From the beautiful landscape to the countless opportunities for world-class dining, to the abundance of quality healthcare, and concentration of truly exceptional non-profit life plan communities, Lancaster County has repeatedly won national-level awards as a top retirement destination. Join us and discover a few of the most significant advantages of Lancaster County as one of the best places to retire! Read on to understand why Homestead Village is a top retirement community in Lancaster, PA.
Lancaster Features a Reasonable Cost of Living
In recent years, Lancaster County has been featured as one of the top places to retire due in large part to a reasonable cost of living in the area.
First, in Pennsylvania, taxes are not overly burdensome on seniors and retirees compared to surrounding states like New Jersey and Maryland. For example, retirement income including social security, pensions, IRA withdrawals, and 401K distributions is not taxed. Additionally, PA state sales tax for purchasing goods is only 6 percent and does not apply to many food items, clothing, or other necessities.
Housing and other costs trend lower than the national averages in Lancaster County, as well. Compared to some of our geographically closest metros, like Philadelphia and New York City, living in Lancaster is exceptionally affordable.
Even better, because of its non-profit status, Residents at Homestead Village do not have to worry about paying property taxes! You’ll want to check out our FAQs page for more information about selling your current home and moving into one of our luxurious Farmstead carriage homes, beautiful cottages, or convenient campus apartments.
Lancaster Values Residents of All Ages
Recently earning the Age-Friendly City designation through an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP, Lancaster has pledged to “focus on ensuring that the unique needs of individuals over age 60 are being actively addressed.” This includes implementing programs in quality-of-life areas like transportation, social participation, and community service offerings that consider mature adults’ preferences in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In fact, the Age-Friendly initiative is not unlike the THRIVE WHERE YOU ARE® initiative at Homestead Village. More than a tagline, this concept is a philosophy and a guiding principle for how we provide life-enhancing services to our Residents.
Quality Healthcare Resources Abound
Another reason why Lancaster scores so highly on U.S. News’ survey of the best retirement spots across the country is our county’s range of world-class healthcare options. With major hospital and healthcare systems including Penn State Health, UPMC, Penn Medicine, Barshinger Cancer Center and more, residents have easy and convenient access to specialist care right in their own backyard.
Plus, when you reside within a retirement community in PA like Homestead Village, you gain additional access to care resources right at home. Home Care, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Support are all available to help you thrive, no matter how your healthcare needs may change over time.
Downtown Lancaster Has a Thriving Cultural Scene
In addition to all its financial, health, and wellness benefits, Lancaster is also a fun—and delicious—place to call home!
Our friends at Explore Retirement Living recently shared all the details of Lancaster’s amazing dining scene, which is directly related to the region’s prominence in agriculture.
“Farm to Table” has long been a local tradition, even before this food movement became trendy! If you love to eat—or shop for fresh foods at farmers’ markets, Lancaster County will delight you. Recently, Homestead Village has partnered with our neighbor, Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op; a co-op of over 100 small family farms primarily in Lancaster, York, and Chester counties. From fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and dairy to locally grown grass-fed beef, pastured chicken and properly grown pork, Lancaster Co-op delivers food that is grown the way it is meant to be. This pilot program will begin on our Luna menu, and expand through the rest of our dining venues through the rest of the year.
The downtown Lancaster Arts and Music scene also draws enthusiasts from all over the country. From the Roots and Blues festival, Red Rose Film Festival, a variety of music theatres and venues, galleries, workshops and more, retirement homes in Lancaster PA are fortunate to be able to share these opportunities with their residents.
The Local Region is Steeped in Culture and History
Along with a thriving food and market culture, Lancaster County is one of America’s oldest inland cities, founded in 1742. From unique and historic architecture and landmarks to museums such as LancasterHistory.org, The Demuth Museum, the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith museum, there is much to be explored.
Whether you love classical music, art museums, historic homes, or simply taking a country drive to appreciate farmland views, Lancaster has something for everyone. And, here at Homestead Village, we make it easy to get involved and enjoy the good life our local community offers.
Beautiful Seasons and Temperate Climate
In Lancaster County, residents enjoy the benefit of experiencing four distinct seasons, each beautiful in their own way. From gorgeous fall foliage to an abundance of spring flowers, plus peaceful snows in winter and warm summers, our local weather is always interesting, and very often quite comfortable.
Additionally, when all the weather-related hassles of homeownership—such as raking leaves and shoveling snow—are taken care of by our dedicated team of Homestead Village maintenance staff, Residents can truly enjoy the change of seasons in Lancaster County.
Variety of Retirement Homes in Lancaster PA
Lancaster County is home to 17 non-profit retirement communities. Additionally, there are several over 55 communities in Lancaster PA. While 55+ communities in Lancaster PA and retirement homes in Lancaster PA do differ in the level of care and services they provide; the fact that there are so many of them requires each community to elevate their services and amenities to remain competitive and relevant to their clientele. The competitive climate of senior care in Lancaster drives quality and excellence.
Ready to THRIVE WHERE YOU ARE in Retirement?
Thriving in retirement is easier when everything you could need or want is within easy reach, right where you are. That’s the kind of lifestyle Lancaster County—and Homestead Village—can provide for a wide variety of Residents looking for one of the best places to retire.
Get in touch today to discover more about our services here on campus, as well as discover even more reasons why we love our location here in Lancaster. Better yet, come and take a tour to experience our community for yourself!
About Homestead Village
Homestead Village is a non-profit life plan community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering maintenance-free retirement living, engaging programs, helpful amenities, and access to care if needs change over time. With apartments, cottages, villas, carriage homes, personal care, memory support, skilled nursing, and home care services, Homestead Village helps residents enjoy independence, connection, and peace of mind in a welcoming retirement community in Lancaster, PA.