Lancaster 84 Exceptional
Lancaster Livability #75 ranked city in Pennsylvania#672 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Lancaster

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    This area did not exhibit any cons, as none of the categories were rated low enough.

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What's it like Living in Lancaster?

Lancaster, Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized city with a population of 59,321 inhabitants. Lancaster has a population density of 8,208 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Lancaster identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 28% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Lancaster could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 33 years old is below the nation’s average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 39% of the Lancaster population is married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Lancaster your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Lancaster can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Pennsylvania, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Lancaster and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Lancaster to Pennsylvania and the national average.

Using data and statistics Lancaster has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Lancaster would be considered a very livable city! Lancaster also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Lancaster scores well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A) Lancaster does not score well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Living in Lancaster offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Lancaster provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Lancaster are: Red Rose Segway Tours, The Fulton Theatre, and Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Lancaster can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Lancaster real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lancaster. The median home price for Lancaster homes is $127,500, which is 24% lower than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Lancaster, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 16.1% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lancaster

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Lancaster?

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Compare Lancaster, PA Livability

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      Lancaster transportation information

      Statistic Lancaster Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute23min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work65.1%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.5%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.3%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk11.7%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.6%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Lancaster, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).