Living in Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is a part of the Pennsylvania Dutch community in Southeastern Pennsylvania, named because many original settlers were of German descent. While the region sometimes seems like it's from another century (Amish horse-drawn carriages are common), Lancaster manages to keep up with modern conveniences. The city also has a healthy sense of art and culture. Residents love the area because living here means easy access to places, such as the American Music Theatre and Central Market. Lancaster is also a bedroom community for people working in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania state capital, which is just 40 miles away and easily accessible by commuter train.
Things to Do
While Lancaster, Pennsylvania, neighborhoods offer residents plenty of space for outdoor recreation and quiet Sundays, the community is also full of attractions and activities. Spend a morning on an historic Lancaster walking tour, then get lunch at a friendly neighborhood Irish pub or charming cafe. You can also take in a show at the Fulton Theatre or upgrade your wardrobe at the Rockvale Square Outlets. Meanwhile, balloon rides and visits to the Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park are good ways to get your fill of adventure in Lancaster.
Lancaster is also home to venues for learning about regional culture. Stop by the Mennonite Information Center or Landis Valley Museum. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the diverse background of the area's communities.
Housing in Lancaster
Lancaster real estate is appealing because of its proximity to not only the state capital of Harrisburg, but also the relatively quick drive or train ride to Philadelphia. Homes in the community are within a short distance of metropolitan attractions without the shocking price tag often attached to urban housing.
Homes for sale in Lancaster, PA, range from historic homes that date back to the 1700s and early 1800s, while others feature Victorian and early 1900s styles. Many were built in the post-WWII era, including popular split- and bi-level homes of the 1950s and 1960s. There's also plenty of new construction, and many homes have four or five bedrooms with private driveways and garages, eliminating the stress of looking for parking at the end of the day. Condo-style living and row houses, as well as apartments, are also found in the Lancaster community, but these properties are less likely to come with private parking. Home lot sizes vary, but it's not uncommon to find a single family property with more than one acre of land, often complete with a front porch of fenced-in back yard.