Relocation to Lancaster, PA area (Ephrata, Elizabethtown: transplants, apartment, rent)

[valerie6644]

My husband, daughter, and I are relocating to the Lancaster, PA area for my husband's work. What are good cities to live in that would be a decent commute for my husband and good school district for my daughter? I work in the healthcare field, so if there are local hospitals nearby that would be an added plus. Just from searching the internet it appears that Elizabethtown or Lititz may be decent options for us. Any input on those cities or additional cities we can look into? Thanks so much for any input!

When are you moving? Likely sometime this summer, most likely around July
Where are you coming from? Dallas-Fort Worth suburb in Texas
Why are you moving? Relocating for my husband's job
Where will you be working? Lancaster, PA
Have you been here yet? My husband and I both grew up in Bucks County and have been to the Lancaster area several times, but have not yet made a trip to look at housing and neighborhoods.

Will you buy or rent? We would prefer to buy, but would rent if we needed to until we find the right home
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? We are looking to buy a house under $400K
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? townhouse
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? walk up

Are you married or single? Do you have children? We are married with a young daughter
Do you prefer public or private schools? We are hoping to find an area with good public schools
Do you have pets? Yes, one dog
Do you want or need a yard? We prefer a yard
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? We prefer a happy medium of the two. We are no longer interested in nightlife, but would like to have some good options of restaurants to go to for dinner.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)- Being closest to basic services is most important
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? We don't have a preference either way. We would like to live in an area that is welcoming of people from outside of the area.

Phillies, Pirates or Orioles?Husband is a Phillies fan

[tidaldream]

I think the last answer might be all that really matters.. wink

[Jeanie Beanie]

Stick around close to Lancaster City. Fabulous little city. City schools a bit iffy, so look for a house in Manheim TOWNSHIP (not Borough) or Hempfield or Lititz areas. People get a bad rap for being insular, so look to move to a new development where EVERYONE is from somewhere else. They'll be more open to starting new friendships. Get involved with your daughter's activities.. you'll make friends with other parents. Good Luck

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by Jeanie Beanie

Stick around close to Lancaster City. Fabulous little city. City schools a bit iffy, so look for a house in Manheim TOWNSHIP (not Borough) or Hempfield or Lititz areas. People get a bad rap for being insular, so look to move to a new development where EVERYONE is from somewhere else. They'll be more open to starting new friendships. Get involved with your daughter's activities.. you'll make friends with other parents. Good Luck

Agreed. That seems to be the best area in terms of schools, close to shopping, and a mix of transplants.

[Wells5]

Check the link below.


//www.city-data.com/forum/penns...unty-area.html

[valerie6644]

Thanks so much for the replies. It seems that lititz is a good option. Any insight into cities that fall within Mannheim Township? We've been away from PA for so long and trying to get back into the idea of city, township, and county. We will be making a trip in a couple weeks and are glad to have some direction before that.

[KevinE]

Originally Posted by valerie6644

Thanks so much for the replies. It seems that lititz is a good option. Any insight into cities that fall within Mannheim Township? We've been away from PA for so long and trying to get back into the idea of city, township, and county. We will be making a trip in a couple weeks and are glad to have some direction before that.

No debate. Go with Lititz. Better school district for your daughter.

Places like Manheim and Ephrata have nice areas but there are some lower income sections which means your child will be interacting with those riff raff in school.