5 Things You Didn’t Know About Living in Lancaster County

Lancaster County, PA, has a rich history and culture.  The area has long been known for its bucolic countryside and Amish heritage, but there’s more to Lancaster, PA, than the Pennsylvania Dutch.  Here are five things you probably do not already know about living in Lancaster County.

What You Might Not Know About Lancaster County

Origins

Lancaster County’s origins stretch back more than 300 years, and those origins do not include the Amish.  Pennsylvania originally had three counties: Bucks, Philadelphia, and Chester. In 1729, residents of the rural area that is now Lancaster County complained that it was too far from the government seat in Chester County.  To improve day-to-day government and local safety, they established Lancaster County in 1729. It was the first county to be created after the three original counties.

Adamstown

Adamstown, PA, located in northeastern Lancaster County, is known as the Antiques Capital of the United States.  Antiquing in Adamstown started in the early 1960s with flea markets hosted by dealer Charles Weik, and the market has only grown since then.  Adamstown is home to more than 5,000 flea markets and antique dealers who sell everything from furniture to clocks, jewelry to China, and everything in between.  Located both indoors and outside, some shops are open year-round while others are seasonal or weekend only. If antiques are your passion, make sure to put Adamstown on your itinerary.

Mud Sales

“Mud sales” are an annual highlight of many Lancaster County towns and villages.  In spite of what the name suggests, nobody is selling mud! Rather, the sales take place during muddy spring weather, hence, the name.  The volunteer fire departments that serve many Lancaster County towns and villages sponsor these sales as a way to raise funds for their necessary equipment and supplies.  The sales are auction-style and sell donated items ranging from Amish-made furniture, quilts, and crafts to Amish carriages and buggies, farm equipment, tools, building materials, tools, and garden items.  Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods are often for sale as well.

You Can Become Amish

You can become Amish!  It’s not common but it is possible.  Becoming Amish requires baptism in the Amish faith, learning to speak Pennsylvania Dutch (the German dialect that the Amish speak), and giving up modern conveniences such as cars and electricity.  Because the Amish lifestyle can be challenging for anyone, especially those who are not born into it, the Amish community recommends that if you are interested in an Amish lifestyle, start by exploring a local, English-speaking church that is Bible-centered.  You may find that you can embrace a simpler, Christian lifestyle without converting.

The Weather

Lancaster County weather includes four distinct seasons, highlighting the changeable beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside.  Winters are cold, with plenty of snow and temperatures in the 30s. Temperatures start to rise in the spring, falling anywhere from the 40s to the 70s, and with the rising temperatures come blooming flower trees and lush green fields.  Summers in Lancaster lean toward hot and humid, with highs in the 80s in August. Local farms shine in the summertime, with fields of corn, tobacco, and wheat turning the countryside into a patchwork quilt. Fall is dry and chilly, especially at night.  The leaves change around mid-October for fantastic foliage displays. Lancaster County is gorgeous in any season.

 

If you would like to learn more about homes for sale in Lancaster County PA, reach out to the Jeremy Ganse Home Selling Team.  Our real estate agents are ready to help you explore the area and find the right home for you.