Best Family Neighborhoods in New Cumberland, PA: Where to Raise Your Kids in 2026
Here are the best family neighborhoods in New Cumberland, PA:
- Fairview Township – Top-rated schools, newer homes, family-focused community
- West New Cumberland – Affordable, quiet streets, close to parks and schools
- Lemoyne (adjacent) – Walkable downtown, strong schools, family events year-round
- East New Cumberland/Hillside – Established homes, tight-knit community, lower crime
- Camp Hill (nearby) – Excellent schools, vibrant community, higher price point
Let's be direct: New Cumberland itself is a small borough (population ~7,000), so families often look at the immediate surrounding areas too. This guide covers both in-borough neighborhoods and nearby family-friendly communities within a 5-10 minute drive.
Quick Facts: New Cumberland for Families
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Primary School District | West Shore School District (GreatSchools rating: 7/10) |
| 💰 Median Home Price | $225,000 - $285,000 |
| 👥 Median Household Income | $62,500 |
| 🏫 Top Elementary School | Cedar Cliff Elementary (8/10 rating) |
| 🚗 Commute to Harrisburg | 10-15 minutes |
| 👮 Crime Rate | 47% lower than PA average |
| 🌳 Major Parks | Reservoir Park, New Cumberland Borough Park, Negley Park |
Fairview Township ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Median Home Price: $285,000-$350,000 | Schools: Fairview Elementary (8/10)
Fairview Township offers newer construction (built 2000-2020), highly-rated schools, and excellent family amenities. What you get: 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,200 sq ft homes around $310,000 with access to Negley Park (105 acres with playgrounds, trails, sports fields). Families love the proximity to shopping (Giant Food Stores, Target, LA Fitness) and family-friendly dining like Brewhouse Grille. The West Shore School District schools here are top-rated, and crime rates are 52% lower than PA average.
Choose this if: You want newer homes, prioritize highly-rated schools, okay with slightly higher prices for better amenities, and want easy access to shopping.
Skip if: You're on a tight budget or prefer historic charm over modern construction.
West New Cumberland ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Median Home Price: $185,000-$245,000 | Schools: Cedar Cliff Elementary (8/10)
West New Cumberland delivers affordability without sacrificing safety—homes around $215,000 get you 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,400 sq ft on quiet tree-lined streets. This walkable neighborhood features strong sense of community, active neighborhood association, and proximity to New Cumberland Borough Park. Local favorites include Carelli's Italian Restaurant for family dining and New Cumberland Public Library for weekly children's story time. Crime rates are 48% lower than PA average, and you're minutes from Harrisburg for work.
Choose this if: You want affordability without sacrificing safety, prefer walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks, value community events (summer concerts, block parties), and want quick access to Harrisburg.
Skip if: You need newest construction (homes are 1950s-1980s) or want large yard spaces.
Lemoyne (Adjacent Borough) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Median Home Price: $240,000-$310,000 | Schools: Lemoyne Elementary (9/10)
Lemoyne sits right next to New Cumberland and offers charming walkable downtown, top-rated schools, and year-round family events. Typical homes around $275,000 provide 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,800 sq ft with small-town charm and big-city access (Harrisburg 8 minutes). Families gather at Cornerstone Coffeehouse, the Lemoyne Farmers Market (Saturdays May-October), and community events like Art in the Park and holiday parades. The 9/10 school rating and 55% lower crime rate make this extremely family-friendly.
Choose this if: You want walkable downtown with local shops, prioritize top-rated schools (9/10), enjoy community events, and want small-town charm with big-city access.
Skip if: You're on a strict budget (prices trending higher) or prefer newer suburban developments.
East New Cumberland/Hillside ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Median Home Price: $205,000-$265,000 | Schools: Cedar Cliff schools
This established neighborhood features mature trees, tight-knit community where people stay for decades, and very low crime (60% lower than PA average). Homes around $235,000 offer 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,600 sq ft with large yards and established character. Many homes sit walking distance to Reservoir Park (100+ acres with fishing, trails, picnic areas). The New Cumberland YMCA provides family memberships and youth programs, while local spots like Pizza Grille serve as community gathering places.
Choose this if: You want established neighborhood with character, value stability (neighbors know each other), want large yards and mature landscaping, and prefer quiet streets with minimal through-traffic.
Skip if: You want move-in ready homes (many need updates) or prefer modern open-concept layouts.
Camp Hill (Nearby, 5-minute drive) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Median Home Price: $310,000-$425,000 | Schools: Camp Hill Elementary (10/10)
Camp Hill tops the list for schools with Camp Hill Elementary earning 10/10 on GreatSchools and Camp Hill High School at 9/10. Typical homes around $365,000 provide 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,900 sq ft in the safest area (63% lower crime than PA average). Families enjoy walkable downtown, Camp Hill Pool Association (summer hub for families), and community events. Local favorites include Momma Spriggs for breakfast and Market Cross Pub for family dining. Property values appreciate strongly here.
Choose this if: You prioritize the absolute best schools (10/10 rating), want strong property value appreciation, value walkability and community events, and budget allows higher prices.
Skip if: You're budget-conscious (highest prices in area) or want larger lot sizes.
Quick Decision Guide
| Neighborhood | Affordability | Schools | Community Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview Township | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families wanting newer homes |
| West New Cumberland | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Budget-conscious families |
| Lemoyne | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families wanting walkable charm |
| East New Cumberland | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families wanting stability |
| Camp Hill | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families prioritizing top schools |
Schools & Safety
Top schools: Camp Hill Elementary leads with 10/10 rating, followed by Lemoyne Elementary (9/10), and Cedar Cliff/Fairview Elementary (8/10). All are part of the highly-regarded West Shore School District. Cedar Cliff High School serves most New Cumberland families with a 7/10 rating.
Crime rates: All neighborhoods listed are safe for families. East New Cumberland and Camp Hill have the lowest crime rates (60-63% lower than PA average according to NeighborhoodScout), with Fairview Township, West New Cumberland, and Lemoyne also significantly safer (48-55% lower) than state averages. Let's be direct: All of these neighborhoods are safe—the differences are minimal.
Cost of Living & What You'll Need
For a family of 4, expect monthly expenses around $4,200-$6,080 including housing ($1,600-$2,400 mortgage), groceries ($850-$1,100), transportation ($450-$600), utilities ($200-$280), childcare if needed ($800-$1,200 per child), and entertainment ($300-$500). You'll realistically need household income of $75,000-$95,000 to live comfortably with kids in New Cumberland.
Home prices range from $185,000 in West New Cumberland to $425,000 in Camp Hill. Most family homes in New Cumberland proper fall between $205,000-$285,000. Factor in property taxes ($3,500-$5,500/year) and homeowners insurance ($1,200-$1,800/year).
Parks & Activities
Negley Park (Fairview) offers 105 acres with sports fields, trails, and playgrounds—perfect for team sports, hiking, and birthday parties. Reservoir Park (New Cumberland) provides 100+ acres with fishing, trails, and picnic areas for nature walks and family outings. New Cumberland Borough Park features basketball courts and playgrounds for quick after-school play. Willow Park (Camp Hill) includes pool, playground, and sports courts for summer swimming and organized activities.
People Also Ask
What is the safest neighborhood for families in New Cumberland?
East New Cumberland/Hillside area and Camp Hill have the lowest crime rates—60-63% lower than PA average. All neighborhoods listed here are safe for families.
What are the best schools in New Cumberland?
Camp Hill Elementary tops the list with 10/10 GreatSchools rating, followed by Lemoyne Elementary (9/10) and Cedar Cliff/Fairview Elementary (8/10). All are part of West Shore School District.
How much does a family home cost in New Cumberland?
Median home prices range from $185,000 in West New Cumberland to $425,000 in Camp Hill. Most family homes in New Cumberland proper fall between $205,000-$285,000.
Is New Cumberland a good place to raise kids?
Yes. New Cumberland offers low crime rates, excellent schools through West Shore School District, abundant parks, short commutes to Harrisburg (10-15 minutes), and strong community values—all at more affordable prices than nearby Harrisburg suburbs.
What's the average commute from New Cumberland to Harrisburg?
12-18 minutes during rush hour. New Cumberland sits directly across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg, making it one of the closest and most convenient suburbs for city workers.
Your Next Steps
Visit on a weekday morning (7-9am): Watch school drop-offs at Cedar Cliff Elementary, Fairview Elementary, or Lemoyne Elementary. See how walkable neighborhoods actually are and observe traffic patterns during rush hour.
Drive the commute during your actual work hours: Test the route from each neighborhood to your workplace. Factor in bridge traffic into Harrisburg (can add 5-10 minutes).
Visit parks on a Saturday: Go to Negley Park, Reservoir Park, or New Cumberland Borough Park. Talk to other parents about schools and community. See which neighborhoods kids are actually playing in.
Attend a community event: Lemoyne Art in the Park (summer), New Cumberland River Fest (July), or Camp Hill Community Days (September). These show you the real neighborhood vibe.
Calculate your real budget: Factor in property taxes ($3,500-$5,500/year), homeowners insurance ($1,200-$1,800/year), HOA fees if applicable ($0-$300/year), and childcare if needed ($800-$1,200/month per child).
Ready to Make Your Move to New Cumberland?
Once you've found the perfect family neighborhood in New Cumberland, Making Moves PA is here to make your transition seamless. We specialize in residential moving for families of all sizes, packing/unpacking services so you can focus on your kids, long distance moving if relocating from out of state, and senior moving to help aging parents move closer to family. We know the New Cumberland area inside and out—we've helped hundreds of families settle into these exact neighborhoods.
Planning your move to New Cumberland? Check out our complete guide to moving to New Cumberland for everything you need to know about schools, housing costs, commute times, and local amenities.
Want to explore other neighborhoods? See our guides on Safest Neighborhoods in New Cumberland, Most Affordable Areas in New Cumberland, Walkable Neighborhoods in New Cumberland, and New Cumberland Suburbs Guide.
The Bottom Line
New Cumberland offers affordable, safe, family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools—all within 15 minutes of Harrisburg. Whether you choose the walkable charm of Lemoyne, the affordability of West New Cumberland, or the top-rated schools of Camp Hill, you're making a smart choice for your family's future.
Your next step: Pick 2-3 neighborhoods from this list, visit them in person, and drive the commute. The right choice will become clear quickly.








