Many people want to move from other areas to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania! It’s no wonder with the mix of beautiful farmlands, convenient shopping, and quick commuting. Here are 10 things you should know about Lancaster County before you decide to move here.
1. Great healthcare – Lancaster is a hub of health campuses, hospitals, rehab centers, urgent care offices, and more. There are many providers to choose from, including Penn Medicine, Wellspan, UPMC, and Penn State Health. You can find specialties for all conditions with local hospitals referring out to nearby city locations when necessary.
2. Affordable living – compared to many areas around the nation, Lancaster County provides moderate housing costs. This includes not only the purchase price of a home, but also the property taxes. The median sold price in Lancaster County for the month of October 2023 was $325,000. As of the second quarter of 2023, the median home price in the U.S. was $416,100, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis.
3. Retirement destination – Lancaster County has been named as a top retirement destination for several years in a row. There are many active retirement communities and long term care retirement facilities. Add to this the many healthcare options, restaurants, shopping malls, and entertainment venues, and you have a perfect location for retirees.
4. Fresh local foods – There are not many places where you can find so many roadside stands and farmer’s markets selling local produce and meats other than Lancaster County. Many farmers put their homegrown foods out by the road to sell, including homemade jams and baked goods. Drive through almost any small town to find little stands, or stop by one of the large markets for a variety of fresh foods right off the farm.
5. Family entertainment – Lancaster County is a family-friendly destination with many parks and attractions perfect for kids! There’s no shortage of fun at places to visit like Dutch Wonderland, Strasburg Railroad, Cherry Crest Adventure Fun, and the Wolf Sanctuary to name a few. Plus there are many rail trails for bike riding, mini golf courses, museums, and even petting zoos.
6. Farmland smells – we have beautiful farms all around our county. This means that there are cows, pigs, chickens, and horses. Farmers often spread manure on their fields in spring and fall. This means there are a lot of farmland smells that don’t smell very pleasant! It is not unusual to get a whiff when in the country. So be careful where you choose to live.
7. Culture and cuisine – Despite being a small city, Lancaster boasts theaters, coffee shops, pubs, world class restaurants, historical tours, and museums. You can take in a show at the Fulton Opera House, enjoy elegant dining at the Belvedere Inn, or jump into nightlife at Tellus360. From casual to formal, music to plays, Lancaster has it all.
8. Conservative culture – Lancaster County may be most known for its Amish and Mennonite population. These religious groups live simple lives sheltered from the world. They dress and behave in a conservative manner, work hard, and treasure their families and church. Many sell their handmade items and foods locally.
9. Congested roadways – With much development over the years, hub spots of Lancaster County are heavily traveled. You will find major roadways congested, as well as access roads around shopping areas. Work travel times also add extra cars on the road and slow downs. Plan for heavy traffic on popular routes.
10. Easy Commuting – Lancaster County is close to major cities, such as Baltimore, Washington DC, New York, and Philadelphia. Within a few hours you can be in a large city. It’s easy to get to airports, hospitals, and entertainment. Convenient commuting is one of the things that brings many people to the area.
For locals like me, Lancaster County is my favorite place to be! I have all my favorite local spots and love our beautiful farmland. If you have any questions about this area, please reach out! I’d love to tell you more or schedule a tour.
By Launch Kits