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Welcome to Hershey
Central Pennsylvania is known for its natural beauty, low cost of living and diverse experiences. Just like the surrounding area, Penn State College of Medicine offers an inclusive and welcoming environment toward people from all walks of life.

While you’re here, you’re part of a community working to impact and improve Central PA, making this region a happy and healthy place to live.

A stylized map of the area around Pennsylvania, featuring Hershey prominently and showing the larger cities (Harrisburg, Philadelphia, etc.) nearby

Where's Hershey?

Hershey is next door to the state capital, Harrisburg, historic Lancaster and Gettysburg. And it’s easy to get to some of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest metros and its beaches.

  • Philadelphia (1.5 hours)
  • Baltimore (1.5 hours)
  • New York City (2.5 hours)
  • Washington, D.C. (2.5 hours)
  • Pittsburgh (3.5 hours)
  • Ocean City, N.J. (2 hours, 40 minutes)
  • Cape May, N.J. (3 hours, 10 minutes)
  • Ocean City, Md. (4 hours)

What's It Like to Live Here?

At a glance, here are some of the best reasons to choose Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth.

Low Cost of Living

Compared to big-city neighbors, Hershey is an affordable place to call home with a cost of living below the national average.

Stress-Free Commuting

There are no parking meters, monthly garage fees or daily traffic headaches. Arrive for your shift free and easy.

Plenty of Green Space

Need some distance? Pack a picnic with the family or blaze a new trail leading to a breathtaking mountain overlook.

Top-Notch Schools

Hershey boasts some of the best ranked educational programs in PA, making it a perfect place to raise the next generation of doctors.

Comfortable and Convenient Shopping

Discover a mix of independently owned shops and restaurants alongside national brands you know and love.

Sweet History

The outline of a Hershey's kiss chocolate

In 1963, the Milton S. Hershey Foundation gave a $50M gift to Penn State to establish a medical school and teaching hospital in Hershey, the town built on chocolate.

What’s There to Do?

Here’s a small taste of the places to explore, eat and enjoy in Hershey, Harrisburg and the surrounding area.

Places to Eat

Everyone needs time to unwind. This area offers a variety of vibes from laid back lounges to pulse-pounding nightclubs to friendly neighborhood bars with trivia.

Central PA’s craft beer scene is hopping, with hundreds of IPAs, lagers, stouts and sours to sample inside their trendy taprooms.

Open up a bottle of wine at a vineyard where the beautiful scenery and acoustic music is as much a part of the experience as what’s in your glass.

Staying Active

Hershey and the surrounding area are a breath of fresh air when it comes to outdoor activities. From mountain biking trails behind the college to day hikes on the Appalachian Trail, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to try.

Add a little splash to your weekend with kayaking and canoeing trips for every skill level along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg or on calm creeks near Hersheypark.

Stay strong and lean with indoor/outdoor yoga, cross-fit training, and barre classes offered around the area.

Nightlife, Craft Beer & Vineyards

From sports bars and seafood to authentic ethnic cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Enjoy a Hershey’s chocolate martini alongside made-from-scratch meals at award-winning restaurants along the walkable Chocolate Avenue hub.

Downtown Harrisburg’s Restaurant Row is bursting with flavor, from upscale tapas to vegan sidewalk dining to sweet donut shops.

Like to cook? Looking for new flavors? Explore the historic Broad Street Market in Harrisburg with fresh seasonal produce, multi-cultural food vendors and locally made goods.

Attractions & Experiences

Hershey and Harrisburg draw thousands of visitors each year who love chocolate, history and concerts, and it’s all right in your backyard.

Many locals get season passes to experience Hersheypark and stop by Hershey’s Chocolate World for baked goods and gifts. Hersheypark Stadium draws a crowd for outdoor summer concerts, and Giant Center hosts AHL hockey champs, the Hershey Bears.

In Harrisburg, catch a minor league baseball game and ride the iconic riverboat for a sunset dinner cruise. Immerse yourself in the region’s culture and history at the city’s galleries and museums.