Written by Natalija Gligorevic
Lancaster County offers the beauty and quiet of relaxed country living with easy access to large cities. The county’s rich history, commitment to the arts and growing diversity makes it the perfect place to live and work. Discover why so many people are thankful to be living in Lancaster County.
Easy access to cities. Lancaster County provides a balanced lifestyle; cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City, and D.C. are all within a few hours drive, and at the end of the trip, calm and peaceful suburbia awaits. It is perfect for people who want to experience the urban lifestyle temporarily, without having to live in an area that has constant traffic and expensive rent.
Besides Lancaster’s geographical location, our wonderful transportation system also contributes to the county’s easy access to popular cities. The Lancaster Train Station (LNC) holds rich history inside of its brick walls, and more than half a million people rode the Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service last year. The LNC is the second busiest train station in the state and the twenty-first busiest in the country. The long hours and abundant routes solidify it as a great option for travel, especially for a weekend trip to the city.
Agriculture. Out of the 5,108 farms in Lancaster County, 99 percent of them are family owned. Overflowing with rich agriculture, Lancaster is known for its organic and diverse selection of crops; local farmer’s stands and markets ensure the purchase of high-quality produce, harvested at peak ripeness. Living in this county means living in an agriculturally blossoming community, constantly surrounded by livestock and local farms. We are blessed to have fresh produce all year round—other places don’t compete with our outstanding cultivation!
Rich history. Lancaster County is unique with its interesting history of Quakers, the Amish, and farming. Even today, it still holds its antique appearance that many tourists appreciate. Exploring the heart of Lancaster’s past can start with an early morning trip to Lancaster Central Market—America’s oldest operating farmer’s market—and then venturing to Downtown Lancaster, where Victorian buildings and a settlement-era grid pattern make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
After exploring the center hub of Lancaster, take a trip to one of its many museums to guarantee a full archival experience; Historic Lancaster Walking Tours offers an interactive guide through the city, as a tour guide points out landmarks and the history behind them.
The arts. For those who appreciate theater performances, Lancaster County is a great place to live. The arts are a huge part of the community, especially with popular places like Sight and Sound. Offering lively and unique shows, Sight and Sound showcase various stories of the Bible, ranging from Moses to Noah’s ark.
Accessible theaters are also a staple of the county. Programs such as Servant Stage are run on a pay-what-you-will basis, opening their theater doors to everyone regardless of their financial situations. Other locations, such as the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster City and CAVOD in New Holland, show just how abundant our county’s appreciation for the arts is. CAVOD is known for their dedicated youth companies, including anything from ballet, theater, to vocal ensembles. Lancaster County fuels creative minds of any age, enriching residents with unique and fun experiences.
Diversity. Meeting people from different walks of life is important; it gives us different perspectives on life and expands our bubble beyond the net of our own specific culture. Luckily, Lancaster’s population incorporates people from many different backgrounds.
Between 2014 and 2019, the population of immigrants living in Lancaster County increased by 16.2%. Additionally, 29.2% of the current population come from Puerto Rican roots, making Puerto Ricans the largest ethnic group residing in Lancaster County. People from German, Black American, and Irish backgrounds add to the melting pot that is Lancaster County, too. Of course, one cannot forget the significant number of Amish people who live in Lancaster as well. Being grateful for the diversity in Lancaster County is overall being grateful for the wonderful citizens who reside in this special place.
Small businesses. Local businesses, often run by families of the county, add a personal, friendly feel to the atmosphere. Thankfully, Lancaster has over 13,000 small businesses. Ranging from locally owned retail businesses, restaurants, farmers markets, and service companies, these organizations lay in the heart of Lancaster County. They offer great job opportunities to residents, contribute to the economy, and provide a homely feel for customers. Unfortunately, after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, small businesses have taken large financial hits. If you want to find out how explore your options of Lancaster companies and figure out how to help, click here.
Nature. The stunning mountains of Pennsylvania are certainly a sight to behold. Whether you enjoy taking photos of the view, or simply like the exercise that hiking to the top of a hill gives you, Lancaster is the place to do it. Nature has outdone itself with places like Money Rocks, Chickies Rock, and Pinnacle Overlook. Each spot offers an unforgettable experience of nature with its scenic views and beautiful environment—something that the whole family can enjoy together at any time of the year.
To discover more about the unique opportunities in Lancaster County visit Discover Lancaster, Lancaster County’s non-profit tourist advocacy organization.