As you begin experiencing the empty nest phase, thoughts of downsizing may start to cross your mind. If you’re ready to leave behind the upkeep of a large home, now may be the perfect time to consider 55+ communities in Lancaster, PA. Pennsylvania’s Lancaster-Ephrata area could offer just what you need.
Lancaster, located about two hours from Philadelphia, is part of Pennsylvania’s charming Amish country. Known for its rich cultural history and scenic landscapes, the area is dotted with Amish farms, offering fresh local foods, unique shops, and guided farm tours. Popular attractions such as the Sight & Sound Theatre, Waltz Vineyards Winery, and iconic covered bridges make this region a delightful place to visit—and an even better one to retire in.
Currently, 55places.com features 11 active adult communities in the Lancaster-Ephrata area. Home prices range from the mid $100s to the low $800s. Here are a few options to consider if you’re thinking about downsizing:
Brookshire – Manheim, PA
Low $300ks – Mid $400ks
Brookshire is about 12 miles north of Lancaster and just outside of Downtown Manheim. This welcoming active adult community has 230 resale attached and single-family homes built between 2005 and 2014. Local attractions include the Mount Hope Winery and Bent Creek Country Club. Manheim is also the site of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and the famous Manheim Auto Auction.
There are four floor plans at Brookshire ranging from 1,520 to 2,050 square feet. They offer two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) fee covers snow cleanup and trash removal. Also, the homes have upgrades like basements, dens, and gas fireplaces.
Residents here love keeping busy, and there are over 35 clubs and activities to choose from. Many meet at the Brookshire Community Center, which has a banquet room, activity rooms, an exercise studio, and a coffee shop. The property also contains shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, plus walking trails and a fishing lake.
Timber Villa – Elizabethtown, PA
Mid $200ks – Low $300ks
One of the greatest benefits of living in Timber Villa is that it’s right by Elizabethtown College. They offer continuing education courses. Also, the main drag has a post office, plenty of eateries, a library, medical offices, houses of worship, and shops.
This established 55+ neighborhood has 102 resale attached homes. They offer one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half baths, and attached one- or two-car garages. Upgrades may include walkout finished basements, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and decks.
Timber Villa doesn’t have a clubhouse. However, it’s just minutes from the E-Town Fitness Center and the Elizabeth Area Senior Center. For shopping needs and errands, there are nearby farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, and specialty shops.
Stonecroft Village – Womelsdorf, PA
High $200ks – Mid $500ks
The town of Womelsdorf is about 30 miles north of Lancaster. Here, you can find the 55+ community of Stonecroft Village. Womelsdorf has houses of worship, restaurants, a VFW Post, grocery shops, a library, and a post office. And if you’re a golfer, you’re in luck. This property is surrounded by golf courses like Heidelburg Country Club and Galen Hall.
This appealing neighborhood has 214 new and resale single-family homes, all designed with low-maintenance living in mind. The reasonable monthly HOA fee provides for trash removal and common area maintenance, and there are 14 floor plans. These range from 1,380 to 2,495 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached garages. Upgrades may include vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, and sliding glass doors in the dining areas.
The relaxing community center has a welcoming multipurpose room open to homeowners for gatherings and meetings. You can also find walking trails, a gazebo, and a charming pond and pier on the grounds.
Traditions of America at Lititz – Lititz, PA
High $500ks – Mid $600ks
Traditions of America at Lititz has it all: A desirable zip code, a wide variety of floor plans at different price points, and sought-after amenities. It has 329 resale attached and single-family homes on a 60-acre plot within walking distance of Downtown Lititz.
There are attached garden floor plans ranging from 1,268 to 1,643 square feet. They feature two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The single-family models range from 1,274 to 2,314 square feet, also with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. All of these homes are customizable, with features like fireplaces, dens, luxury master suites, and screened-in porches. The HOA fee provides for trash and snow removal, lawn care, and exterior maintenance.
The state-of-the-art clubhouse offers a modern fitness center, saunas, a restaurant and bar, activity rooms, and outdoor perks like tennis courts and a heated pool. And like other Traditions of America properties, an onsite lifestyle director will plan fitness classes, holiday parties, day trips, and other fun activities.
