Lancaster has the mix of small-town charm and amenities that appeals to many retirees. Lancaster ranks as the No. 1 Best Place to Retire in the U.S. in 2022-2023, up from No. 5 a year ago. Lancaster takes the top spot due to its health care for seniors, low taxes for retirees and the overall happiness of current residents.
The U.S. News Best Places to Retire analysis includes data about housing affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and access to quality health care. The ranking compares the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. as potential places to retire.
Lancaster is a city with a long history that can make you feel a connection to the town and the land. A former capital of Pennsylvania, the area was first settled in 1709, and you can visit Wheatland, the estate of James Buchanan, the 15th president of the U.S.
You’ll find plenty of local produce and specialty items at the bustling Lancaster Central Market, which has been operating since 1730 and hosts several multigenerational stands that have been family-run for decades. The city has a diverse food scene with a wide collection of cuisines. “It has a small-town feel but a lot of big-city attractions such as great restaurants and a vibrant arts scene,” says Christopher Hershey, a certified financial planner at Rodgers & Associates in Lancaster. “You are also never more than 10 minutes away from beautiful rural landscapes and pristine Amish country.”
The city has a commitment to education and the arts, including multiple art museums, galleries and artist studios. Institutions of higher learning include Franklin & Marshall College and The Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. “More experienced students may have really interesting perspectives or techniques to share with younger students,” says Natalie A. Lascek, director of the Center for Creative Exploration at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, which provides creative experiences for people of all ages. “It is also an opportunity for retired or senior participants to do things they have never done before while having the option to not have to do it alone.”
Athletic retirees might enjoy participating in the Lancaster Senior Games, in which hundreds of county residents age 55 and older compete in athletic events ranging from badminton to pickleball. The county also runs nine free senior centers, one of which is fully virtual for seniors who can’t or don’t want to leave home. “Our virtual center sees an average of 35 participants a day enjoying painting, yoga, technology classes, Tai Chi, ukulele lessons and many other classes,” says Lisa Paulson, the senior center program director at the Lancaster County Office of Aging.
[ SEE: The Most Affordable Places to Retire. ]
Affordable Housing
The reasonable cost of living in Lancaster can help a limited retirement budget stretch further. A home with a mortgage costs a median of $1,556 per month in Lancaster. You can rent an apartment in Lancaster for a median of $1,050 monthly. Lancaster isn’t the lowest-cost place to retire in Pennsylvania, but there is a high quality of life for the price.
