New Cumberland Neighborhoods: Your Complete Guide to Finding the Right Area
We know that planning a move is both exciting and overwhelming—especially when you're trying to figure out not just if you should move to New Cumberland, but where in New Cumberland you should call home. You're looking at listings online, scrolling through neighborhood names, and wondering what each area is really like beyond the photos and property descriptions.
That's exactly why we created this guide. As New Cumberland's trusted moving partner at Making Moves PA, we've helped hundreds of families and individuals navigate this exact decision. We've moved people into historic homes along Bridge Street, helped young professionals settle into modern apartments near the riverfront, and assisted families in finding their perfect spot near New Cumberland Middle School.
New Cumberland might be a compact borough—just 1.4 square miles nestled along the Susquehanna River—but don't let the size fool you. Each area of town has its own distinct character, from the tree-lined streets of the original Victorian neighborhood to the convenient access points near Route 11/15 and the peaceful residential pockets near Negley Park. Whether you're drawn to walkable downtown living, quiet family-friendly streets, or easy highway access for your commute to Harrisburg or Camp Hill, you'll find your fit here.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the key areas in New Cumberland, giving you the real details you need to make an informed decision. We'll cover what makes each area special, who tends to thrive there, and what daily life actually looks like—from where you'll grab your morning coffee to which parks your kids will love.
Understanding New Cumberland's Layout
Before we dive into specific neighborhoods in New Cumberland, it helps to understand how this borough is organized. Unlike sprawling cities with dozens of named subdivisions, New Cumberland is an intimate community where areas are often defined by major corridors, proximity to amenities, and the era when homes were built.
The borough sits directly across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital. Bridge Street runs as the main commercial spine through town, connecting to the Market Street Bridge that links New Cumberland to the West Shore. Route 11/15 (the Carlisle Pike) forms the eastern boundary, providing quick access to Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and beyond.
Most residents identify areas by their relationship to these major features: the Historic Downtown core, the residential streets stretching toward Route 174 (Old York Road), the neighborhoods near the schools, and the areas closer to the riverfront and Yellow Breeches Creek.
Historic Downtown New Cumberland
What Defines This Area
The heart of New Cumberland beats along Bridge Street, where Victorian-era buildings house everything from Brewhouse Grille to Holly's Cleaning Service. This is where you'll find the borough's most walkable blocks, with New Cumberland Borough Hall, the New Cumberland Public Library, and a genuine small-town main street atmosphere.
Walking Bridge Street between Third and Sixth Streets, you'll pass Starr's Florist, Cornerstone Coffeehouse (your go-to morning stop), and Roma Pizza. The architecture tells the story—these are the original homes and storefronts from when New Cumberland was established in the late 1800s. Many have been lovingly maintained, with their gingerbread trim, wraparound porches, and mature trees creating that quintessential Pennsylvania borough feel.
The housing stock here primarily consists of Victorian-era rowhomes and twin homes, with some detached single-family houses on the side streets. You'll find properties ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, most built between 1880 and 1930. Parking can be tight—many homes have street parking only—and lots tend to be smaller, but that's part of the trade-off for this walkable lifestyle.
Who Thrives Here
This area attracts people who value character and community over square footage. You'll meet retirees who've lived on the same block for decades, young couples renovating Victorians, and professionals who work in Harrisburg and appreciate the short commute across the Market Street Bridge. If you're specifically looking for areas that combine career accessibility with urban convenience, our guide to young professional areas in New Cumberland takes a deeper dive into commute times, coworking spaces, and after-hours amenities.
If you're someone who'd rather walk to Giant Food Stores and the post office than drive everywhere, or if you love the idea of grabbing dinner at Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing on a Friday night without getting in your car, the Historic Downtown area deserves serious consideration. In fact, this is consistently ranked among the most walkable neighborhoods in New Cumberland, where you can genuinely accomplish most daily tasks on foot.
The local culture is strong here. You'll get to know your neighbors quickly, participate in borough events at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park, and become a regular at places like Isabella's Pizza or Dockside Willies down by the river.
The Practical Details
The walkability is genuinely excellent for a suburb. Your Walk Score here is among the highest in Cumberland County. New Cumberland Elementary School is just blocks away for families with younger children. When you need more extensive shopping, Capital City Mall is a 10-minute drive, and downtown Harrisburg's restaurants and cultural venues are even closer.
Utilities are managed by New Cumberland Borough Authority for water and sewer, with electricity provided through Met-Ed (a FirstEnergy company). Internet options include Comcast Xfinity and Verizon Fios, both offering solid speeds for remote work.
One consideration: because these are older homes, factor in potential renovation needs. Many have been beautifully updated, but some still have original electrical, plumbing, or heating systems that may need modernization. A thorough home inspection is essential. While property values here remain strong due to the location and character, those seeking more budget-conscious options might want to explore the most affordable areas in New Cumberland, where you can find quality housing at lower price points.
Third & Fourth Street Residential Area
What Defines This Area
Just a few blocks north of Bridge Street, the Third and Fourth Street corridor represents some of New Cumberland's most established residential blocks. These tree-canopied streets feature a mix of single-family homes, twins, and some larger detached properties, mostly dating from the 1920s through the 1960s.
The defining feature here is the residential peace while maintaining walkability to downtown. You're still close enough to walk to Cornerstone Coffeehouse for Saturday morning breakfast or to New Cumberland Public Library for story time with kids, but the streets are quieter, with more green space and larger yards than you'll find directly on Bridge Street.
Homes in this area tend to be slightly larger—ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 square feet—with driveways or small garages, a feature that's less common in the Historic Downtown core. You'll see well-maintained Cape Cods, Colonial-style homes, and the occasional mid-century ranch.
Who Thrives Here
This area particularly appeals to families with school-age children. New Cumberland Middle School sits right in this neighborhood, and the walk to New Cumberland Elementary is manageable even for smaller kids. The residential streets have lower traffic, making them popular with families who want their children to bike around the neighborhood or play street hockey. For a comprehensive comparison of school districts, playground access, and family-specific amenities across all areas, check out our detailed analysis of the best family neighborhoods in New Cumberland.
You'll also find established residents who've raised families here and empty-nesters who love the convenience but don't need the hustle of main street living. The community feel is strong—neighbors know each other, and it's not uncommon to see impromptu conversations happening over backyard fences or during evening walks.
The Practical Details
This is one of the best neighborhoods in New Cumberland for that balance between peaceful residential living and practical convenience. You're a 5-minute walk from downtown services, but you have a driveway and a yard. Property values here tend to be steady, and homes in good condition move relatively quickly when they hit the market.
The area has excellent access to New Cumberland Borough Police Department services, and response times from West Shore Bureau of Fire are quick. Crime rates in this section of town are notably low, which is one reason families consistently choose these blocks—for more detailed crime statistics and safety comparisons across all neighborhoods, our guide to the safest neighborhoods in New Cumberland breaks down the data by area.
Schools are a major draw. Beyond elementary and middle school proximity, the area feeds into Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill, which consistently ranks among the top schools in Cumberland County.
Route 11/15 Corridor Area
What Defines This Area
The eastern edge of New Cumberland runs along the Carlisle Pike (Route 11/15), the major commercial artery connecting Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and points north. This area of New Cumberland offers a completely different character from the historic core—think convenience and accessibility over Victorian charm.
Here you'll find a mix of newer construction (1970s through 2000s), including townhomes, small apartment complexes, and single-family homes. The housing tends to be more modern, with features like central air, updated kitchens, and attached garages as standard rather than renovation projects.
The defining advantage is access. You're literally minutes from Giant Food Stores, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and countless restaurants including Isaac's Restaurant & Deli, Noodle King, and Dunkin'. Your commute to Mechanicsburg or Camp Hill takes minutes, and you can hop on Route 581 or I-83 without navigating through neighborhood streets.
Who Thrives Here
This area attracts young professionals and families who prioritize convenience and modern amenities. If your daily routine involves frequent errands, a commute to Mechanicsburg's manufacturing sector or Camp Hill's business district, or if you simply prefer newer construction with lower maintenance needs, the Route 11/15 corridor makes practical sense. For professionals who value proximity to employers, coworking spaces, and evening entertainment options, we've created a focused guide to young professional areas in New Cumberland that explores these lifestyle factors in depth.
You'll find more renters here than in other areas of New Cumberland, particularly in the townhome and apartment complexes near Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel. This creates a slightly more transient community feel, though many long-term homeowners have settled in the single-family neighborhoods that branch off the main pike.
The Practical Details
Traffic is the trade-off. Route 11/15 is heavily traveled, especially during rush hour. If your home directly faces the Carlisle Pike, noise can be a factor, though many residents report you adjust to it quickly, especially with modern windows.
The upside is that everything you need is incredibly accessible. West Shore Plaza is right there with Target, Lowe's, and numerous other retail options. Medical care is convenient with UPMC West Shore and various specialist offices nearby. For families, while you're still in the West Shore School District, the schools are slightly farther than they are from downtown New Cumberland, typically requiring a bus ride or car drop-off.
Utilities are the same borough services, though some of the newer construction has slightly more modern infrastructure. Internet speeds tend to be excellent here, with full Comcast Xfinity and Verizon Fios availability—important if you're working from home or have teenagers streaming simultaneously.
Riverfront & Yellow Breeches Area
What Defines This Area
The western edge of New Cumberland runs along the Susquehanna River and includes the area near where Yellow Breeches Creek meets the river. This is New Cumberland's most scenic territory, with several streets offering actual river views and immediate access to outdoor recreation.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park serves as this area's centerpiece—a beautifully maintained riverside park with walking paths, playground equipment, and perfect spots for watching the sunset over the Susquehanna. Just south, you'll find Dockside Willies, where locals gather for waterfront dining and live music in the warmer months.
The housing here is eclectic—everything from charming older homes near the park to some of New Cumberland's most substantial properties with river access. Some homes along Front Street and the nearby blocks have been here since the early 1900s, while others represent more recent construction or extensive renovations. If you're drawn to premium properties with unique features and upscale finishes, you'll want to explore the luxury neighborhoods in New Cumberland, where riverfront homes with direct water access represent some of the borough's most exclusive real estate.
Who Thrives Here
This area particularly attracts people who value outdoor access and natural beauty. If you're someone who wants to take evening walks along the river, launch a kayak from your neighborhood, or watch your kids play at the park before dinner, the riverfront areas of New Cumberland offer something truly special.
You'll meet avid cyclists who use the Greenbelt Trail that runs through the area, fishermen who frequent the Susquehanna and Yellow Breeches, and families who prioritize outdoor time. The proximity to the water creates a distinct lifestyle—more relaxed, more connected to nature, even while being minutes from downtown services.
The Practical Details
Flood history is an important consideration. While current homes have been built or renovated with flood mitigation in mind, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps guide construction standards, you'll want flood insurance and should carefully review any property's flood history before purchasing.
That said, for those who understand and prepare for this reality, the riverfront location is magical. Property values here can be higher, particularly for homes with actual river views or direct park access. The community is tight-knit—people who choose to live near the river tend to share common interests in conservation, recreation, and the outdoors.
Access to downtown Bridge Street is easy—you're talking a 5-minute walk or 2-minute drive. The area is served by the same excellent borough services, and West Shore Bureau of Fire has quick access despite the riverfront location.
Route 174 (Old York Road) Residential Neighborhoods
What Defines This Area
The southern portion of New Cumberland, stretching toward and along Route 174 (Old York Road), encompasses some of the borough's quietest, most traditionally suburban streets. This is where New Cumberland starts to transition toward its neighboring communities, offering a hybrid feel between small-town borough living and typical suburban development.
The housing stock here represents various eras, from 1950s ranches to 1980s splits and colonials. Lots tend to be larger than in the Historic Downtown core, and you'll find more single-family detached homes with driveways, garages, and established landscaping. Streets like Simpson Street and Ninth Street have that classic American suburb character—kids playing, well-maintained lawns, and quiet evenings.
This area doesn't have the commercial activity of Bridge Street or the scenic views of the riverfront, but that's precisely its appeal. It's purely residential, offering peace and privacy while still being officially within New Cumberland Borough.
Who Thrives Here
Families with children consistently gravitate toward these neighborhoods in New Cumberland. The residential streets have minimal through-traffic, making them safer for kids who want to ride bikes or walk to friends' houses. The homes typically offer more space—both indoor square footage and outdoor yards—at more moderate price points than waterfront or downtown properties, making this area particularly attractive for those seeking the best family neighborhoods in New Cumberland without the premium price tags of riverfront living.
You'll also find long-term residents who value stability and community. These are the blocks where neighbors host block parties, where everyone knows whose dog is whose, and where families return for generations.
The Practical Details
While you won't walk to Cornerstone Coffeehouse from here, you're still within a short drive of all New Cumberland's amenities. You're actually closer to some regional shopping in Camp Hill and have easy access to Route 581 for commuting. The area still benefits from New Cumberland Borough services, including the highly rated West Shore School District.
One significant advantage: parking and storage are rarely issues here. Most homes have driveways, many have garages, and basement storage is common. If you have boats, RVs, or multiple vehicles, this is far easier to manage here than in the tighter confines of the Historic Downtown area.
The community feels distinctly family-oriented. You're near New Cumberland Middle School, and the area has strong participation in youth sports leagues and school activities. For parents, this translates to a built-in social network and plenty of opportunities for kids to make neighborhood friends.
Making Your Decision: Choosing Your New Cumberland Neighborhood
Every area of New Cumberland we've covered offers something valuable—the question is which set of trade-offs aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.
If authentic small-town character and walkability top your list, the Historic Downtown area delivers. You'll sacrifice some modern conveniences and space, but you gain a genuine sense of place that's increasingly rare in suburban Pennsylvania.
For families prioritizing schools, yards, and quiet streets where kids can safely play, the Third & Fourth Street residential area or the Route 174 neighborhoods offer that classic family-friendly environment while maintaining access to New Cumberland's amenities.
If your daily life demands convenience—quick errands, easy highway access, modern amenities—the Route 11/15 corridor area minimizes your commute and maximizes accessibility, even if it trades some of that small-town charm.
And for those who value natural beauty and outdoor recreation, the Riverfront & Yellow Breeches area provides something truly special: river views, park access, and a lifestyle oriented around the outdoors, with the understanding that flood preparation is part of the equation.
The beautiful reality about New Cumberland is that it's small enough that no neighborhood is truly isolated. You're never more than 10 minutes from any part of town, so you can live in one area and still easily enjoy what the others offer. Want to live near Route 11/15 for convenience but grab dinner at Dockside Willies on Friday nights? Perfectly doable. Prefer the quiet of the Route 174 area but want to walk to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park on weekends? It's a short drive.
As you narrow down where to live in New Cumberland, we recommend visiting at different times of day. Drive through your top-choice neighborhoods during morning rush hour, weekend afternoons, and evening hours. Stop at Cornerstone Coffeehouse or Brewhouse Grille and chat with locals. Walk through Negley Park or along the riverfront. The neighborhood that feels right will become apparent.
It's also worth exploring whether New Cumberland itself is the perfect fit, or if nearby communities might better serve your needs. Our comprehensive New Cumberland suburbs guide examines neighboring areas like Camp Hill, Lemoyne, and Wormleysburg, helping you understand how these communities compare to New Cumberland proper. And if you're curious about emerging investment opportunities or neighborhoods undergoing revitalization, our analysis of up-and-coming areas in New Cumberland highlights where development and community improvements are creating new possibilities.
Once you've made your decision, Making Moves PA is ready to make your transition seamless. We know every street in New Cumberland—which corners are tight for moving trucks, when parking enforcement is active downtown, and how to efficiently navigate your move-in day regardless of which area you're calling home. Our team has moved families into homes across this entire borough, and we understand the unique logistics each area presents.
Whether you're moving from across Pennsylvania or just relocating from Camp Hill to New Cumberland, we'll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new neighborhood. For a detailed look at everything New Cumberland offers beyond just neighborhoods, check out our comprehensive
New Cumberland City Guide, which covers schools, employment, recreation, and much more.








