Mount Joy, PA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located in Lancaster County, in Central Pennsylvania, Mount Joy is a borough with a history dating back to the mid-1700s. Residents there enjoy wide open spaces, plenty of nature, and a variety of local attractions to visit. 

Climate and Geography

The climate in the region is categorized as humid continental, which means there are four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers, and cold winters. Mount Joy gets an average of 42 inches of rain, 20 inches of snow, and 196 sunny days per year. 

Situated on the Piedmont Plateau, the surrounding terrain mostly consists of gently rolling hills, with the Atlantic Coastal Plains to the east and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians to the west. Mount Joy is located in Lancaster County which is home to many watersheds like the Chesapeake Bay Drainage basin, Susquehanna River, Brandywine Creek, Conestoga River, Little Conestoga Creek, Pequea Creek, Chiques Creek, Cocalico Creek, Octoraro Creek, and Conowingo Creek.  

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Some of the top attractions in Mount Joy include Eastland Alpacas, Grandview Vineyard, Bube’s Brewery, Beanie’s Bar & Grill, Highlands of Donegal Golf Club, and Clearview Lanes. Residents can also visit the Susquehannock State Park or William Penn State Forest to enjoy outdoor recreation activities like hiking and camping.

Opportunities for day trips and weekend getaways can be found in large metropolitan cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, which are both about an hour-and-a-half drive away. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Mount Joy is lower than the national average. This is primarily due to housing and transportation costs. 

Pensylvannia, with a flat income tax rate of 3.07 percent, is quite tax friendly to retirees. Income from Social Security benefits and retirement savings accounts are exempt in the state, and pensions are also exempt for residents who are aged 59+.

Although property taxes in the state area somewhat high, homeowners and renters that are 65+ may be eligible for property tax or rent rebates depending on their income and marital status. 

Health Care

Mount Joy is near several nationally ranked and high performing hospitals with specialties in various procedures and conditions. Highly rated hospitals within a 25-mile radius include Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, WellSpan York Hospital, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, UPMC Pinnacle, and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital.