South Central Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
City and Lancaster County seat
A historic city at the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country
Lancaster is a city in south-central Pennsylvania and the seat of Lancaster County, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. Its Central Market, Gallery Row and dense 18th-century street grid sit at the center of a county famous for farmland, Amish communities and craft production. The city has become a regional food destination.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1730 and incorporated as a city in 1818, Lancaster served as the national capital for one day in 1777 when the Continental Congress met here. It was a center of clockmaking, firearms manufacturing and later tobacco and textiles.
Housing & Real Estate
The city offers rowhouses, Victorians and converted industrial lofts across a wide price range, from affordable blocks in the southeast to premium homes in the School Lane Hills and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods.
Restaurants & Shopping
Central Market, Queen Street and the 300 block of North Queen host acclaimed restaurants, breweries and cafes, with Southern Market functioning as a food hall.
Schools & Education
School District of Lancaster serves the city, and Franklin & Marshall College, Thaddeus Stevens College and Millersville University are nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Buchanan Park, Long's Park and the Lancaster County Central Park provide green space, with the Northwest River Trail along the Susquehanna nearby.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 30, Route 222 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike serve Lancaster, and Amtrak's Keystone Service connects the city to Philadelphia, Harrisburg and New York.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurants, galleries, shops and makers fill downtown, with manufacturing and agriculture supporting the wider county.
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Nearby Attractions
- Lancaster Central Market
- Lancaster County Amish farmland
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Long's Park
- Strasburg Rail Road
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Vibrant walkable downtown and food scene
- Amtrak service to Philadelphia and Harrisburg
- Strong tourism and agriculture economy
- Distinct historic architecture
Considerations
- School district funding challenges
- Some neighborhoods face poverty
- Tourist traffic in the county on weekends
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster a city or a county?
Lancaster is both a city and a county. The city is the county seat of Lancaster County, which surrounds it.
Does Amtrak stop in Lancaster?
Yes. Amtrak's Keystone Service stops at Lancaster station with connections to Philadelphia, Harrisburg and New York.