettysburg, you should know a few things before you make the big move.
Moving to Gettysburg
Find The Right Home
With a population of 7,620 people during the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, Gettysburg is a place with a small community feel, but with plenty of different housing options to choose from. There is everything from small studios near Main Street Gettysburg to large newer houses in the surrounding countryside. There are also townhouses for rent and rental condos as well. You should have no problem quickly finding a home that matches your unique tastes and needs.
Moving There
If you're moving to Gettysburg in the summer or spring, try to pick a weekday to avoid heavy traffic from tourists. Special events like the Fourth of July or reenactments are guaranteed to attract thousands of people from across the country. If you're feeling grumpy about the occasional tourist traffic, just remember this can be great opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and fully enjoy the great atmosphere afforded by Gettysburg.
Gettysburg Cost of Living
While Gettysburg can be a great place to call home, the cost of living should be taken into consideration. For example, utility costs are slightly higher than the national average. Also be sure to examine the age of the homes if you're thinking of making a purchase. Gettysburg features a much higher percentage of homes built before World War II than most of the rest of the country. While these houses are often beautiful, you should check to see if there are any issues with them before buying or renting.
Rent Costs
Rent is moderate for two bedroom apartments in Gettysburg, depending on what you want. You can find places for even cheaper but you'll usually need to do a lot of searching or have a connection through a local. For a comfortable two to three bedroom apartment, expect to pay even more. Often hot water is included in the rent, but other costs such as electricity and gas are usually the responsibility of a renter.
What To Expect
You should be prepared for a credit background check if you're looking to rent a home or apartment in Gettysburg. Have your references ready, proof of income, and be willing to put a down a safety deposit on top of paying for first and last month's rent. You should begin searching for a place to stay between 4 and 8 weeks before you arrive, as vacancies can be tight. It is also important to keep in mind that during the summer tourist season, Gettysburg is not exactly cheap to stay in while searching for a home or apartment, as hotels are usually booked.
Gettysburg Neighborhoods
Gettysburg offers all sorts of housing options. You can live in the center of town and have access to excellent dining, concerts, and music festivals, or enjoy the countryside with access to hiking, biking, or simply watching some deer walking past your front window. Of course, living in the country means you're probably no more than 15 minutes away from all of the great attractions featured in downtown, so check with a real estate broker or surf a bit online to see what option fits you best.
Downtown Gettysburg / Borough Center: The central downtown area of Gettysburg is filled with great things to do and delicious places to eat. If that's your sort of thing, there are a number of apartments and condos available for sale and rent in the area. In addition, the Gettysburg College campus is also in the center of town, meaning you might have a bit of traffic to deal with at certain times of the day.
Lake Heritage: Just south of the main part of Gettysburg, this area is close to the Gettysburg Memorial and is filled with 3 bedroom houses for rent.
Round Top / Greenmount: Close to the beautiful wooded hills and nature parks, this area has a number of good-looking homes to choose from along with plenty of outdoor activities available.
Black House Tavern: More housing options are available here, along with smaller and medium-sized homes. The area is very close to the center of Gettysburg as well.
Living in Gettysburg
Although Gettysburg no longer has a train connection, you can still see the well-preserved historic train station that was used to transport wounded union soldiers off of Carlisle Street. However, that won't help you get around much. Your best travel options are using your bus or car, and sometimes your bike for shorter journeys. One of the advantages of Gettysburg is its lower than average commute time at approximately 15 minutes, making life much more relaxing.
Gettysburg really has everything, including many small family-owned businesses that leave visitors and locals charmed. There is plenty you can do culturally with festivals and plays routinely running. You can visit one of the many Civil War museums, grab a bite to eat at the Blue Parrot Bistro, share ice cream with a local at Kilwin's Fudge and Ice Cream shop, or go shopping at RX antiques. So if this all sounds good to you, give Gettysburg a chance. You won't regret it.
