About Lancaster County

Whether you are thinking of moving to Lancaster County, PA, or you have lived here for years, there is much to learn about what the area has to offer. With its large and varied geography, even residents may not have explored it in its entirety, as it encompasses close to 1,000 square miles. It includes one city (the City of Lancaster), 18 boroughs, and 41 townships, each with its own unique characteristics and personality. Within your search of the Lancaster PA MLS, you will find urban areas, suburban areas, and truly rural communities. Depending on your interests, you can choose to live downtown, which is within walking distance of restaurants and theaters, or on a farm close to nature. Lancaster County truly has something for everyone.

Home Values in Lancaster County

Like much of the country, Lancaster County is currently experiencing an increase in home values. Home prices have gone up 7.7% in the past year. The median home list price as of January 31, 2019, was $278,950, with a median sale price of $199,000 according to Zillow.com.

The median list price per square foot was $175. Within the county, there is a huge span in price and type of property available. Vacant lots are available for as little as $9,000, and trailer houses and row homes start at under $20,000. Of course, price depends on the type of property and where it is located — luxury homes can be priced as high as $2.4 million. Within that range, you are sure to find a home that suits your style and your budget.

School Districts In Lancaster County

Lancaster County is divided into 17 school districts. The districts span the various municipalities so that there is not a distinct correlation between municipality and school district. A school district may draw from as many as eight different municipalities, and one municipality may be divided amongst more than one school district. If you have children or plan to have children, it is important to take a look at the corresponding school district for your street address. The 17 districts are Cocalico, Columbia Borough, Conestoga Valley, Donegal, Eastern Lancaster County, Elizabethtown Area, Ephrata Area, Hempfield, Lampeter-Strasburg, School District of Lancaster, Manheim Central, Manheim Township, Octorara Area, Penn Manor, Pequea Valley, Solanco, and Warwick.

Some districts are urban, such as the large City of Lancaster school district, which serves over 11,000 students at 19 schools, and the small urban district of Columbia Borough, which serves just under 1,500 students at 4 schools. Other districts are distinctly rural, such as the Solanco School District, a district encompassing 180 square miles and serving just under 4,000 students. And in between the urban and the rural areas are many suburban districts. Different families value different qualities when it comes to education, and the sheer number of districts here may feel overwhelming.
Our real estate agents are always ready to discuss the differences between these 17 school districts.

Weather and Everyday Living

The weather in Lancaster County, PA is about what you would expect for this part of the country: hot in the summer and cold in the winter. A typical year will have 25 days above 90 degrees and 99 days below freezing, and 172 days with some type of rain and about 30 days of snow. So if you are someone who likes to observe all four seasons, Lancaster County is for you! All that precipitation makes for a lush, green climate (when it isn’t snowing), perfect for enjoying local parks and hiking trails. For some indoor activities, Lancaster County is home to Spooky Nook Sports, the largest indoor sports complex in North America, a variety of dining options including farm-to-table cuisine, local coffee shops, museums, theaters, and so much more. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find an outlet in Lancaster.

Activities and Things To Do

When you think of Lancaster, PA, you might think of its rich tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish Country. In fact, Lancaster County is home to the oldest Amish settlement in America. Lancaster County is home to thousands of Pennsylvania Amish who maintain their traditional lifestyle. A visit to Lancaster County should definitely include some Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, handmade Amish crafts, or even a ride in a horse and buggy.

But Lancaster has much more to offer! If you are a nature lover, Lancaster County offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences. If you are truly adventurous, get an aerial view of Lancaster from a helicopter with Smoketown Helicopter Tours or from a hot air balloon with the United States Hot Air Balloon Team. For something a little more low-key, spend the day on the shores of Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach in Lebanon County. Families can also enjoy an interactive farm tour at Verdant View Farm in Paradise, or take in the stunning underground beauty of Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown. And for an unusual twist, families can plan a trip to visit the Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz, where the wolves live in their natural habitat. In addition, Lancaster County houses many parks and bike trails for your everyday enjoyment.

Lancaster County, PA is also the home to true urban living in the cities of Lancaster and Lititz. Lancaster is home to a thriving arts scene, which the city highlights with its “First Friday” series. On the first Friday of every month, the city promotes innovative art exhibitions and performances that you can take in as you walk between its shops and restaurants. Year round, check out the wide variety of fun restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, or even take in a Lancaster County Food Tour.

Just 8 miles north of Lancaster, Lititz was voted “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel in 2013 and strives to live up to its name. It has a vibrant downtown with a historic character with modern businesses within its old buildings. Take a walk and check out craft breweries, specialty coffee and pastry shops, and trendy restaurants.

If you are considering a move to Lancaster County, PA, reach out to the Jeremy Ganse Home Selling Team. Our real estate agents know the ins and outs of each city, borough, and township within the county. We would be happy to talk to you about what you are looking for in a home and community, and where, in Lancaster, you can find it. Call us today!