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West Lancaster

West Lancaster

Suburban Neighborhood in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster County 17603

$498,682 Average Value
$218 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

A gracious neighborhood

At the center of West Lancaster is the gracious Wheatland, home of President James Buchanan before he moved to the White House in the mid-1800s. While his red-brick estate surrounded by trees is now a museum, many of the stately houses in the area around Wheatland still retain their original beauty even after generations of college professors, entrepreneurs and community leaders have raised families in them. In addition to a residential area of comfortable homes, this leafy suburban neighborhood is also home to a busy area of museums, a local college, parks and shops.

At the center of West Lancaster is the gracious Wheatland, home of President James Buchanan.
At the center of West Lancaster is the gracious Wheatland, home of President James Buchanan.
Many of the stately houses in West Lancaster sit on huge lots of land offering privacy.
Many of the stately houses in West Lancaster sit on huge lots of land offering privacy.
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Homes historic and humble

South of Columbia Avenue, near small neighborhood park playgrounds and a supermarket, are modest but comfortable townhouses, semi-detached twins and single-family homes with 1,200 to 2,000 square feet of living space. These homes usually range between $315,000 to $700,000. On the other side of the avenue, near the Wheatland estate and Franklin & Marshall College’s picturesque campus are older, more imposing homes on manicured lawns set well back from quiet tree-lined residential streets. Most of these sprawling mansions were built between the late 1800s and early 1900s, including Tudors, Victorians and colonials. Home buyers can expect to pay between $500,000 to $1 million for one of these homes. “There are so many beautiful homes with wonderful landscaping. And there is a lot of history there,” says Christine Nolt, a Lancaster County native and partner in Kingsway Realty with the Nolt & Bailey Team. “Those properties sell very well. They don’t last long in that neighborhood.”

Mansions with beautiful landscaping sit on quiet residential streets in West Lancaster.
Mansions with beautiful landscaping sit on quiet residential streets in West Lancaster.
More modest ranch style homes are found scattered throughout West Lancaster.
More modest ranch style homes are found scattered throughout West Lancaster.
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Developing tomorrow's teachers

Children in the area may begin their public schooling at James Buchanan Elementary School, with a 15-1 student-teacher ratio and a C-plus rating from Niche. Wheatland Middle School has a 9-1 student-teacher ratio and scores a C-minus from Niche. McCaskey High School has a 15-1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus grade. The high school practices the Educators Rising program, which provides training and support to high school students interested in becoming future educators. Students teach mini classes in local grade schools and earn college credits if they complete the program. Franklin and Marshall College is a liberal arts school founded in 1853. Named after Founding Fathers Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall, the school’s most popular majors are economics and behavioral sciences.

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.
Students in West Lancaster attend Wheatland Middle School from sixth to eighth grade.
Students in West Lancaster attend Wheatland Middle School from sixth to eighth grade.
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Places to play inside and outside

West Lancaster is loaded with things to do and places to go. Nearby Buchanan Park is a 22-acre gem across the street from Franklin & Marshall College. This green park offers open spaces for playing, picnicking or reading. A botanical garden and inviting benches surround memorials to the 15th president. Children flock to the park’s famous sledding hill when it snows to enjoy some downhill fun. The Conestoga House was built in the 1700s as tavern that serviced the Conestoga wagon trade. In the 1900s, it was purchased as a private estate and extensively remodeled and updated. Today, the 12-bedroom house and its 8-acres of gardens are open for tours. Those who enjoy spine-tingling frights will want to check out the nearby Field of Screams adventure area. For 32 years, the theme park has thrilled visitors with a haunted mansion, haunted hayrides and mansions and a haunted woodland. The North Museum of Nature and Science satisfies intellectual curiosity with its interactive events, rotating exhibits and collection of historical artifacts, taxidermized birds, ancient fossils, colorful minerals and more. Residents can also support and appreciate the arts by attending concerts and shows at the Franklin & Marhsall's Green Room Theater and Barshinger Center on campus.

The North Museum of Nature and Science in West Lancaster has numerous interactive exhibits.
The North Museum of Nature and Science in West Lancaster has numerous interactive exhibits.
Volleyball games can be enjoyed at Buchanan Park near West Lancaster.
Volleyball games can be enjoyed at Buchanan Park near West Lancaster.
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Steps away from shopping and dining

While the northern half of the community is primarily residential, residents are a short drive or brisk walk from plenty of shopping and dining options. Lincoln Highway is lined with small shopping centers and grocery stores. Grocery shoppers can walk to the Giant in Stone Mill Plaza. Eateries along the highway include Tobias Frogg, a Key West-themed restaurant that offers a seafood menu reminiscent of the tropics. On the opposite side of the neighborhood, residents have a few more places to dine and shop, including the Little Brook Orchids flower shop and the Copper Cup, a local coffee house with a convenient drive-thru window.

Giant Grocery is conveniently located within West Lancaster on Lincoln Highway.
Giant Grocery is conveniently located within West Lancaster on Lincoln Highway.
West Lancaster residents can go to Copper Cup Coffee to meet up with friends or get work done.
West Lancaster residents can go to Copper Cup Coffee to meet up with friends or get work done.
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Musical and historical festivities

On the third Fridays of each month from May to September, Lancaster City hosts Music Friday to celebrate the local music scene. The event is filled with local musicians and bands, food trucks and good times. On the last weekend in June, the nearby town of Columbia celebrates Riverfest. The one-day event commemorates the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge during the Civil War. Attendees can enjoy food and drink while learning a little history.

Every 3rd Friday in the summer West Lancaster residents can go downtown to enjoy Music Fridays.
Every 3rd Friday in the summer West Lancaster residents can go downtown to enjoy Music Fridays.
West Lancaster residents can enjoy Music Friday to celebrate the local music scene.
West Lancaster residents can enjoy Music Friday to celebrate the local music scene.
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Getting around the town

West Lancaster is a walkable neighborhood less than 3 miles from downtown city center. It is 9 miles from Lancaster Airport. Lancaster General Hospital is located in the community. SEPTA buses run throughout the community. The neighborhood’s crime score of 3 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.

West Lancaster is located just is 9 miles from Lancaster Airport.
West Lancaster is located just is 9 miles from Lancaster Airport.
Lancaster General Hospital is minutes away from West Lancaster.
Lancaster General Hospital is minutes away from West Lancaster.
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Robin Beres
Written By
Robin Beres
Justin Schmidt
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
GL Moses
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GL Moses

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 John Stauffer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Harrisburg International

44 min drive

Bus

Columbia Ave. Across From Taco Bell

Bus

1433 Marietta Pk.

Bus

Columbia Ave. & Jackson Dr.

Bus

Rt. 462 & President Ave.

Bus

Marietta & Wilson Ave.

Bus

Columbia Ave. & Abbyville Rd.

Bus

Marietta Pk. & River Dr.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Lancaster US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$400,000
Median Single Family Price
$405,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$218
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
41
Months of Supply
1.50
Median List Price
$405,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,526
Median Year Built
1948
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,286
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,614
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,447
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,445
Median Age
46
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$106,168
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$128,754

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
61.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

37 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

30 / 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
West Lancaster