Written by Natalija Gligorevic
Looking for a house is easy, but finding a place that feels like home can be difficult. Thankfully, in retirement, you have the time to figure out what area best suits you. Lancaster County offers an abundance of opportunities for retired individuals to explore, experience, and enjoy. From affordable living to beautiful landscape, Lancaster is a wonderful place to call home.
Beats the Competition. According to the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Places to Retire in the U.S., Lancaster County is placed third out of more than a hundred places in the country. Pennsylvania counties and cities make up seven out of the ten spots on the Top Ten, too. The list is scored based on statistics of metro population, home price range, annual salary range, unemployment rate, and access to healthcare. Lancaster County sits below the national average of housing costs and unemployment rate, making it a prosperous place to retire.
Inexpensive Living. With the housing cost being below the national average, that means it is easy to find a comfortable, affordable home. With the free time gained in retirement, the activities Lancaster County offers are often cheap or even free. Some examples include nature walks and hikes, community theaters that are funded on a pay-what-you-will basis, and inexpensive dining.
Great Community. Many people describe Lancaster County as “home” because of the wonderful community that surrounds it. Places like Garden Spot Village strive to bring together residents in creative and positive ways with different micro-communities that adhere to a plethora of hobbies and interests. Lancaster County also provides an array of volunteer opportunities for you to get involved and create positive change.
Beautiful Location. Places like Money Rocks and Chickies Rock are hot spots for those who love nature. There are almost 100 popular locations in Lancaster County for hiking, sightseeing, and simply enjoying the aesthetic look of the countryside. Peaceful and relaxing, nature walks are great for retired individuals who are looking for ways to spend their free time in a manner that destresses them.
Easy Access to Cities. Retirement gives you the opportunity and time to travel, and Lancaster County is a gateway to the exploration of various popular cities. New York City, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., are some examples of metropolises that are only a short car ride away. Within a few hours, you can explore the city for the day or the weekend, fulfilling the desire to travel without having to deal with the hassle of the populated city.
Culturally Rich. Lancaster County has a large population of Amish residents, as well as people from various cultures. This can be seen in local eateries, shops and stores. Exploring this culturally rich county is as easy as visiting Downtown Lancaster, which is the heart of culture and arts in the county. Visiting Lancaster Central Market, Fulton Theatre, Gallery Row, or any small businesses gives you a taste of the true diversity that Lancaster County offers.
Content Residents. In 2019, Lancaster County was named one of the happiest cities in the country. Considering factors such as the economy, crime rate, commute length, and general happiness levels, Lancaster County placed fourth out of all the cities in the United States. By visiting the county, it is easy to see the reasoning behind this result. The community is close-knit, friendly, and always finding ways to help each other out. The unique experiences you can gain in Lancaster County are like no other, and if you retire in Lancaster County, you are guaranteed to be spending your time in a memorable way.
Want to learn more about what Lancaster County can offer you? Visit Discover Lancaster to explore the beauty of our home!