updated Feb 1, 2023
https://lancasteronline.com/ Lancaser Online
updated July 1, 2022
The 25 Best Places to Live on the East Coast in 2022-2023
See which metro areas on the Eastern Seaboard offer the most for residents.
11. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 61
Metro Population: 543,050
Median Home Price: $226,550
Average Annual Salary: $47,970
Surrounded by Amish country, Lancaster allows residents to live close to the East Coast without a hefty cost of living. Lancaster also ranks 20th out of the 150 metro areas for quality of life, largely due to its proximity to quality health care and low crime rates. Between 2016 and 2021, the Lancaster area saw very little population growth due to net migration – just 0.34%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Learn more about Lancaster
========================================.
Bullying, culture shock and US schools: Refugee students face 'huge lift' to integrate
Published Lancaster, about 80 miles west of Philadelphia, known most for its Amish roots, will stick to a tried resettlement network. The small city alone received nearly 5,000 people from 2002 to 2019. Most of the Afghan newcomers have entered under Humanitarian Parole, requiring application for asylum within the next two years.
One aspect of this resettlement won't be as eye-catching as over 26,000 Afghan parolees deplaning at Philadelphia International Airport. Settling into the fabric of a community involves more than a new ZIP code, more than a new roof over the family.
Another piece will play out in Lancaster schools.
“This is not just an emergency," Dryden-Peterson said. "This is a long-term process for our communities.”
Living in Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is a mid-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 59,341 residents. Lancaster has a population density of 8,211 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Lancaster identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 30% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. The median age of all Lancaster residents is 31, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for young singles.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To help you find the best places to live in and around Lancaster, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, weather, employment, housing and more.
Lancaster has a livability score of 58 out of 100 and is ranked #1,687 in Pennsylvania and #25,185 in the USA. This is a lower than the US average livability score as Lancaster does not rank well for most categories. There are seven total categories that form the livability score. Lancaster ranks well for amenities (A+) and cost of living (B-). The bad news for Lancaster, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F), weather (D), education (D-), employment (F) and housing (F).
Based on the proximity of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, librairies, etc., Lancaster has received a higher than average score for its local amenities. If you’re planning on relocating and making this area your permanent home, it’s nice to know that there is an ample amount of amenities and things to do within walking distance or a short drive. Some of the notable things to do include: Dutch Wonderland, Amish Country, and American Music Theatre.
A Guide to Living in Lancaster, PA
Moving to Lancaster City
If downtown living makes moving to Lancaster seem that much more exciting, there are some great places in which to settle. Downtown Lancaster offers great options if you like walking to restaurants and bars, catching a show on the weekends, or visiting a coffee shop on dreary afternoons. The Lancaster PA cost of living offers plenty of options to fit your budget.
Moving to Lancaster’s Suburbs and Countryside
If living in downtown Lancaster doesn’t quite appeal to you, there are plenty of rural retreats throughout the spacious county. Life in Lancaster offers options for everyone.
Lititz
Lititz is a small borough that is home to big entertainment. Take a Saturday afternoon to stroll the many shops and restaurants, including tasty treats at the famous Wilbur Chocolate Factory or the Sturgis Pretzel Factory. Order some Irish fare at the Bull’s Head Public House or sneak into Tomato Pie Café for its fresh and piping hot coffee.
The community is also known for many events, such as the annual Halloween Parade, Fourth of July festivities, and lighting the neighborhood Christmas tree at Lititz Run Park.
East Hempfield Township
Home to Park City Mall as well as a hot spot for manufacturing and economic growth, East Hempfield Township is an up-and-coming community in Lancaster County. It’s a great place to live if you want to be close to shopping but far enough away to settle into one of the many housing communities that dot the municipality. Get involved in neighborhood events, such as the Amos Herr Dream Park rebuild project, or volunteer at the historical society.
Strasburg, Blue Ball, Intercourse and Ronks
While some of these names might sound strange, these country towns are a great place to call home. In the middle of Amish Country, don’t be surprised to find yourself behind a buggy every time you leave the house. Nestled in quiet communities, these municipalities offer quiet, country living with the convenience of modern amenities.
You’ll also find the famous Tanger Outlets and Rockvale Outlets just a short drive away. Hop on Route 30 to discover new restaurants and shopping opportunities. When you’ve exhausted yourself, turn down a back road and find yourself at home in the quiet hills of Lancaster’s farmland.
Elizabethtown
The quiet streets of Elizabethtown are the perfect place to settle if you prefer a small-town feel with the convenience of boutique shopping and dining. Head into downtown Elizabethtown for Folklore Coffee & Co.’s cozy treats and warm beverages. Students from nearby Elizabethtown College often mingle with older, lifelong residents in this communal space. Elizabethtown is as quaint as the name sounds, with residents ready to welcome new neighbors.
Lancaster Utilities
No matter where you decide to settle in Lancaster County, you’re going to need to set up some basic utilities. Instead of floundering through the phone book or asking your neighbors what to do next, this guide should make moving to Lancaster a bit easier.
Comments