New Freedom
cityNew Freedom is a borough located in southern York County, Pennsylvania, bordering the Mason-Dixon Line. As of 2020, the population was 4,874, and recent estimates place it around 5,242 in 2026. Once a railroad and industrial hub, it has evolved into a primarily residential community. Historically, New Freedom thrived due to its fertile soil, which supported farming and agriculture. The Northern Central Railway played a vital role in its early growth, facilitating commerce and transportation. Today, while maintaining some older businesses, New Freedom serves as a commuter town for people working in Harrisburg and Baltimore. New Freedom offers a blend of historical charm and modern living. The York County Heritage Rail Trail runs through the borough, connecting it to other towns and offering recreational opportunities. The town also hosts community events like the New Freedom Fest, fostering a strong sense of community.
New Freedom, Pennsylvania
- Classification
- Borough
- FIPS Code
- 42-53568
- Country
- United States
- County
- York County
- Region
- Southern York County
- Elevation
- 643 ft
- Total Area
- 2.08 sq mi
- Land Area
- 2.08 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.73667
- Longitude
- -76.69861
- Neighboring Areas
- Railroad · Shrewsbury · Glen Rock · Stewartstown
- Population (2020)
- 4,874
- Est. Population (2026)
- 5,242
- Median Age
- 45.3
- Median Income
- $120,037
- Poverty Rate
- 3.95%
- Family Households
- 74.2%
- Owner-Occupied
- 90.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of New Freedom includes 92.05% White, 0.59% Asian, and 7.36% Two or more races.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- Borough Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Southern York County School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Agriculture
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Management · Sales · Computers and Math
- Major Employers
- Mann & Parker Lumber · Crescent Industries
- School Districts
- Southern York County School District
- Transportation
- York-Baltimore Turnpike (Rt. 111) · I-83 Access · York County Heritage Rail Trail
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Wastewater treatment
- Major Facilities
- New Freedom Community Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- York County Heritage Rail Trail · Marge Goodfellow Park · Arlington Ernst Park
- Parks & Trails
- York County Heritage Rail Trail · Marge Goodfellow Park · Joan Davis Community Park · Arlington Ernst Park · Freedom Green · Smith Woods · Quail Ridge · Wethersfield · Veteran's Memorial Park
- Founded
- 1783
- Incorporated
- 1873
- Named After
- The Free family, early settlers in the area. The name was changed to 'New Freedom' because another town named 'Freedom' already existed in Pennsylvania.
- Historical Significance
- New Freedom's historical significance lies in its role as a railway town and agricultural center, connecting York and Baltimore. It served as a vital transportation hub and a gateway between the North and South.
- Key Events
- Conrad W. Free settled in the area in 1783. · The Northern Central Railway's arrival spurred industrial growth. · The Stewartstown Railroad connected with the Northern Central in New Freedom in 1885. · Hurricane Agnes in 1972 damaged the rail line, leading to its decline.