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Churchtowne

Churchtowne

Neighborhood in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster County 17602

$169,328 Average Value
$142 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A small but vibrant community

Located just southeast of Downtown Lancaster and about 1 mile from dozens of shops and restaurants, Churchtowne is a small neighborhood that spans from South Duke Street to East Strawberry Street. In the 20th-century, Churchtowne was primarily an African American community. The 1940s ushered in the era of redlining, where residents in redlined areas, primarily areas concentrated with people of color, were denied services like mortgages and loans that made it nearly impossible to pursue homeownership. As the city expanded and new buyers sought out walkable communities, Churchtowne has undergone a wave of revitalization. Today, this vibrant and diverse neighborhood brims with churches like Iglesia Catolica San Juan Bautista and historic, colorful rowhouses. "The homes are absolutely beautiful," says Christine Nolt, a Lancaster County native and Realtor with Kingsway Realty. "They're very desirable and tend to sell quickly." However, that was not always the case.

Nearly every corner in Churchtowne has a different church or ministry.
Nearly every corner in Churchtowne has a different church or ministry.
Lancaster locals love how walkable the city is.
Lancaster locals love how walkable the city is.
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Colorful and historic rowhouses

Densely populated urban streets are lined with historic rowhomes and twin duplexes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The occasional stand-alone single-family home is scattered in between. Many of the neighborhood's historic dwellings feature beautiful Second Empire designs with dormer windows, colonial-style properties with colorful facades and Italianate architecture with ornate details. Sales prices in the neighborhood can range from the mid $100,000s for a move-in ready home to the upper $200,000s for a property with a completely remodeled modern interior. Homebuyers can also score a fixer-upper in the low $100,000s. Most properties feature modest fenced-in backyards, while others forgo yard space for alleyway parking. Street parking is also common. Churchtowne also earns a CAP Index crime score of 5 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Colorful row houses line the streets of Churchtowne.
Colorful row houses line the streets of Churchtowne.
Although Churchtowne won't have many driveways, street parking is easy to find.
Although Churchtowne won't have many driveways, street parking is easy to find.
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Queen Street's shops and restaurants

Churchtowne is primarily residential, but dozens of shops, mini-markets and restaurants are within walking distance. About a half mile south of the neighborhood, Brothers Foodmax is a popular local grocer for Hispanic items, while Family Dollar is next door. Save A Lot is also about a half mile away along South Queen Street. About 1 mile away is the city's famous Lancaster Central Market. "The crowd favorite for Lancaster City dwellers would definitely be Central Market, which is a historic market located downtown and features an array of stands from local produce, bakeries, butchers, florists, and more," says Craig Hartranft, Realtor and team leader with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, who has decades of experience in the industry. A handful of local restaurants, such as Dominion Pizza, are scattered along South Queen Street. This casual pizzeria is housed in a historic Italianate building and is known for its classic Italian American comfort foods like pizza, cheesesteaks and wings. Up the street, Southern Market Lancaster was originally a farmers market in the late 19th century. Today, this modern food hall serves global cuisines that range from Latin delicacies to the flavors of Morocco. The food hall is anchored by Bar 1888, which offers rotating beers on tap and eclectic cocktails. Spring House Brewing Company is another popular gathering place less than a mile from the neighborhood for handcrafted brews, wood-fired pizza, arcade games and a dog-friendly patio.

The Southern Market just outside of Churchtowne has a bar and tons of dining options.
The Southern Market just outside of Churchtowne has a bar and tons of dining options.
Make the walk from Churchtowne to Downtown Lancaster for many great dining options.
Make the walk from Churchtowne to Downtown Lancaster for many great dining options.
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First Fridays in the city

From May to October, shining streetlights and the glow of storefronts illuminate Downtown Lancaster as art galleries and small businesses stay open late for First Fridays. Ewell Plaza, about 1 mile from the neighborhood, transforms into an outdoor marketplace with local artists selling handcrafted goods. "Every Friday evening, galleries often open their doors to the public, live music performances happen, shops hold extended business hours, and many restaurants offer tastings, special menus and outside dining," Hartranft says.

Those working in Downtown Lancaster will love the easy commute from Churchtowne.
Those working in Downtown Lancaster will love the easy commute from Churchtowne.
Join friends for a few drinks and arcade games at Spring House Brewing near Churchtowne.
Join friends for a few drinks and arcade games at Spring House Brewing near Churchtowne.
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Afternoons at Lancaster County Central Park

Churchtowne is home to one small pocket park. At the intersection of North Street and Christian Street, Ewell/Gantz Playground features a small playground and a bright, colorful mural of community leaders Barney Ewell and Ida Gantz. A couple blocks away is Roberto Clemente Park, a small green space adjacent to Roberto Clemente Field. The field features an astroturf baseball and soccer field funded by the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster across the street. Residents are also 1 mile from Lancaster County Central Park, the city's largest green space. This 544-acre park offers miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding along wooded trails. The park's northern end is home to an outdoor pool open from the end of May to the end of August. Next door is the Garden of Five Senses, a tranquil escape with blooming flowers, a small fountain and a gazebo. Sports facilities include baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts. Additional amenities include a skatepark, a community garden with plots for rent and an environmental center that offers outdoor education programs. Mill Creek Camping Area sits at the southern portion of the park, while Meadia Heights Golf Club, a private 18-hole course, adjoins the park.

The county pool at Lancaster County Central Park is a popular summer destination in Bridgeport.
The county pool at Lancaster County Central Park is a popular summer destination in Bridgeport.
Residents of Bridgeport can enjoy the many fountains at the Garden Of The Five Senses.
Residents of Bridgeport can enjoy the many fountains at the Garden Of The Five Senses.
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IB and AP classes at McCaskey

The School District of Lancaster serves the Churchtowne community and scores a C-plus rating on Niche. Kindergarteners through fifth-graders are divided between two schools. Students who live on the west side may attend the C-minus-rated Carter & MacRae Elementary School. Those on the east side may attend the C-minus-rated King Elementary School. Students from both elementary schools feed into Jackson Middle School, which scores a C-minus on Niche, and McCaskey High School. McCaskey earns a B-minus rating from Niche and offers Advanced Placement courses and the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Students can also earn college credit through dual enrollment courses with participating institutions like Elizabethtown College and Millersville University.

McCaskey High School received a B- from Niche and has more than 2,500 students.
McCaskey High School received a B- from Niche and has more than 2,500 students.
A student/teacher ratio of 10:1 means small class sizes at Carter & MacRae Elementary School.
A student/teacher ratio of 10:1 means small class sizes at Carter & MacRae Elementary School.
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1 mile to Downtown Lancaster

Churchtowne is a sought-after community for walkers and bikers, as grocery shops, restaurants, schools, parks and houses of worship are all within walking distance. Public transportation is also available, with bus routes along South Duke Street and Dauphin Street. Lancaster's Amtrak Station is about 2 miles north, while regional commuters are also close to major roads such as U.S. Route 222 and U.S. Route 30. Jetsetters looking to travel even farther are about 35 miles from Harrisburg International Airport via Pennsylvania State Route 283. In case of emergencies, Lancaster General Hospital is approximately 1 mile north.

The Lancaster Bus Depot is just a few blocks north of Churchtowne with lines through the city.
The Lancaster Bus Depot is just a few blocks north of Churchtowne with lines through the city.
Downtown Lancaster has many historic buildings and attractions like the Central Market.
Downtown Lancaster has many historic buildings and attractions like the Central Market.
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Lillie Duston
Written By
Lillie Duston
Conner Baker
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Cindy Folckemer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Harrisburg International

46 min drive

Bus

S. Queen & Howard Ave.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Churchtowne US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$165,000
Median Single Family Price
$166,100
Median Townhouse Price
$118,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$142
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$165,550
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
539
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,280
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,711
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Cindy Folckemer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,779
Median Age
33
Population Density
39 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$37,105
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,774

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
66.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
14''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

83 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Churchtowne