Help with a good area to rent around Lancaster :) (Reading: apartment, rental)

[Jenkill83]

When are you moving? Between Nov 1st and Dec 1st
Where are you coming from?Coastal NJ
Why are you moving?My husband will possibly have a job offer
Where will you be working?Lancaster
Have you been here yet?Yes

Will you buy or rent?Rent first and then buy
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?Townhouse or house. No more than $1200 a month
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?Walk-up

Are you married or single? Do you have children?Married with 1 boy
Do you prefer public or private schools?good public schools, however my son is 16mo and not school age yet
Do you have pets?Yes, greyhound and cats
Do you want or need a yard?I would like one, but if renting we probably won't have one
Are you keeping a car?Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?Both. Rather live where it's quieter and have a quick ride to bustling

What do you want to be closest to?Being close to work would be good, but we don't mind commuting to live where we'd rather be.. not sure where that is though.

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?Yes, an area with families with kids would be great.

We have visited Lancaster many times and have family in Lititz and north of Reading in Mohrsville. We are looking to rent first and then buy when we find where we really like best. So first is to find a rental that will suit us. What rental communities are nice, clean and safe? That is the question basically. Thank you!

[Jenkill83]

I know I have a similar post on here.. but it came out funny and all pushed together and I can't delete it. So I made this one today.

[Jenkill83]

Anyone? How about in Mount Joy?

[pman]

rent near work in lancaster, then buy somewhere once you've had time to explore

[teachbeach]

Although Mt. Joy is a cute little town, there really isn't much going on there other than a few good restaurants. I think, that coming from NJ you would be happier living closer to Lancaster or even Lititz (or somewhere between the 2) for accessibility to amenities, shopping, activities, doctors, the train station and just everyday needs.

[mville1]

I would like to add that Mount Joy does have its own Amtrak station and will soon be undergoing a somewhat controversial 27.5 million dollar expansion/renovation. Mount Joy does lack amenities that Lititz and Lancaster offer, but it is situated nicely along PA 283, which is the main highway that connects Harrisburg and Lancaster.

Mount Joy train station plan chugs ahead - News

I endorse others suggestions of renting near Lancaster City and Lititz for the same reasons. I specifically suggest looking at Manheim Township, which its southern border reaches the northern parts of the city. The southern part of Manheim Township is slightly more urban than the rest of the township, which is mainly suburban. Manheim Township school district is arguably the best public school district in the county along with Hempfield, Warwick and a few others. Of note is Warwick, which is the school district that serves the Lititz area. There is a relatively new condominium complex off of Oregon Pike just north of Route 30 that might be worth taking a look at. I have not been up in that area for a couple of months so the name escapes me. It is within Manheim Township and is located near several parks and a community pool. I am not sure about the highway noise though as it is about 1/4 to maybe 1/2 mile from Route 30, but the location of the complex would give you great access to just about everything. That area might be a good starting point to look for rental properties. I apologize for I can not produce any specific names of rental complexes, but good luck with your search.