Lancaster County is a popular tourist destination and a perfect area for active adults to call home. It draws in people who appreciate rolling hills and farmlands, fascinating history, and modern conveniences. Also called “Pennsylvania Dutch Country,” it’s located in the southern central area of the state.
The area was originally settled in the early 1700s, and it’s comprised of many charming towns, like Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Lititz, Mount Joy, and New Holland. Its county seat, the city of Lancaster, sits just under two hours west of Philadelphia and about an hour southeast of Harrisburg.
Here are some 55+ communities in the area to check out.
Timber Villa – Elizabethtown, PA
Mid $100s – Mid $300s
A well-established private community, Timber Villa has 102 attached resale homes built from 1983 to 1999. Residents appreciate its wooded, peaceful setting that’s less than 10 minutes east of the Susquehanna River and 10 minutes west of Elizabethtown College. Floor plans range from 744 to 2,882 square feet, featuring one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half baths, and an attached one- or two-car garage. Upgrades include decks, finished basements, vaulted ceilings, and skylights.
Nearby parks and recreation opportunities include the 6,000-acre Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Cove Outlook Park, and Sunset Golf Course. There are also many farmers markets, churches, and shopping outlets in the area.
Request more information about Timber Villa here.
Four Seasons at Elm Tree – Mount Joy, PA
High $100s – Low $300s
This active adult community is also in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish Country, about 15 minutes outside of Lancaster. Not only is Four Seasons at Elm Tree within walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, and medical buildings, it also backs right up to Rapho Township Community Park.
Built from 2006 to 2013, Four Seasons at Elm Tree has 245 single family resale homes ranging from 1,237 to 1,949 square feet. There are five models available, all with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.
A 7,000-square-foot clubhouse keeps residents busy, with a fitness center, saunas, activity rooms, an outdoor pool, a tennis court, and a putting green. Four Seasons also has a very busy social activity calendar with over 40 groups, classes, and special events going on year-round.
Request more information about Four Seasons at Elm Tree here.
Stonecroft Village – Womelsdorf, PA
Low $200s – High $200s
If you’re not familiar with the town of Womelsdorf, it’s an hour north of Lancaster and home to Stonecroft Village. Building started in 2006 by Landmark Homes, and upon completion, this 55+ community will have 214 new and resale homes. There are 14 single-story models sized from 1,380 to 2,495 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half baths, and attached garages.
Womelsdorf has under 3,000 residents, and it’s a peaceful area with abundant opportunities to live a high-quality, low-key life in the beautiful farmlands and rolling hills of Berks County. Wineries like Clover Hill, historic landmarks like The Lerch Tavern, and outdoor parks and golf courses all make for exciting day trips, while area shops, restaurants, and medical facilities are just a short drive away.
Request more information about Stonecroft Village here.
Heritage Strasburg – Strasburg, PA
Mid $200s – Mid $300s
Heritage Strasburg is another small, quiet 55+ community in the heart of Amish Country about 20 minutes outside of Lancaster. Strasburg is a quaint town with its own Amish Village, charming shops, and theaters. Excellent shopping can also be found at Rockvale and Tanger Outlets.
With construction started in 2009 by Charter Homes, Heritage Strasburg has 106 new and resale homes. There are eight models ranging from 1,194 to 2,209 square feet. These homes have two or three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Some models have second floors, while all have eat-in kitchens and first-floor master suites.
Request more information about Heritage Strasburg here.
Home Towne Square – Ephrata, PA
Mid $300s – Mid $600s
The aptly-name active adult community of Home Towne Square has 300 new and resale homes in scenic Ephrata, PA. This area is rich with Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish traditions as well as picturesque farmlands, forests, parks, antique shops, theaters, and restaurants.
Construction began in 2009, and there are 16 models generously sized from 1,807 to 3,245 square feet. Floor plans include two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two-car attached garages. Amenities include a clubhouse, an exercise room, activity rooms, walking and biking trails, a gazebo, and an outdoor pool and patio.
Request more information about Ephrata here.
