When it comes to identifying a “hot” township for commercial real estate investment, there’s more to it than just location. At The Bill Gladstone Group of NAI CIR, we specialize in helping investors and business owners find the right properties across Central Pennsylvania by tracking key indicators that signal growth, opportunity, and long-term value.
Whether you’re new to commercial real estate or expanding your portfolio, here’s what we look for when determining whether a township is on the rise.
1. Population Growth and Demographic Shifts
A growing population often leads to rising demand for retail, office, and industrial space. We closely monitor township-level trends using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, including:
- Influx of new residents
- Increases in median income
- New housing starts
Suburbs like Lower Paxton and Swatara Township have experienced sustained population growth—making them increasingly attractive to tenants and investors alike.
➡️ Read our full spotlight on Lower Paxton Township to see why it’s one of Central PA’s most promising areas.
2. Business-Friendly Local Government
Supportive local policies can make all the difference when it comes to CRE success. We evaluate:
- Zoning flexibility and planning resources
- Permitting speed and transparency
- Local tax credit and incentive programs
Pennsylvania offers a number of statewide programs to support business expansion, such as those found through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development. Townships that work hand-in-hand with businesses to encourage development tend to outperform their peers in commercial growth.
➡️ Learn more about how Harrisburg’s growth is impacting CRE.
3. Access and Visibility
High-traffic corridors and accessible infrastructure are critical for most types of commercial properties. Our team looks for:
- Proximity to interstates (e.g., I-81, I-83, Route 22)
- Strong traffic counts and ingress/egress points
- High visibility for signage and branding
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) publishes information on transportation projects and traffic data, which we use to help forecast property desirability and accessibility.
➡️ For more on how to evaluate a location, check out our step-by-step guide to finding the perfect office space.
4. Commercial Anchors and Economic Clusters
Clusters of thriving businesses help create momentum in a township. We assess:
- National and regional tenant presence
- Proximity to hospitals, universities, or logistics centers
- Commercial vacancy and absorption rates
When we see established brands investing in a particular area, it often signals that the infrastructure, workforce, and customer base are all trending in the right direction.
5. Planned Infrastructure and Economic Development
Smart investors look not only at what’s already in place—but what’s coming. We keep a close eye on:
- Announced infrastructure improvements
- Utility and broadband expansion
- Mixed-use and public-private developments
Organizations like the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) offer insights into these developments.
➡️ Our Cumberland County spotlight covers one area with significant planned growth and investment potential.
Why It Matters
CRE success is built on more than luck—it’s about reading the signals. At The Bill Gladstone Group, we combine hyperlocal market knowledge with economic data to help our clients spot opportunities early and invest with confidence.
Whether you’re looking for your first office investment or expanding a portfolio, our team is here to guide you toward high-potential townships across Central PA.
➡️ New to investing? Start with our guide to Understanding CRE for First-Time Investors.
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