Imagine waking up a few minutes from glassy water, quiet coves, and tree‑lined hillsides. If you are eyeing a move near Long Arm Reservoir or Sheppard‑Myers south of Hanover, you probably want both everyday convenience and easy outdoor time. In this guide, you will learn what life here actually looks like, from recreation and access to rules, commute context, and what buyers should verify before making an offer. Let’s dive in.
Location and background
Long Arm and Sheppard‑Myers are working reservoirs that help supply Hanover’s drinking water, with surrounding watershed land managed for protection and limited public use. The borough monitors and tests water quality and coordinates access with partners to balance recreation and resource protection. You can review the borough’s water quality updates for context on how the system is managed and tested in the latest Consumer Confidence Report.
The two properties together encompass roughly the low‑thousands of acres, with local reporting citing about 2,400 to 2,500 acres in total planning scope. Sheppard‑Myers dates to the early 1930s, and Long Arm followed in the 1960s, reflecting decades of community investment and watershed protection. You will find Long Arm about 2 miles south of downtown Hanover, which keeps errands, dining, and services close at hand. For history and planning context, see local coverage of the borough’s work on the reservoirs and master planning efforts from the Hanover Evening Sun.
Recreation and access today
On‑the‑water options
You can use non‑gasoline craft like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on designated areas when open. Hanover has approved a rental partnership to make getting on the water easier, with kayak rentals initiated at Long Arm and plans to expand access as docks are improved. Check recent borough meeting notes to confirm current schedules and launch details in this rental program update.
Parking is available at posted areas, typically with portable restrooms at main access points. Hours and access can change with seasons or maintenance, so confirm current conditions on the borough’s Parks & Recreation page. For practical access notes and birding‑friendly parking locations, review York Audubon’s local hotspot guide to Long Arm Reservoir.
Trails, wildlife, and views
Expect informal walking routes, quiet shoreline vistas, and regular wildlife sightings. Birding is especially strong across seasons, with waterfowl and migratory species drawing local observers in the early morning and during peak migration. If you value nature and privacy, living nearby offers an easy daily reset without a long drive.
Rules and safety to know
Because these are municipal water‑supply reservoirs, rules are stricter than at a typical lake. Direct bodily contact with the water is commonly restricted, certain shoreline and dam areas are off‑limits, and seasonal closures can occur for maintenance or drawdowns. Always check posted signs and borough updates before planning activities. For official water‑supply context and annual testing, see the borough’s water report published through the local chamber’s site.
If you want detailed maps, parking, restroom availability, or accessibility information, contact Hanover Parks & Recreation and review current resources on the borough site. Program updates, safety notices, and public input sessions are posted on Parks and Civic Alerts. Start with the borough’s department hub for Parks & Recreation and check current announcements on Civic Alerts.
Getting around and nearby services
Access to Long Arm is commonly via Westminster Avenue to Grand Valley Road, with posted launches and small parking areas. Sheppard‑Myers access is often referenced around Impounding Dam Road and related access points. Plan for limited parking at peak times and follow any posted rules to protect watershed lands.
You are close to Hanover’s shops, restaurants, and municipal services, which keeps daily life easy. Regionally, York is roughly 19 miles northeast and Baltimore is about 50 miles south, which can work for commuters who accept regional drives. See a general area overview for distances and context on the borough in this summary of Hanover.
Buyer and seller tips
For buyers
- Confirm activity rules, launch access, and any permit requirements for both reservoirs with the borough before you plan how you will use the water.
- Ask your agent for recent comparable sales near the reservoirs to understand market response to views, access, and lot features.
- Verify property lines, any watershed easements, and whether shoreline areas are public or private. Do not market or assume “waterfront” without documentation.
- Plan for seasonality, including ticks, mosquitoes, and occasional maintenance or drawdowns that can change views temporarily.
For sellers
- Highlight proximity to paddling, birding, and scenic views, and reference the borough’s planning momentum when appropriate.
- Be clear about what is permitted, including no‑swim rules, and provide buyers with current Parks & Recreation resources.
- Prep for peak‑season traffic by clarifying parking norms and best access routes for showings.
Value near conserved open space often appeals to buyers who prize recreation and views, yet premiums vary by lot, rights, and restrictions. The smart move is to pair local comps with a quick review of any recorded easements or borough notices that could affect use or future improvements.
What’s next: master plan momentum
Hanover Borough secured state funding to prepare a master site development plan for Long Arm and Sheppard‑Myers, with a reported grant of about 82,500 dollars for planning. The intent is to improve trails, access, and amenities while protecting drinking water quality. That can mean better launches and paths, plus more structured visitor flow over time. Follow local reporting on the plan’s progress from the Evening Sun and keep an eye on borough updates in Civic Alerts.
Improved access can bring more visitors during good weather, which is great for community use, and it may change the feel of nearby roads and pull‑offs at peak times. Expect the borough to balance protection and access as plans evolve, and check updates before you schedule paddles or open houses.
Ready to explore homes nearby?
If life near Long Arm or Sheppard‑Myers sounds right for you, let’s talk through the right blocks, access points, and any property‑specific considerations so you can buy with confidence. Reach out to Nick Bostic - PA Realtor for local guidance, smart pricing strategy, and responsive representation.
FAQs
Can you kayak at Long Arm and Sheppard‑Myers?
- Yes, non‑gasoline craft are allowed in designated areas, and the borough has approved a kayak rental partnership; confirm current schedules and launch points with the borough and rental operator in this update.
Is swimming allowed in the reservoirs near Hanover?
- These are municipal water‑supply reservoirs, so direct water contact is typically restricted; always verify current rules and posted signs, and review the borough’s water quality report for context here.
Where do you park to access Long Arm?
- Expect small, posted parking areas near boat launches with portable restrooms; York Audubon’s hotspot notes are helpful for first‑time visits on this page.
How close are the reservoirs to downtown Hanover?
- Long Arm is about 2 miles south of downtown, which makes quick trips to shops and services easy; for broader area context and distances, see this overview of Hanover on Wikipedia.
Will living near the reservoirs affect home value?
- Proximity to scenic open space often appeals to buyers, yet value depends on lot features, access rights, and restrictions; use recent local comps and verify any watershed easements before pricing or offering.
What seasonal issues should residents plan for near the reservoirs?
- Expect ticks and mosquitoes, bigger birding crowds during migration, and occasional maintenance or drawdowns; monitor borough Civic Alerts for temporary closures or construction updates here.
