Livability Score

84
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (6) C-
The Rabbit & the Dragonfly
Coffee Shop
Prince Street Cafe
Coffee Shop
Mean Cup
Coffee Shop
Chestnut Hill Cafe
Coffee Shop
Blue Line
Coffee Shop
Valentino's Choice Foods Cafe
Coffee Shop
The Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Emmaus Road Café
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Sugarplums and Teas
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (20) A+
Lancaster Museum of Art
Museum
Demuth Museum
Museum
The Trust Performing Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Chameleon Club
Nightclub
Lancaster Convention Center
Attraction
Trancending Flesh
Attraction
The Ware Center - Millersville University
Theatre Arts
Rick’s Place
Nightclub
Fulton
Theatre Arts
Zoetropolis Art House and Theatre
Cinema
Clipper Magazine Stadium
Stadium
Wolf Museum of Music and Art
Museum
Green Room Theatre
Theatre Arts
Stahr Auditorium
Theatre Arts
North Museum of Nature and Science
Museum
Schnader Theatre
Theatre Arts
Phillips Museum of Art
Museum
Sponaugle - Williamson Field
Stadium
Lancaster Historical Society
Museum
Lancaster Historical Society and James Buchanan's Wheatland
Museum
President James Buchanan's Wheatland
Museum
Regal Manor Stadium 16
Cinema
Historic Rock Ford Plantation
Museum
Long's Park petting farm
Zoo
Bounce Kraze
Attraction
Food and Drink (38) A+
Lancaster Brewing Company
Bar
Federal Taphouse
Bar
Subway
Fast Food
Isaac's Pickle Bar
Deli
Tellus360
Bar
Quips Public House
Bar
Lancaster Dispensing Company
Bar
Auntie Anne's
Fast Food
Taproom
Bar
Superstar
Fast Food
Tally Ho
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
Pita Pit
Fast Food
Brendeee's Irish Pub
Bar
Splits & Giggles
Sweets
Spring House Brewing Company
Bar
Antonio's Pizza House
Fast Food
Iron Hill Brewery
Bar
Boston Market
Fast Food
Grills Goin' Wild
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
Papa John's
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
Alcohol
Fitness (3) C-
Lancaster YMCA
Gym
Briala Bodyworks
Gym
LA Fitness
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
Z Fitness
Gym
Crunch Fitness
Gym
Barley Ave
Community Centre
Groceries (2) F
Mr. Bill's Seafood
Seafood
Hammond's
Bakery
Weis
Grocery Store
Weis
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Giant
Grocery Store
Weis
Grocery Store
Giant
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Wegmans
Grocery Store
Everest Indian Grocery Store
Grocery Store
Stauffers of Kissel Hill
Grocery Store
Hobby Lobby
Grocery Store
Asian Mini Mart (Nepali/Indian Grocery Store)
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Stauffers of Kissel Hill
Grocery Store
Lidl
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Cinnaholic
Bakery
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Aldi
Grocery Store
Giant
Grocery Store
Weis Markets
Grocery Store
Parks (60) A+
Musser Park
Park
Triangle Park
Park
Binns Park
Park
Art Park
Park
Steinman Park
Park
Rotary Park
Park
Mayor Janice C Stork Corridor Park
Park
Reservoir Park
Park
Wading Pool
Playground
Mayor Janice C Stork Corridor Park
Park
Milburn Park
Park
Mayor Janice C Stork Corridor Park
Park
Farnum Park
Park
Sixth Ward Park
Park
Crystal Park
Park
Rodney Park
Park
Hartman Green
Park
Brandon Park
Park
Stauffer Park
Park
Buchanan Park
Park
South End Park
Park
Holly Pointe Nature Preserve
Park
Shaeffer Park
Park
Conestoga Pines Park
Park
Lancaster Jaycee Park
Park
Shops (121) A-
The Common Wheel Bike Shop
Bicycle
Hush Money Bikes
Bicycle
Winding Way Books
Books
Superstar
Convenience Store
Final Fade Barbershop
Hairdresser
Turkey Hill
Convenience Store
The Common Wheel Bicycle Co-op & Donation Center
Bicycle
DogStar Books
Books
Duran Family Grocery
Convenience Store
Huber's West End Market
Convenience Store
Turkey Hill
Convenience Store
Cheveux
Hairdresser
F&M Bookstore
Books
Bed & Bath Affair
Furniture
Lululemon
Clothing
Fillings
Clothing
Marshalls
Department Store
Elan
Hairdresser
Turkey Hill
Convenience Store
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
Rent-A-Center
Furniture
Lancaster Nails
Beauty
Lancaster Bicycle Shop
Bicycle
Turkey Hill
Convenience Store
Deja Vu
Clothing
See more Lancaster amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 4.3% take public transportation in Lancaster.
Public Transit Stops (113)
Stops & Stations
A+
East Chestnut and Lime Street
Bus Stop
East Chestnut and Duke Street
Bus Stop
North Plum and East Chestnut Street
Bus Stop
North Duke and East Walnut Street
Bus Stop
North Plum and East Walnut Street
Bus Stop
East King and Lime
Bus Stop
East King and Shippen
Bus Stop
North Duke and East Lemon Street
Bus Stop
East Orange and North Christian Street
Bus Stop
Courthouse Duke and Grant
Bus Stop
East King and Plum
Bus Stop
North Queen Street Binns Park
Bus Stop
North Queen and Walnut
Bus Stop
West Chestnut and North Queen
Bus Stop
West Walnut and North Queen Street
Bus Stop
North Duke and East James Street
Bus Stop
North Queen and King Fulton Bank
Bus Stop
East King and Ann
Bus Stop
West Walnut and North Prince Street
Bus Stop
North Prince and West Walnut Street
Bus Stop
New Holland Avenue and North Marshall Street
Bus Stop
North Prince and West Lemon Street
Bus Stop
East End and South Ann
Bus Stop
West Lemon and North Prince
Bus Stop
South Marshall and King
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
4.3%
C-
See more Lancaster commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Lancaster is 96/100 - which is 2% lower than Pennsylvania.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
B-
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
A+
See more Lancaster cost of living data

crime D

Lancaster crime rates are 2,794 per 100k, which is 59% higher than Pennsylvania
Property Crime
2,350 crimes per 100k
D
Violent Crime
444 crimes per 100k
D
See more Lancaster crime data

employment C-

The median income in Lancaster is $49,628 - which is 10% lower than Pennsylvania.
Med. Household Income
$49,628
F
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
D
See more Lancaster employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (25)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Lancaster Bureau of Police
Police
LG Health Physicians Trauma & Acute Care Surgery
Clinic
Emergency Room - Lancaster General Hospital
Clinic
Lancaster General Hospital
Hospital
LG Health Physicians Pediatric Hospitalists
Clinic
LG Health Physicians Hospitalists
Clinic
MRI Group
Clinic
Lancaster General Health Downtown Pavilion
Clinic
MRI Group
Clinic
LG Health Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery
Clinic
Sleep Medicine Center at Lancaster General Health
Clinic
LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Downtown
Clinic
LG Health Physicians Comprehensive Care
Clinic
LG Health Physicians Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery
Clinic
LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Manor Ridge
Doctor
The Heart Group of Lancaster General Health
Clinic
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Align Pregnancy Services Lancaster
Clinic
Lancaster Behavorial Health Hospital
Hospital
Queen Pharmacy
Pharmacy
LG Health Physicians Behavioral Health
Clinic
UPMC Express Care
Clinic
Furdunkin Veterinary Urgent Care & Surgical Center
Hospital
Public Safety
Police
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
C-
See more Lancaster health & safety data

housing A+

Lancaster home prices are $127,500 - which is 24% lower than Pennsylvania
Home Price
$127,500
F
Home Appreciation Rate
14%
A-
Home Affordability
2.6x (home price to income ratio)
A+
See more Lancaster housing data

schools C

The Lancaster graduation rate is 69% - which is 20% lower than Pennsylvania
School Test Scores
48%
F
High School Grad. Rates
69%
F
Elementary Schools (50) A+
La Academia Partnership Charter School
Fulton El Sch
Resurrection Catholic School
Wonder Club Early Learning Ctr S Lancaster City
King El Sch
Carter And Macrae El Sch
Wickersham El Sch
Phoenix Academy
St Anne School
Ross El Sch
Hand Ms
George Washington El Sch
Lincoln Ms
Sacred Heart School
Thomas Wharton El Sch
Reynolds Ms
Burrowes Sch
Price El Sch
Brecht Sch
Horizons At Lcds
The New School Of Lancaster
Schaeffer Sch
Lafayette El Sch
James Buchanan El Sch
Wheatland Ms
High Schools (9) A
La Academia Partnership Charter School
Phoenix Academy
Mccaskey Campus
Horizons At Lcds
River Rock Academy - Lancaster
Penn Manor Hs
See more Lancaster education data

ratings C-

Lancaster has an overall rating of 60% from 25 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes
D
User Surveys (21)
From AreaVibes
B
See more Lancaster user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Lancaster, PA
( 25 Ratings )

Living in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster Area Facts

  • Lancaster has a Livability Score of 84/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Lancaster crime rates are 59% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • Cost of living in Lancaster is 2% lower than the Pennsylvania average
New Real Estate Listings in Lancaster Area
Search Homes for Sale in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster Reviews

Write a review about Lancaster Tell people what you like or don't like about Lancaster…
Lancaster is awesome 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 18, 2023) This area in Lancaster is lovely. Quiet, a mature residence area. My parents live here in this area, and I grew up here. It is quiet and beautiful and close to everything. You’re not far from downtown or the outlets. Lancaster, in general has a bustling community - there is alw ...Read More ays something (or many things) to see and do. The food is incredible- there seem to be new restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops popping up every month. There is more than just touristy amish stuff to do in Lancaster and it’s surrounding areas. The theatre community is impressive, the variety of high quality dining and shopping is amazing, and it’s a beautiful and safe place to live. Read Less
Not the best 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 28, 2019) This is a very boring place to live. Mostly older residents. I recommend staying away unless you enjoy being alone and paying too much rent. ...Read More Read Less
Great place to visit 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 27, 2018) Some info if you'd like to visit; Lancaster County lies on the outskirts of the East Coast megalopolis. Options for fantastic food is everywhere from home made stands at the end of driveways, restaurants offering ethnic foods of all kinds and markets offering locally grown, fresh ...Read More products. Various outlets, novelty stores and huge flea markets make it a magnet for holiday shoppers. The area is rich in local history dating back to the 1700s with interesting architecture and many museums. Outdoor activities abound from hiking trails that have waterfalls, boating, fishing and multiple campgrounds scattered about. The topography is beautiful and a mecca for artists.As for living here; Healthcare is better than other parts of the state with multiple hospitals and urgent care centers within the county. Various churches of different denominations can be easily found.There is a high cost of living compared to wages. A safe, 2-bdrm apt runs around $1,200 a month so you'd need to make at least $17 an hour just to cover living expenses and most jobs here don't pay anywhere near that unless you're a professional. Lancaster City is heavily populated with Hispanics and it would be helpful to know Spanish. There is a noticeably growing gay community and rainbow flags are common. Amish are a huge danger on the roadways in snow, fog and all times of the day and night on any type of road, including 4-lane highways. This danger includes buggies, children driving pony carts without adults, those walking, riding skooters, bicycles and horses as well as men driving construction equipment (since they are not allowed to drive vehicles). Another huge danger is escaped livestock on the roads. Finally, congestion is an ever increasing problem with the fast population growth but there are multiple options using public transportation that make it easier (and safer!) to get around other than using your car. Read Less
Lancaster, PA and the Laid Back Lifestyle of the Area 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 30, 2012) I lived in Lancaster, PA during the period of time between getting out of college and getting married. I loved the quietness of the country roads and the vastly different bar and club scene found in the downtown area. I can say that between the large amounts of tourist attraction ...Read More s, outlet shopping centers and places to eat and drink; I never really needed to complain of having nothing to do.

The one aspect of living in Lancaster, PA is that the culture and mindset of those from the area can be a little more conservative. This can pose a challenge if you enjoy free thinking and enjoy big city living. Though a few nightclubs exist, they pale in comparison to those you find in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and even New York City; which are actually only a few hours drive away.

Amish culture dots the landscape, and while intriguing and foreign at first; one cannot help but to become a little perturbed at times when Amish buggies are holding up traffic along Route 30 when you are trying to get home from work.

From the laid back life of the Amish which can be found throughout the city, to the ample tourists who pour in for shopping bargains at the outlets; Lancaster is a unique place to live. From Millersville University on the outskirts of town to the traditional farmers markets selling local produce to the high end outlet stores along the main road; you can always find something here to keep you busy, though if you seek true excitement and cultural diversity, Lancaster may not be your cup of tea. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Great place to visit 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 27, 2018) Some info if you'd like to visit; Lancaster County lies on the outskirts of the East Coast megalopolis. Options for fantastic food is everywhere from home made stands at the end of driveways, restaurants offering ethnic foods of all kinds and markets offering locally grown, fresh ...Read More products. Various outlets, novelty stores and huge flea markets make it a magnet for holiday shoppers. The area is rich in local history dating back to the 1700s with interesting architecture and many museums. Outdoor activities abound from hiking trails that have waterfalls, boating, fishing and multiple campgrounds scattered about. The topography is beautiful and a mecca for artists.As for living here; Healthcare is better than other parts of the state with multiple hospitals and urgent care centers within the county. Various churches of different denominations can be easily found.There is a high cost of living compared to wages. A safe, 2-bdrm apt runs around $1,200 a month so you'd need to make at least $17 an hour just to cover living expenses and most jobs here don't pay anywhere near that unless you're a professional. Lancaster City is heavily populated with Hispanics and it would be helpful to know Spanish. There is a noticeably growing gay community and rainbow flags are common. Amish are a huge danger on the roadways in snow, fog and all times of the day and night on any type of road, including 4-lane highways. This danger includes buggies, children driving pony carts without adults, those walking, riding skooters, bicycles and horses as well as men driving construction equipment (since they are not allowed to drive vehicles). Another huge danger is escaped livestock on the roads. Finally, congestion is an ever increasing problem with the fast population growth but there are multiple options using public transportation that make it easier (and safer!) to get around other than using your car. Read Less
Lancaster, PA and the Laid Back Lifestyle of the Area 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 30, 2012) I lived in Lancaster, PA during the period of time between getting out of college and getting married. I loved the quietness of the country roads and the vastly different bar and club scene found in the downtown area. I can say that between the large amounts of tourist attraction ...Read More s, outlet shopping centers and places to eat and drink; I never really needed to complain of having nothing to do.

The one aspect of living in Lancaster, PA is that the culture and mindset of those from the area can be a little more conservative. This can pose a challenge if you enjoy free thinking and enjoy big city living. Though a few nightclubs exist, they pale in comparison to those you find in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and even New York City; which are actually only a few hours drive away.

Amish culture dots the landscape, and while intriguing and foreign at first; one cannot help but to become a little perturbed at times when Amish buggies are holding up traffic along Route 30 when you are trying to get home from work.

From the laid back life of the Amish which can be found throughout the city, to the ample tourists who pour in for shopping bargains at the outlets; Lancaster is a unique place to live. From Millersville University on the outskirts of town to the traditional farmers markets selling local produce to the high end outlet stores along the main road; you can always find something here to keep you busy, though if you seek true excitement and cultural diversity, Lancaster may not be your cup of tea. Read Less

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Compare Lancaster, PA Livability

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      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Lancaster? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Musser Park
      Triangle Park
      Binns Park
      Art Park
      Steinman Park
      Rotary Park
      Mayor Janice C Stork Corridor Park
      Reservoir Park

      Entertainment

      Lancaster Museum of Art
      Demuth Museum
      The Trust Performing Arts Center
      Chameleon Club
      Lancaster Convention Center
      Trancending Flesh
      The Ware Center - Millersville University
      Rick’s Place

      Food & Drink

      Lancaster Brewing Company
      Federal Taphouse
      Subway
      Isaac's Pickle Bar
      Tellus360
      Quips Public House
      Lancaster Dispensing Company
      Auntie Anne's

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Lancaster? Of all people who commute, 4.3% take public transportation in Lancaster.
      Drive to Work
      65%

      11% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      4%

      1% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      12%

      9% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Lancaster a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Furdunkin Veterinary Urgent Care & Surgical Center
      Lancaster General Hospital
      Lancaster Behavorial Health Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Rite Aid
      Rite Aid

      Doctors

      LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Manor Ridge
      Student Wellness Center