Ephrata info please (Philadelphia, Reading, Lancaster: live, shopping mall, bus)

[hollikee]

Hi all!

My parents are considering a move to Ephrata to be nearer to me, but we need more info. Any input would be well appreciated! They are retired and want atleast .50 to 1 acre of land. Can anyone tell me about the nearest park, shopping mall, and grocery stores? They are interested in being near a large lake as well. Is there a nice hospital nearby and also is there a train that takes you into Philadelphia? Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to any replies!

[kf70]

Originally Posted by hollikee

Hi all!

My parents are considering a move to Ephrata to be nearer to me, but we need more info. Any input would be well appreciated! They are retired and want atleast .50 to 1 acre of land. Can anyone tell me about the nearest park, shopping mall, and grocery stores? They are interested in being near a large lake as well. Is there a nice hospital nearby and also is there a train that takes you into Philadelphia? Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to any replies!

Where do you live?

My mom lives in Ephrata and offers these suggestions:

Lititz is not Ephrata, but both are very similar. They will have to deal with farmland and farm odors unless there are in town. Both towns have nice main streets with shopping and eateries and parks. There is a lake near Lititz, Speedwell, around 322 West. Lititz has a nice park and downtown catering to the arts and antiques. Lititz has Stauffers of Kissel Hill for grocery shopping and is close to Lancaster.

Ephrata has just completed a walking trail along the former railroad tracks....no rail service other than to/from Lancaster.
Ephrata is serviced by Red Rose Transit (public trans./bus) of Lancaster, not sure about Lititz but since it is closer to Lancaster they probably are.

Shopping malls: Park City Center in Lancaster or Berkshire Mall near Reading. There is a Walmart, Kmart, Redners, Weis Msrkets, Dollar Tree and more outside of downtown Ephrata. There is a community hospital in Ephrata, but I think the community is outgrowing it.



Middle Creek Wildlife Mgmt in Kleinfeltersville also has a lake, picnic areas and trails. It is not too far from Ephrata/Lititz.

[teachbeach]

Lititz also has new hospital, and it's a straight shot to the train station (express service to Philly several times daily). OP didn't say where you lived, but loads of retirement communities for "when the time comes" for parents also located in the Lititz/Lancaster area.

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by hollikee

Hi all!

My parents are considering a move to Ephrata to be nearer to me, but we need more info. Any input would be well appreciated! They are retired and want atleast .50 to 1 acre of land. Can anyone tell me about the nearest park, shopping mall, and grocery stores? They are interested in being near a large lake as well. Is there a nice hospital nearby and also is there a train that takes you into Philadelphia? Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to any replies!

There is a Super WalMart on the East side of town that has a grocery section. There are a few small strip malls with Weis and Redner's food stores along Route 272 (Reading Road). This is the same Road as the hospital. Ephrata Community Hospital is reportedly being purchased by Lancaster General. The hospital is excellent. The only train line I know of that goes through Philly is downtown Lancaster. There MAY be a bus that takes you to the station but it's about 10-12 miles away. You may want to check out Red Rose's webpage to be sure.

[hollikee]

Thanks to everyone for your replies!