Retirement

Why Lancaster County, PA Is One of the Best Places to Retire

•Your Next Adventure Awaits•

Ranked one of the best places to retire in the U.S., Lancaster County offers scenic beauty, low cost of living, top-rated healthcare, and vibrant small towns - all just a short drive from major East Coast cities.

From walkable small towns and local farmers markets to vibrant arts, outdoor recreation, and welcoming communities, Lancaster offers an active, fulfilling retirement lifestyle. Whether you prefer scenic countryside living or downtown charm, there’s a pace and place here that fits your next chapter.

Why Lancaster?

Communities

Healthcare

Things to do

Accessibility

Plan Visit

Why Retire in Lancaster County?

Low Cost of Living, High Quality of Life

Lancaster County offers retirees the best of both worlds, affordable housing and everyday expenses paired with access to attractions, outdoor recreation, and excellent healthcare.

Nationally Recognized as a Top Retirement Destination

Don't take our word for it - check out what news outlets are saying about retirement in Lancaster County, PA:

"PA has top five places in U.S. News’ latest American retirement rankings”
Philadelphia Inquirer, 11/26/23

“Top 10 U.S. Cities for Retirement in 2023”
WomansDay.com, 3/10/23

"7 Great Places to Retire if You Love Baseball"
AARP.org, 2/15/23

Close to Major Cities

Enjoy the tranquility of small town and countryside living while being just a short drive from:

Philadelphia (90 minutes)
New York City (3 hours)
Baltimore (90 minutes)
Washington, D.C. (2 hours)

Lancaster has a range of public and private transportation options to make any commute simple.

A Strong Sense of Community

Lancaster County is known for its welcoming atmosphere, shared values, and overall safety. Whether you prefer a walkable town, a vibrant downtown, or quiet farmland, you’ll find a community where you can feel right at home.

Housing & 55+ Communities

Affordable Homes

Lancaster County offers a diverse real estate market with options for every stage of retirement. From historic brick townhouses and countryside farmhouses to newly built homes with modern amenities, retirees will find affordable retirement homes in Pennsylvania that fit both lifestyle and budget.

55+ Living Options in Lancaster, PA

For those seeking maintenance-free lifestyles and vibrant social opportunities, Lancaster is home to a variety of retirement communities. Options include active adult neighborhoods, independent living residences, and senior apartments.

Pro Tip: Retirement communities in Lancaster often have waitlists so schedule your tour early!

Healthcare & Wellness

One of the biggest advantages of retiring in Lancaster County is access to top-rated medical care. The region is home to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, a nationally recognized hospital system, along with WellSpan Health and UPMC facilities - ensuring comprehensive coverage from routine check-ups to advanced specialty care.

For retirees, Lancaster offers a strong network of geriatric services, senior-focused providers, and rehabilitation centers, making it easier to age with confidence and comfort. Specialty practices in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and more provide world-class care without having to travel far.

From fitness centers and yoga studios to holistic health providers and wellness retreats, you’ll find many ways to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Combined with clean air, fresh local food, and miles of scenic trails, Lancaster supports a healthy, fulfilling retirement.

Things to Do

Arts and Performing Arts

Lancaster County is rich in cultural experiences that make retirement both engaging and inspiring.

Theatres

Fulton Theatre – Broadway-caliber performances in the nation’s oldest working theatres.
American Music Theatre – Concerts and original shows with nationally touring acts.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre – Classic musicals paired with dining in a cozy setting.
Sight & Sound Theatres – Epic, faith-based productions that bring Bible stories to life on stage with incredible sets and live animals.

Art Galleries

Gallery Row – Several galleries and studios in Downtown Lancaster.
Lancaster Art Vault – A hub for contemporary and traditional art exhibits.
This Is Happiness Studio – A creative space blending fine art and community connection.

Shopping

Lancaster has a almost every type of shopping experience you can imagine - from boutique, locally-owned to brand name and big box stores.

Markets & Villages

Lancaster Central Market – America’s oldest continuously operating farmers market located in the heart of Downtown Lancaster
Kitchen Kettle Village – More than 40 shops and eateries with seasonal events.
Green Dragon Farmers Market – A Friday tradition with hundreds of local vendors.

Outlets

Tanger Outlets Lancaster – Shop 70+ designer and brand-name stores offering discounts on clothing, shoes, housewares, and more, all conveniently located off Route 30.
The Shops @ Rockvale – Browse outlet stores, specialty shops, and more in a walkable shopping center with plenty of parking and wide walkways.

Quilt Shops

Log Cabin Quilt Shop – Known for its handcrafted Amish quilts and fabric selection, this shop provides both ready-made treasures and materials for your next quilting project.
The Quilt Shop at Miller’s – Part of Miller’s Smorgasbord complex, this shop offers a wide selection of Amish-made quilts, wall hangings, and fabric crafts, showcasing the artistry Lancaster is known for.
Riehl’s Quilts and Crafts – A family-run shop featuring authentic Amish quilts, handmade crafts, and other locally made items, all set in a quaint countryside location.
Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn – This shop specializes in handcrafted Amish quilts with intricate patterns and timeless designs, perfect for collectors or gifts.

Pictured: Quit shop

Outdoors and Nature

Lancaster’s farmland, rivers, and trails offer retirees plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Parks & Trails

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail – Well-shaded and paved walking and biking path with river overlooks.
Susquehannock State Park – Panoramic views of the Susquehanna River.
Lancaster County Central Park – Trails, gardens, and open space close to downtown.

Plant & Garden Centers

Fisher's Greenhouse – Featuring annuals & perennials, herb & vegetable plants, seeds & fertilizers, succulents, hanging baskets, fairy gardens, house and air plants.
The Meadow Garden Mercantile – Offers a curated mix of plants, seeds, garden tools, soil amendments, and locally made gifts and décor.
Village Farm Garden Center – provides gardeners with roses, perennials, shrubs, fruiting and flowering trees, and rare plants.

Accessibility

Getting around Lancaster County is simple and stress-free, whether you’re welcoming family or planning your own adventures:

Train – Amtrak’s Lancaster Station runs trains to Philadelphia, New York, Washington, DC, and beyond
Air – Lancaster Airport (LNS) provides convenient regional flights, including direct service to Florida
Road – Major highways make it easy to reach nearby metros like Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Local transportation – Red Rose Transit, Uber, and Lyft provide accessible ride options for daily needs.

Planning your trip with accessibility in mind? Explore our Accessibility Guide for detailed information on each property’s accessible features.

Plan Your Visit

The best way to see if Lancaster County is the right place for you to retire is to experience it for yourself. Spend a weekend exploring local neighborhoods, visiting active retirement communities, and soaking up the area’s scenic farmland views.

Plan your trip today

Browse lodging options from cozy B&Bs to convenient hotels.
Find things to do including arts, dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation.
Check upcoming events to enjoy seasonal festivals, markets, and live performances.

Start planning today and discover why Lancaster is consistently ranked one of the best places to retire in the U.S.