$359,271Average Value$307Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
A hip, trendy lifestyle with a historic backdrop
The Red Rose City, Lancaster has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1700s – including a single day where it was the nation’s capital. “It’s the oldest inland city in the United States,” says Melissa Brosey, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, “There’s so much you can talk about downtown, it’s almost overwhelming.” Almost three centuries after its founding, the heart of Lancaster still beats in Downtown Lancaster. Where the original courthouse once stood in Penn Square has now become the center of retail and dining that is known for lively nights and weekends. Local businesses thrive, bringing flavors from across the globe to life while the city continues to make an effort to keep national chains out of the limelight, as Brosey points out – “So many businesses and restaurants are independently owned and operated.” Residents make use of the pedestrian-friendly street layout, walking from shows at the Fulton Theatre to grab post-show drinks and dining at local favorites like Lancaster Dispensing Company – DipCo to the locals – or a pint at Our Town Brewery.
So much to do in the Red Rose City
Rub elbows with locals and visitors alike in Lancaster Central Market, a 290-year-old cornerstone of the region. This historic market reflects Lancasters evolving community – long-time stands like Stoltzfus Farms share space with Homage: Cuisines of the West African Diaspora. This reflection continues a block south at Southern Market Lancaster, a massive C. Emlem Urban-designed Gothic building - “For years it was home to office space,” says Brosey, “It’s been revamped, it's now a food hall with all sorts of different stalls with flavors from around the world.” North of the square, Cabalar doles out decadent sandwiches from meat broken down on site. Further up, Decades combines food and entertainment, with retro arcade games and creative cocktails inside the old Armory, while a few steps away is plenty of retail. “The 300 block of North Queen Street has all sorts of small shops,” says Brosey, “Building Character is really unique, they have all sorts of stalls and stands inside from local artists and artisans – pottery, local snacks, soap, a t-shirt, so many little spots.” Locals will venture north to the Giant for groceries, or the Shoppes at Belmont and Red Rose Commons when they need the everyday necessities.
A vendor at Downtown Lancaster's Central Market preps tasty lunches for locals.
Decades is a fun spot for food and games located conveniently in Downtown Lancaster.
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Old and new together in Downtown Lancaster
Lancaster has exploded in popularity in recent years, and home values in Downtown Lancaster have reflected this. “Downtown is new condos and Victorian-era rowhomes, also a lot of mixed-use buildings with first floor retail and upper level homes,” says Downtown Lancaster’s residential section is marked by Victorian-era brick rowhouses, while Colonial and Queen Anne styles can be found. Much of the city’s infrastructure was built in the 18th and 19th centuries and later renovated to meet today’s standards, letting Lancaster achieve that coveted blend of historic and hip. Newer condo units with high price tags have crept into the area, with sleek, modern architecture inside and out along with coveted parking spaces in private garages. The median price is under $300,000, with many small rowhomes on alleys and side streets falling in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. Multi-unit buildings ready for owner-occupancy fit in the $600,000 to $800,000 range, while new condos right by the square can fetch upwards of $800,000.
Victorian row homes showcase beautiful architecture in the neighborhood.
There are many apartment options in Downtown Lancaster with balconies.
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Family activities and supporting local art
“Open Streets in May, it’s organized by Lancaster Rec Center,” Brosey points out, “They shut down eight blocks of Water Street, they have music, food, kids activities, games, it’s a lot of fun. There’s also First Fridays, they run year-round, all the galleries and shops stay open and people walk all over Downtown.” This coordinated effort has helped to promote and sustain the thriving downtown artistic and entrepreneurial community. The Fulton Theatre, one of only three theatres recognized as a National Historic Landmark, offers revolving shows to appeal to varying crowds.
Folks start to stream in for a live performance at
Music Friday in Lancaster City happens on the 3rd Friday of the month from May to September.
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Plenty of green space just outside
Binns Park in Downtown Lancaster offers a water feature and limited green space, so residents will head to the playgrounds of Musser or Culliton Park, or the dog park and wide-open green space of Buchanan Park to enjoy the outdoors. Those looking for more vigorous activity or a full day out head south to Lancaster County Central Park. Covering 544 acres, it features the county pool, a one-of-a-kind free skate park, tent camping, and miles of trails – all of which are dog-friendly, with some offering equestrian-friendly paths.
There are many sculptures located in Creative Park.
Culliton Park serves as a replicable model of environmentally sensitive design.
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Walkers’ paradise, with train travel nearby
With wide sidewalks and dedicated biking lanes on select thoroughfares, Downtown Lancaster is great for bikers and a walker’s paradise, which many residents take advantage of to avoid losing a coveted parking spot. Public transit is minimal, with Red Rose Transit Providing bus lines throughout town and the region. The location of the Amtrak station to the north of Downtown has made the neighborhood increasingly popular for commuters who take the train to Harrisburg or Philadelphia. Just 6 miles north of the neighborhood, Lancaster Airport offers limited flights; most residents will drive to Harrisburg International, 32 miles northwest, for major travel. Lancaster General Hospital, the top medical center in the area and the largest employer in the city, is less than a mile from anywhere in the neighborhood.
Public and private Lancaster options
The School District of Lancaster serves the residents of Downtown Lancaster. While most children will start off at Fulton Elementary School, a select few in the northern end of the neighborhood may attend Ross Elementary. These schools are rated a C and a C-plus by Niche, respectively. Regardless of which school they start at, they will attend Reynolds Middle School for grades six through eight, which gets a C from Niche. McCaskey High School, with a B-minus from Niche, shares a football field name with a plaza in Downtown Lancaster – both named after gold medalist Barney Ewell, a Lancaster resident. Lancaster Country Day School is ranked by Niche as the 20th Best Private High School in Pennsylvania, while Lancaster Catholic High School offer parochial education.
There's a large green open area in front of Fulton Elementary School.
Lancaster Country Day School
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Lancaster Convention Center hosts major events throughout the year
The Lancaster Convention Center brings tournaments, national concerts, and conventions to town regularly. Zenkaikon hosts science-fiction and anime fans in March for a three-day event of the weird and wonderful. A month later, LAUNCH Music Conference and Festival in April brings together musicians, labels, marketers and more for three days of performances and panels in venues across Downtown. This can sometimes lead to traffic snarls in the downtown area due to the narrow side streets and one-way thoroughfares.
The historic Montgomery House is housed totally inside the Marriott Hotel at Penn Square.
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
Marilyn Berger Shank,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Binns Park
Picnic Area
Musser Park
Mayor Janice C Stork Corridor Park
Culliton Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Trails
Creativity Park
Picnic Area
Steinman Park
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Harrisburg International
43 min drive
Bus
N. Queen & King Fulton Bank
Bus
N. Prince & W. Chestnut St.
Bus
W. Vine & S. Queen St.
Bus
W. King & Mulberry Water St. (Mid-Block)
Bus
Queen St. Station
Bus
W. Walnut & N. Prince St.
Bus
N. Queen & Lemon St.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Lancaster
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Lancaster, Lancaster sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Lancaster, Lancaster over the last 12 months is $310,322, down 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Presenting the Steeple House Condo—an extraordinary opportunity to own a luxurious residence in the heart of vibrant Downtown Lancaster. Ideally located within walking distance to an array of upscale restaurants, charming coffee shops, artisanal bakeries, and cultural landmarks, this elegant home offers an unparalleled lifestyle. Enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping, the Lancaster Central
Experience downtown Lancaster City living at its finest in this exquisite corner unit residence ideally located at The Point Condominiums on the top floor of the 101 N Queen building. The residence boasts 12-foot plus ceilings and an open floor plan flooded with natural light from expansive windows that provide a stunning view of the historic Lancaster skyline. A spacious, private outdoor terrace
Location is everything for this fantastic residence on the top floor of the renovated 101 N Queen building in downtown Lancaster. For getting all of your tasks done without ever leaving the city, 101NQ is amazingly convenient to Central Market, Lemon Street Market, delicious dining, specialty shops, post office, drug stores, Lancaster General Hospital and more. Walking around town is wonderful,
Downtown Lancaster's newest sought after address -202 Queen St. Now leasing, move to the heart of historic downtown Lancaster - the perfect contrast of modern life to the rustic allure of surrounding Amish country. This brand new community features a roof top deck, resident lounge, fitness studio, pet spa and beautifully appointed apartment homes. Immerse yourself in elegance with spacious
First floor apartment including 2 bedrooms, 1 baths. On street parking only. Water, sewer and trash included. No pets. Application must be received and approved prior to showing the property.Credit score requirement - 650 or aboveMonthly income requirement - 3X rent amount or above
Located on the main street of Downtown Lancaster, The Apartments at 101 North Queen offer spacious floorplans, balanced color schemes, industrial style high ceilings , & controlled access throughout the building. With a walkability score of 99%, you are just steps away from local shops, restaurants, entertainment, & transportation!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marilyn Berger Shank,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,382
Median Age
38
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,076
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,475
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
27.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
% Population in Labor Force
66.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 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.
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.
