South Central Pennsylvania
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Borough
A borough with a monastic heritage
Ephrata is a borough in northern Lancaster County about 12 miles north of Lancaster city. It is known for the Ephrata Cloister, an 18th-century religious community, and for a compact downtown serving the surrounding farmland.
History & Local Character
Founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel as a monastic community, Ephrata Cloister produced some of the earliest printed material in the colonies. The borough grew around the cloister and the railroad.
Housing & Real Estate
Ephrata offers older singles, twins and rowhouses at moderate prices, with newer subdivisions surrounding the borough.
Restaurants & Shopping
Main Street hosts diners, cafes and family restaurants, with several longstanding local businesses.
Schools & Education
Ephrata Area School District serves the borough.
Parks & Recreation
Ephrata Community Park, the Ephrata Cloister grounds and the nearby Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 272, Route 322 and Route 222 serve the borough, with Red Rose Transit buses to Lancaster.
Local Businesses
Small manufacturers, shops and services line Main Street and the surrounding corridors.
No businesses are listed in Ephrata yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Ephrata Cloister
- Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Ephrata Community Park
- Lancaster city (12 miles south)
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Affordable housing
- Historic religious heritage
- Access to Middle Creek wildlife area
- Small-town setting
Considerations
- Limited dining variety
- Route 222 traffic
- Fewer rental options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ephrata Cloister?
The Ephrata Cloister is a restored 18th-century religious community founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, now operated as a historic site.
What county is Ephrata in?
Ephrata is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.