New to the Harrisburg area — or just starting to think about building here? You’re probably discovering that Central PA has a lot more to offer than you expected, and a lot more to figure out before you’re ready to break ground. We’ve been building homes in this region for over 40 years, and the questions Harriburg home buyers ask us tend to follow a familiar pattern. Here are the most common ones, answered honestly.
What’s the difference between the East Shore and West Shore of Harrisburg?
The East Shore and West Shore of Harrisburg each offer a distinct lifestyle. The East Shore — anchored by Lower Paxton Township and Dauphin County — offers established neighborhoods, Blue Mountain views, proximity to downtown Harrisburg, and easy access to Hershey, including the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and the I-81 corridor.
The West Shore — spanning Cumberland County communities such as Hampden, Silver Spring, and Upper Allen Townships — offers newer development, open space, and a quieter suburban feel, and access to some of Central PA’s most recognized school districts.
McNaughton Homes has been building on both shores for over 40 years, so whether you’re on the East or West shore, we know the land, townships, and communities well.
Related Reading: East Shore vs. West Shore Harrisburg: A New Home Buyer’s Guide to the Area
Which school districts serve McNaughton communities in the Harrisburg area?
McNaughton Homes builds within several school districts across the Harrisburg area. On the East Shore, our communities are served by the Central Dauphin School District and the Susquehanna Township School District. On the West Shore, our communities fall within the Cumberland Valley, Mechanicsburg Area, and West Shore school districts.
Each community on our website lists the specific school district, so you know exactly where your children would attend before you ever break ground.
How much do new homes cost in the Harrisburg area?
New home prices in the Harrisburg area vary depending on the community, school district, homesite, and the floor plan you choose. McNaughton’s current communities range from the low $400s (The Woods) to the $800s (Estates at Autumn Oaks), with most of our new home neighborhoods in Central PA priced between the mid $500s and low $600s.
Because McNaughton is a semi-custom builder, final pricing also depends on any structural modifications or personalization you choose. Why do we do business this way? Because we want you to get a home built around your life, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Request a consultation, and we’ll show you what’s possible when you build with McNaughton Homes.
Where is McNaughton currently building new homes near Harrisburg?
McNaughton is currently building in active communities across the Harrisburg area — on both the East Shore and West Shore, spanning Dauphin, Cumberland, and York counties. Several communities have quick move-in homes available now.
Visit our Communities page for a current look at where we’re building and what’s available.
Can I actually change the floor plan, or just pick finishes?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about new construction — and one of the biggest differences between McNaughton and other builders in the Harrisburg area.
Most builders will tell you that you can “customize” your home. What they mean is that you can choose from a curated list of finishes: exterior, flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and the like. At McNaughton Homes, we go much further.
As a semi-custom builder, we will make structural changes to floor plans so you get the house you want. Want to expand the kitchen? Add a sunroom, a Jack and Jill bathroom, or a dedicated mudroom? Shift a wall to create a home office with real doors? Finish the basement before you move in?
Those aren’t special requests for us. They are the kinds of changes our buyers ask for and that we make with every home we build.
We start with a thoughtfully designed floor plan and work with you to make it fit how you actually live.
How long does it take to build a new home in Central PA?
For a new-construction home in the Harrisburg area, the typical build timeline with McNaughton Homes ranges from 6 to 10 months. This is from contract signing to closing and depends on the floor plan, any structural modifications, and the current build schedule in your chosen community.
If you need to move sooner, McNaughton also offers quick move-in homes in select communities that are already under construction or near completion. During your consultation, we’ll give you a realistic timeline specific to the community and home you’re considering — no guesswork, no surprises.
Can I tour a McNaughton home before I decide?
Absolutely! McNaughton model homes are open most weekends, so you can walk through, experience the finishes, and get a real feel for the quality of construction without any pressure.
We also offer quick move-in homes in select communities that are staged and ready to tour.
McNaughton Homes is also a longtime participant in the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg’s Parade of Homes, an annual event where you can tour multiple new construction homes across the region. It’s one of the best ways to experience firsthand the difference between builders.
Can McNaughton Homes remodel my existing home?
Yes, and if you’re already living in a McNaughton-built home, there’s an advantage most homeowners don’t realize: we most likely still have your original plans on file.
That means we know exactly where your load-bearing walls stand, how your utilities run, and what’s behind every surface before we ever pick up a tool. No mid-project discoveries, no budget surprises. We call it structural certainty, and it’s something no outside remodeler can offer.
That said, McNaughton also welcomes remodeling projects in non-McNaughton-built homes throughout the Harrisburg area. Whether you’re looking to finish a basement, update a kitchen, or reconfigure your living space, our team brings the same craftsmanship to every project. Start the conversation here.
Still deciding between the East Shore and the West Shore?
We’ve put together a longer guide — East Shore vs. West Shore Harrisburg: A New Home Buyer’s Guide — that walks through the geography, lifestyle differences, commute considerations, and what’s currently available on each shore.
Building a new home is a big decision, and the right builder makes all the difference. We’ve been doing this in Central PA for over 40 years — and we’re happy to answer whatever questions didn’t make this list. Start the conversation here.
