Should I invest in the Hersey area?

[Jameliah Cunningham]

Good afternoon all!

Is there a property manager or agent that I can connect with in the Hershey, PA area. I’m looking to find more information on the area.

[Kyle McCorkel]

@Jameliah Cunningham

Here’s my perspective, as a lifetime Hershey resident: Central PA is a great place to invest with stable employment from multiple industries (a 10% lay-off from Hershey foods didn’t even make a dent). Plus the cost of living is very low.

Hershey itself is largely A+ class homes and is 50%+ higher priced than most of the surrounding areas. It is nearly impossible to cash flow at these prices even with slightly higher rents. Plus, our property taxes are much higher than surrounding areas as well.

There are some junky areas of Hershey that are cheaper, but there’s a reason for it that is inherently tied to the location (close to railroad tracks, close to Hershey Foods plant, close to sewer treatment plant, etc). While you still are in the coveted Hershey schools I still would not touch these areas since there is zero chance of appreciation due to the terrible location.

Bottom line is, don't overpay and don't settle for zero cash flow just to be in Hershey schools. Now, if you can find a place needing work (warning: everybody else is looking for this too) then you could make out well with a flip or possibly a BRRRR.

My recommendation is to look into the surrounding areas around Hershey. Palmyra (watch out for sinkholes!), Hummelstown, and parts of Harrisburg that aren’t in the city school district. Further away, the West Shore and Lancaster county are largely excellent places to invest as well.