Lancaster - 2024 thoughts on a move

[JakeinChina]

Originally Posted by laotzu22

I'm in the Philly area and have long considered retiring to Lancaster. During this consideration period, Lancaster started showing up in 'best places to retire' articles and during a visit a year ago, I noticed it was much more crowded than in the past. This spring, I'm planning to see an "after 55"-focused apartment building in walking distance to the central market, etc. I like the idea of a community-focused building, as I'm now single, and my adult daughter has her own life in Philly.

I'm pretty much early retired and done with working. My interests are music (playing and listening), theater, tai chi, learning Spanish, and being in the company of low-key, welcoming people who simply want to connect with each other. I'm a little bit concerned about the relentless marketing of Lancaster to early retirees like myself (ha!), because I don't want to trade one over-crowded location for another. However, for personal reasons, I'm looking for a new start.

I'd be interested in hearing about how you feel about the area, with all the new construction, unfortunately, a bit more crime, etc. Overall, do you see the area moving in a positive, neutral, or negative direction?

Also, Willow Valley is starting to build a huge high rise building which will be right in the center of the city, and is a luxury 55 and up community. It's right next to the South market. Willow Valley is a very experienced retirement community company and I think this is a good thing for the city that will bring in more business as wealthy retirees spend money in the city.

There are also many rental communities in the city that are very nice and in great walkable locations in central Lancaster city.

[DallasHouzz]

I would be interested in knowing the name of the 55+ community you are looking into as my husband and I are considering a similar move and seeking an urban walkable environment. Thanks.

[Wells5]

Originally Posted by JakeinChina

...Secondly, the local Lancaster people are good people, but they aren't the most outgoing people you will ever meet. It takes a lot for them to warm up and many times difficult to form deep relationships with them. You can search on this site "Lancaster people" and a few conversations will pop up on the local culture. The good thing about the city is you have much more diversity than the county, and a lot of out of state people in Lancaster city as well.

Lancaster city is a great place to live, and I wouldn't even think about moving elsewhere. Wish you the best

See link.


https://www.city-data.com/forum/penn...ople-rude.html

[JakeinChina]

Originally Posted by DallasHouzz

I would be interested in knowing the name of the 55+ community you are looking into as my husband and I are considering a similar move and seeking an urban walkable environment. Thanks.

Google Willow Valley community Lancaster PA and you can check out the Mosaic building. It's a great concept in downtown Lancaster city, but it's for a wealthy person. Not sure if that's you.