Surrounded by farmlands, nature preserves and national forests, Lancaster is another of the many Columbus satellite cities that have seen a steady growth of residents alongside the area's economy. Situated between Columbus and the Wayne National Forest, locals take pride in local hospitality and ambiance. "There's still a small-town feel here," says Joe Bizjak of the Lancaster City Council. "People pass you on the street and wave at you — even if they don't know you!" Initially an agricultural hub, Lancaster's economy turned toward industrial jobs in the middle of the 20th century, and the promise of modern technology-related jobs coming to the area means more change and growth are on the horizon.
Locals living in Lancaster enjoy its small town feel and convenience to modern amenities.
Gay Fad Studios is one of many downtown Lancaster’s local budding businesses.
Keller Market is a staple in the Lancaster commuity.
Lancaster manages to maintain its rich history and still leave room for growth.
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A budding tech industry hub
Though the city's economic roots lie in the livestock farms surrounding it, today, the largest industry fueling its economy is manufacturing, with over 150 local companies active in manufacturing and service operations. Lancaster's largest employers are Fairfield Medical Center and Anchor Hocking, a leading glassware manufacturer. Intel is constructing a chip manufacturing factory that will open in 2025, with a Cirba Solutions plant ready to be fully operational in 2026. These developments promise to bring more jobs to the area.
History buffs know Lancaster as the birthplace of William Tecumseh Sherman, the famous Union general who struck significant blows against the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Views of Lancaster an be seen for miles from the top of Mount Pleasant in Rising Park.
Ohio State University Lancaster offer Engineering and Technology degrees.
Anchor Hocking supports Lancaster with hundreds of jobs, fueling the local economy.
Cirba Solutions in Lancaster creates jobs and leads in EV battery recycling innovation.
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Historic homes with lower than average prices
Lancaster's historical architecture is clustered near the city center, with most historic homes dating back to the early 1830s in downtown's Square 13 Historic District. Midcentury ranch-style and split levels are found frequently to the west in neighborhoods like those between Cedarlan and Glasco Parks. The newest construction tends toward the city's edges where houses are less common, with Contemporary Craftsman and millennium mansions as the predominant styles. The smallest American Foursquares and Cape Cods from the earlier half of the 20th century range between the low $100,000s and low $200,000s. Larger ranch-style and other midcentury-era homes start in the low $200,000s and max out in the low $400,000s. Two-story farmhouse-style homes with acreage and the most recent construction starts in the mid-$400,000s and peaks in the mid-$800,000s as lots get bigger and amenities modernize. The median price for homes in Lancaster falls just under $250,000, below the national average of $550,000.
The Lancaster City School District has over 6,000 students in its 10 public schools, including Lancaster High. Niche rates the district with an overall grade of C-plus.
Routes 33 crosses Route 22 just southwest of Lancaster, providing a straightforward route into Columbus, 31 miles northwest. "We're within a reasonable drive to about two-thirds of the country," says Linda Rano-Jonard, an agent with Re/Max Affiliates. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is 35 miles northwest and provides 150 daily flights to cities like New York, Toronto and Cancun. Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit provides weekday bus routes through the city and Fairfield County.
Cape Cod and American foursquare homes are common in downtown Lancaster.
Lancaster's Colonial Revival homes showcase timeless architecture and historic charm.
Rising Park offers six tennis courts for community use in Lancaster.
Lancaster High School gets a B-minus from Niche.
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Fairfield for the end of the fair season
Local diversions include the Ohio Glass Museum, Georgian Museum and Sherman House Museum. Local mom-and-pop shops are a common sight throughout the city, as are familiar franchise restaurants. Outdoor points of pride include 25 public parks encompassing over 600 acres, many equipped with amenities such as baseball fields, fishing ponds and disc golf courses. Other historic sites pepper the landscape, as well. "We love our covered bridges," says Bizjak. "Most cities are lucky if they've got a single one — we've got five."
Every year, Lancaster is the site of the Fairfield County Fair, which traditionally is the last fair held in Ohio every year. It's a weeklong celebration that involves food, music, livestock and Ohioans from every part of the state. "It's not the end of the fair season until Lancaster's had theirs!" says Bizjak.
Lancaster celebrates its farming roots with events and markets that honor local agriculture.
Lancaster's Sherman House Museum is the birthplace of Civil War General William T. Sherman.
Lancaster has a rich history in the agricultural and glass industries.
Lancaster's Georgian Museum showcases 1832 architecture and local history.
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Important to know
According to FBI statistics, Lancaster's property crime rate in 2023 was 17% higher than the Ohio average and 9% higher than the national average. Lancaster's violent crime rate in the same year was 49% higher than Ohio's average and 61% higher than the national average. However, locals believe there's reason to be optimistic. "The police department recently shared some stats showing that burglaries are on their way down," says Bizjak. "So we're trending in the right direction."
Cold in the winter and hot in the summer, most residents consider Lancaster a four-season city.
Small town charm
With a history in farming and agriculture, a rich variety of historic homes and a collection of public green spaces, Lancaster's small-town roots are never far from the surface — even as the tech industry takes it into the future.
Rob is the Managing Partner of Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group. Rob manages their listings, negotiates contracts, and provides guidance and market knowledge for his team. Having closed hundreds of transactions over the past decade, Rob takes great pride in sharing his expertise with buyers and sellers. Rob is a lifetime resident of New Albany. He has a B.S. in Merchandising from the University of Kentucky, and moved back home after college to begin a career in fashion retail. In 2012, shortly after his return to New Albany, Rob became a licensed Realtor. Rob quickly realized his passion for real estate and he stepped away from his corporate job in the fashion industry to fully devote himself to serving his real estate clients. In 2021, Rob obtained his Brokers License. When not selling real estate, Rob and his wife, Johnna, enjoy restoring their 1800s farmhouse with the help of their two boys, Stanley and Charlie.
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