Why Retire in Lancaster, PA

Planning for the next chapter of your life and searching for the best place to spend your golden years?

Look no further than Lancaster, PA; consistently ranked as one of the best places to retire in the country. Women's Day ranked Lancaster #1 in their Top 10 US Cities for Retirement, AARP ranked Lancaster 6th in their Great Retirement Towns for Baseball Lovers, and U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Places To Retire in the U.S.

Looking to retire? On October 21st, 2023, Explore Retirement Living is hosting its 11th Annual Open House. Where you can explore 17 different communities, going from one to the other, looking around, gathering information, asking questions, and having fun. Retirement homes such as Willow Street Communities, Garden Spot Village, Masonic Village, Homestead Village Enhanced Senior Living, and more will all be participating.

Read why Wilbur and Bert love living at Garden Spot Village and how the couple is looking forward to continuing to enjoy activities and serving their community together.

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Garman Builders 55+ communities are the perfect choice for the transitional buyer who enjoys being surrounded by like-minded, healthy people. Their Wynfield 55+ communities offer the ultimate, carefree living with relaxing surroundings and a range of amenities that could include clubhouses or meeting rooms that are designed for entertainment and special events. They even partner with Millersville University so that the residents have the ability to use the university’s fitness, pool, and library amenities.

From cottages surrounded by wide-open countryside to chic condos in walkable Downtown Lancaster and Lititz, the 55+ communities in the county offer plenty for the city or country mouse..

Don’t just take it from us – Willow Valley Communities shared five fantastic reasons why retirees love Lancaster.

Four Distinct Seasons

Winter, spring, summer, and fall – we’ve got them all! If you enjoy leaf-peeping in the fall, followed by cozy winters by the fire, Lancaster is the place for you. Spring and summer bring festivals and events in Downtown Lancaster and our small towns that are great for couples and for when the grandkids visits.

Our season guides will help you navigate the changing weather and the town happenings you won’t want to miss.

Diverse Residents

From the Amish communities that are scattered around the county to the city that welcomes refugees from far and wide, Lancaster is home to many different cultures. These cultures can be found in the events held throughout the year, the international dining offerings, and the unique businesses from county to city.

Low Cost of Living

If affordability is a factor for your retirement home, Lancaster fits the bill. You’ll find budget-friendly and free things to do to fill your spare time and to entertain out-of-town guests, and notable fine dining options that rival big city restaurants, all at a price that will please.

When it comes to places to live, the plethora of residential offerings in the various communities, from full cottages to smaller apartments, gives you the chance to find the space that best fits your needs and budget.

Drivable Distance to Major Cities and Convenient Transportation Options

When you live in Lancaster, you’re just a short drive away from many major cities that make for great day trips. Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are all within four hours of Lancaster County, and can be accessed by Amtrak train.

If you’re heading somewhere farther to see your far-away family, Harrisburg International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport are close by, about a 35 minute and 90 minute drive respectively. Harrisburg International Airport’s direct flight options are growing which makes it easy to get out of town.

Culturally Rich Downtown with Live Theatre, Art, Shopping, and Wide Variety of Restaurants

Last, but most certainly not least, Lancaster’s Downtown is blossoming and overflowing with theatre, art, tasty eats, and shopping. To complement the peaceful countryside, Lancaster City’s vibrant spirit offers locals, visitors, and retirees plenty of fun, from a morning at Lancaster Central Market to an evening show at Fulton Theatre. Spend all afternoon browsing the art galleries on Gallery Row, and top your day off with a cocktail and delectable dinner, all within a few blocks of each other.

Lancaster County offers the best of both worlds – the traditional Amish countryside and culture filled with hearty, comfort food, crafts, and homegrown goodness – matched with the up-and-coming hip Downtown that is perfect for the young-at-heart.

When you’re ready to plan your retirement life, consider Lancaster County – full of sunsets over golden fields to fill your golden years.

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