"Missing you, my brother. […] I remember when we sat on the shore. We talked about my great white north. […] I miss you and your Lancaster ways. I sit to contemplate the waves of the ocean. They bring me back to you. You weren't like the others, with their empty eyes and plastic smiles." (The Beautiful Mistake).
A city which plays home to people with varying budgets, Lancaster, PA, is a residential paradise. A short drive away from the capital, as well as New York and Philadelphia, Lancaster spreads across seven square miles and has around 56,000 dwellers who lovingly call it home. This city lies in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and is a peaceful and serene area, surrounded by farms and country-style living. Besides the quaint atmosphere -- which makes one feel transported to Europe in the early 1970s -- the views afforded by the Susquehanna River make Lancaster a popular residential choice with young couples and families with small children, looking for the perfect place to raise their kids away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Let’s explore your options if you’re looking to make one of the oldest and most historic cities in the USA your home.
Some aspects to consider before booking a pad in the city, are as:
"Missing you, my brother. […] I remember when we sat on the shore. We talked about my great white north. […] I miss you and your Lancaster ways. I sit to contemplate the waves of the ocean. They bring me back to you. You weren't like the others, with their empty eyes and plastic smiles." (The Beautiful Mistake).
A city which plays home to people with varying budgets, Lancaster, PA, is a residential paradise. A short drive away from the capital, as well as New York and Philadelphia, Lancaster spreads across seven square miles and has around 56,000 dwellers who lovingly call it home. This city lies in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and is a peaceful and serene area, surrounded by farms and country-style living. Besides the quaint atmosphere -- which makes one feel transported to Europe in the early 1970s -- the views afforded by the Susquehanna River make Lancaster a popular residential choice with young couples and families with small children, looking for the perfect place to raise their kids away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Let’s explore your options if you’re looking to make one of the oldest and most historic cities in the USA your home.
Moving to Lancaster
Some aspects to consider before booking a pad in the city, are as:
Budget Friendly
The average cost of a house has decreased by 1.6% since the past year, and the volume of houses sold has decreased by 16%. Known for its beautiful architecture, Lancaster offers more spacious houses at economical rates. The best part is that no matter what your pocket allows, you will find the right home in this city to suit your budget. From brand-spanking new downtown condominiums to cozy country cottages and even homes with a historic angle, Lancaster has affordable house rentals to suit every palate.
Preparing for Super-Storm Contingencies
Before you plan to rent an apartment in the city, research and learn about the natural calamities that Lancaster is prone to. Prepare well in advance of your move to deal with any such contingency. Another crisis that needs to be considered is the ongoing pension crisis in Pennsylvania. Current pensions are boring into 65 cents per dollar of revenue earned by the government. It is estimated that each household could be compelled to contribute around $13,000 in order to fund government services. However, there are tax payer-friendly reforms currently taking place to deal with this crisis, including reducing the tax cuts afforded to businesses, and considering the issuance of pension obligation bonds.
Bringing Together Your Budget and Your Dream Home in Lancaster
With the variety and types of houses available in Lancaster to suit every budget and taste, it is advisable to do a thorough tour and research of the area much before deciding on the one perfect pad. With so much to do and see around the city, it makes sense to pick a residence in an area which caters to all your favorite activities, or is close to your kids’ schools.
Getting into the Good Books of the Owner
Besides a month’s worth of house rent in advance, you may have to provide a security deposit of around a month’s rent, and show a good credit record. Having a strong guarantor to back your standing, should your bank balance be low, can increase your prospects of getting your dream home. Copies of all important identity documents and references from your hometown or town of prior residence, could hold you in good stead with the owner of the house you have been secretly eyeing.
Lancaster’s Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods of Lancaster are friendly, inviting and safe; with tree-lined avenues and expansive gardens. Some of these areas which inspire beautiful poetry include:
Hamilton Park: This popular neighborhood of Lancaster County comprises elegant brick houses, and even rows of semi-detached houses lined with well manicured trees, making it perfect for families. $$$$$
Wetherburn: This suburban neighborhood affords a hopeful resident with a relatively larger space for less cash. Homes from the ‘80s and ‘90s abound with massive lawns, making it another ideal residential area for families with kids. $$$$
Cobblestone Court Townhomes: This neighborhood in Manheim County is a good bet for new residents hoping to buy tiny houses which are just perfect for their individual needs while reducing the need for much housework. $$$
Grandview Heights: Classic styled houses line the streets of this little neighborhood in the Manheim Township, while its historic past makes it an enviable address to own. $$$
Intercourse Village: This quaint little neighborhood known as Intercourse Village boasts several quilt and craft stores, and the home of the authentic Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzel. $$$
Life in Lancaster
The various modes of public transportation help Lancaster residents to get by their daily chores. The Amtrak train station is located on Lancaster’s northern border.
The Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) provides easily accessible and reasonably priced transport options within the city. The ‘Park N Ride’ transport services help the city’s residents in daily commuting, and Greyhound bus lines and regular taxi services are also available. The Lancaster airport is within eight miles of the city, on the northern side, making it a great taking-off spot for vacations.
A huge attraction, the Strasburg Railroad provides themed engine rides for citizens and tourists alike, including wine & cheese trains and dinner trains.
Painting, puppetry, adventure parks, musical shows, museums, vineyards and several farmers’ markets are typical of Lancaster. The history-infused downtown area is always buzzing with history buffs. Auction dealers and flea markets are commonplace in the city. Visit the covered bridges of Lancaster county on a day off, and schedule a family picnic day out, or explore the by lanes of Lancaster county, and sample fresh farm produce in the Amish countryside.
Lancaster is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan area to raise your kids. With secure and friendly neighborhoods and multiple leisure activities, it is a safe bet with young families. The buzzing art scene, antique markets, theatrical productions, colleges and inviting tree-lined avenues, all make Lancaster a popular residential choice. Happy moving to your very own premier apartment in Lancaster County!
