Is Lemoyne Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lemoyne
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled along the Susquehanna River, this borough provides a distinct charm that appeals to a variety of residents. Its close-knit community atmosphere makes it an attractive option for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life.
The area boasts a relatively affordable cost of living, with housing prices that are notably lower than the national average. This affordability, combined with a generally safe environment and a strong job market, positions Lemoyne as a desirable place to live for individuals and families alike. The borough’s accessibility and community spirit further enhance its appeal.
Is it Safe to Live in Lemoyne?
Lemoyne presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 58% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 64% lower (according to Area Vibes). Residents typically feel safest in the southern parts of the borough.
While the overall crime rate is favorable, it’s worth noting that crime can vary by neighborhood. The chance of being a victim of crime ranges from 1 in 13 in the west to 1 in 34 in the south (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a rate of 35.75 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
Lemoyne’s housing market offers a compelling value proposition, with median home prices significantly below the national average. The median home value is approximately $201,749, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average of $222,630 (according to BestNeighborhood.org). Other reports indicate a median listing price of $259K (according to Zumper).
For those interested in renting, the median rent in Lemoyne is around $1,410 per month, which is 28% lower than the national average (according to Zumper). This makes Lemoyne an attractive option for both homebuyers and renters looking for more affordable housing solutions.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Lemoyne is generally considered affordable, with several key expense categories falling below national averages. Housing expenses are notably lower, by 2% compared to the national average (according to PayScale). Grocery prices are also favorable, being 4% lower than the national average.
While utility prices are 17% higher than the national average, and transportation costs are 1% higher, these increases are often offset by savings in other areas. Healthcare costs in Lemoyne are 10% lower than the national average (according to PayScale), contributing to the overall affordability.
Job Market and Economy
Employment Opportunities
Lemoyne boasts a robust job market with a low unemployment rate. The employment rate is currently around 99.22% (according to BestNeighborhood.org), and the unemployment rate is reported at 2.8% (according to BestNeighborhood.org). Some sources indicate an unemployment rate as low as 0.0% (according to Kurby AI), suggesting strong job opportunities.
Major employment sectors in Lemoyne include Health Care & Social Assistance, Finance & Insurance, and Construction (according to Data USA). Common job groups for residents are in Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners, and Material Moving Occupations.
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Lemoyne itself are not extensively detailed, the broader Cumberland County area benefits from significant employment centers. Key employers in Cumberland County include the Navy Ships Parts Control Center and Highmark/PA Blue Shield, each employing over 5,000 people (according to Cumberland County Economic Base Profile). The proximity to Harrisburg, the state capital, also provides access to numerous state government jobs.
Additionally, large retail and service companies like McDonald’s, FedEx, Dollar General, and CVS Health have a presence in Lemoyne, offering various employment opportunities (according to Indeed.com). Major employers in Pennsylvania overall include the Federal Government, State Government, Wal-Mart Associates Inc., and Amazon.com Services LLC (according to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Lemoyne experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 22°F in the winter to 87°F in the summer (according to myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 76°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 85°F.
The cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with lows averaging 25°F and highs around 38°F. Annual precipitation averages 44 inches, with July being the wettest month, and January being the driest.
Environmental Quality
Lemoyne offers a comfortable living environment with a pleasant climate for much of the year. The humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months, making outdoor activities enjoyable. The borough experiences approximately 156 days per year with comfortable weather, typically from May to June and August to October.
The area is characterized by a dense suburban feel, with numerous amenities such as bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks readily available. This blend of natural surroundings and accessible conveniences contributes to a good quality of life for its residents.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Lemoyne’s public schools are served by the West Shore School District. While there is one public elementary school in Lemoyne, Washington Heights Elementary School, the overall school district’s performance is mixed. Lemoyne public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% and a reading proficiency score of 42%, which is below the Pennsylvania state average for reading (according to Niche). These schools collectively hold an average ranking in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools.
However, Niche reports that the public schools in Lemoyne are considered above average. Washington Heights Elementary School itself has received a B- overall Niche grade and a rating of 5 out of 5 from users (according to Niche). Minority enrollment in Lemoyne public schools is 52%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania average.
Demographics
Lemoyne has a population of approximately 4,742 residents (according to Data USA). The borough is predominantly White, with 91.8% of the population identifying as such, followed by Black or African American at 4.3% (according to Data USA). A small percentage of residents, 3.86%, were born outside the country (according to Data USA).
The median age in Lemoyne is around 40.4 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is fairly evenly split between genders, with 45.3% male and 54.7% female (according to Point2Homes). The majority of residents own their homes, with 55% owning and 45% renting (according to Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Lemoyne
Pros
Lemoyne offers a compelling combination of affordability and quality of life. The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly in housing expenses (according to PayScale). Crime rates are significantly lower than national averages, contributing to a safe living environment (according to Area Vibes).
The job market is strong, with a low unemployment rate and diverse employment sectors, including healthcare and finance (according to Data USA). Residents also benefit from a dense suburban feel with convenient access to amenities like restaurants, parks, and shops.
Cons
Despite its advantages, Lemoyne has some drawbacks. Public school performance, particularly in reading proficiency, lags behind the state average (according to Niche). While overall crime is low, specific neighborhoods may experience higher rates, and the cost of crime per resident is higher than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Utility prices are higher than the national average (according to PayScale), and while home prices are affordable, the median home value has seen an increase of 19.6% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). This rising trend in home prices could impact long-term affordability for some.