Top 10 reasons why you’ll love retiring here!
Lancaster natives have known all along that their county is the best place to live for a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Others are taking notice too, with Lancaster rising the ranks in the “Best Places to Retire” polls such as the US News & World Report.
In the report, Lancaster edged out all other towns for the coveted first place spot in 2022-2023. The area is rich in history, culture, and small-town charm that speaks to the sentiments of today’s retirees.
1. Location, Location, Location
Set in south-central PA, Lancaster County is ideally situated. It’s an easy drive to and from the larger metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, New York City, Washington, DC, and Baltimore. The county has a central Amtrak station as well as several international airports nearby to accommodate air travel. The area also provides the beauty of the four seasons, each with its own delights from spring blooms and bountiful summer produce to an array of blazing fall foliage and shimmering snow that quiets the world for a moment in time.
2. Farmland & Amish Culture
Perhaps some of the most picturesque aspects of Lancaster County are the expansive farms and open land, with flourishing crops, livestock and Amish horse and buggies. Along the scenic byways, you’re sure to pass farm stands selling just-picked produce and homemade bread, shoofly pie, apple butter and other homemade goods such as quilts and furniture.
3. Friendly and Supportive Communities
A throwback to small-town USA, communities in Lancaster County capture that friendly feeling where locals greet you while passing by on the street or offer warm hospitality in their shops and restaurants. It is also an area that truly cares and supports others. For 10 years, Lancaster County has hosted the ExtraGive, an event that fundraises for non-profit organizations. In 2022, Extraordinary Give raised more than $10 million for 452 organizations.
4. Walkability
Lancaster County towns boast high walkability scores with benefits for pedestrians, with homes and businesses located along centralized main streets and accessible public space. Walkable towns offer surprising benefits for your health and finances, as well as the environment. Check out walkable scores of your desired towns!
5. Historic Architecture
Shaped by four centuries from the 1700s to current times, towns in Lancaster County boast rich historic architecture blended with modern day construction. This contributes to distinctiveness of each town, where it is common to see log homes, former factories, and gracious mansions serving the community … some even as storefronts, museums, restaurants and more.
Image: Historic Central Marketing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Source
6. Independent Restaurants Serving Great Food
Some of the best eateries in Lancaster County are the independent restaurants featuring fine to casual dining, and savory dishes to sweet treats. Turn the corner and you are bound to find a quiet bistro, brewhouse, candy shop or ice cream parlor.
7. Unique Boutiques and Mom & Pop Shops
Shopping also is a delight in Lancaster County towns with a mix of unique stores selling the works of local artists, gourmet foods, books, jewelry, gifts, clothing and whatever else you need or want.
8. Nearby Attractions
Beyond the restaurants and shops, many Lancaster County towns are home to a museum or two plus historical societies and other hands-on experiences so there’s always something new to do or learn so you can focus on enjoying retirement life.
9. Affordability
Pennsylvania is a senior-friendly state offering several tax benefits for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and pension and retirement fund income are generally exempt from state income tax as well.
10. Innovative Retirement Communities
Whether you are looking for a retirement community inside a historic borough, in the pastoral countryside or somewhere in between, there are plenty of Life Plan options in Lancaster County offering a full continuum of healthcare and services should your needs ever change.
Plan a visit to Lancaster County soon to experience these top 10 reasons firsthand and you’ll see why so many retirees before you have decided to call this great area their new home.