Indian couple Planning on moving to Lancaster PA (Philadelphia, Harrisburg: apartments, rent)

[gojira_]

Hello,

I currently live in NJ , I received a job offer in Ephrata PA and I am still deciding on whether to accept the offer or not. In the mean time I wanted to check here with other forum members about apartments around Lancaster. I did browse through the forum and after some research what I have formed an opinion that Lancaster is conservative, religious and white dominated and could be a challenge for newcomers (by all means correct me if I am wrong).

Another thing I read was Lancaster and some neighboring areas have high crime rates. Is that right?

My wife is homemaker and my main concern here is finding a good, safe area to live in. Also, my wife likes to make new friends, blend into the community she lives in, participate in the community.

We've lived in many states in the US and have always lived in communities that had neighbors from multiple ethnicities living next to each other and this could be the first time where I might not find that mix, which is again ok as long as the area is safe and have good people living around. I did consider King of Prussia as that suits my needs better but the commute to Ephrata would be just too much on a daily basis.

My wife and I are Indians, she is a Christian and I am a Hindu, we also have a newborn baby with us.

All help is appreciated! Thanks!

[Dequindre]

Here is my perspective on some of your questions...

1. I wouldn't classify Lancaster as overly Conservative, white, or religious. Lancaster has a large transient population that have moved there for their careers, and that's a mix of all kinds of people. Because many people are transient, they are likely to be welcoming of newcomers like yourselves.

2. There are certain neighborhoods (mostly older) in Lancaster that have some crime, but if you stay in gentrified or suburban areas, you should be absolutely fine.

3. In my experience, I have found that homemakers in communities with many mobile, transient professionals click well from meeting in the neighborhood, at the gym, community social events, etc. All homemakers will be in the same position as your wife, so they'll be open to new friendships.

[gojira_]

Originally Posted by Dequindre

Here is my perspective on some of your questions...

1. I wouldn't classify Lancaster as overly Conservative, white, or religious. Lancaster has a large transient population that have moved there for their careers, and that's a mix of all kinds of people. Because many people are transient, they are likely to be welcoming of newcomers like yourselves.

2. There are certain neighborhoods (mostly older) in Lancaster that have some crime, but if you stay in gentrified or suburban areas, you should be absolutely fine.

3. In my experience, I have found that homemakers in communities with many mobile, transient professionals click well from meeting in the neighborhood, at the gym, community social events, etc. All homemakers will be in the same position as your wife, so they'll be open to new friendships.

Dequindre, thanks for your input on the topic. Good to read the positive feedback on the place. Good to know that newcomers like me will be welcome. Again, I am someone who totally respects the people and culture of a place and I always prefer blending in if welcome than trying to create my own isolated comfort zone

[blazerj]

Originally Posted by gojira_

Dequindre, thanks for your input on the topic. Good to read the positive feedback on the place. Good to know that newcomers like me will be welcome. Again, I am someone who totally respects the people and culture of a place and I always prefer blending in if welcome than trying to create my own isolated comfort zone

I know Harrisburg has a decent Indian population (clearly not compared to NJ, but there are Indian grocery stores and "threading" places). Check to see if Lancaster has one. Maybe if they have a temple/ Indian church or a grocery store... You can always visit those places and ask the local Indian people about living in the area.

My limited Lancaster experiences tell me that it's kind of like all rural-ish suburbs. I don't think you'd have any problems, but the number of Indians and "Indian" things to do will be limited, unless you go to Philly/ Philly burbs.

[rowhomecity]

Lancaster city is just absolutely beautiful! Franklin & Marshall a very well regarded private liberal arts school and Millersville University, are close by, so Lancaster city has a bit of a progressive and artistic vibe. The suburbs surrounding Lancaster though can be more conservative.

I definitely would encourage you to visit Lancaster city and see how you like it. It is considered to be one of the oldest inland cities in the USA, and at one brief point was the U.S capital. It is a very pretty area. Check out the Lancaster Central Market. And walk around downtown Lancaster. I am sure you will very much enjoy it and see how pretty it is.


Harrisburg definitely is more diverse and has a larger Indian population than Lancaster. Which Harrisburg is not terribly far from Lancaster, so that might be an option as well. But Harrisburg and King of Prussia are the same distance from Ephrata, so then I would say stick with King of Prussia.

Lancaster though is a lovely area. I would come for a visit and see how you feel. The great thing about Lancaster is that it is very historic, and has Amtrak service to both Philadelphia and NYC, and is only a little over an hour to Philadelphia. So you really never feel isolated!!! Check it out, I am sure you will enjoy it!

Oh and it is also safe. There are a few areas in Lancaster city you might need to be more aware of. But overall the entire region is safe. Even Lancaster city. It is really pretty!

[KevinE]

Rent in Ephrata. It’s much safer than Lancaster.

[rowhomecity]

Originally Posted by KevinE

Rent in Ephrata. It’s much safer than Lancaster.

Lancaster city is totally safe. The south and east parts of the city are absolutely wonderful. Crime is very low and it is perfectly safe. There is some concentrated non violent crime in the western/northern parts of the city, but it is very much contained.

Ephrata is a monoculture area, with majority white. And coming from NJ and a more diverse area, I would definitely suggest living in or right next to Lancaster, as it is more diverse and cultural with a nice influx of young professionals.

I know Harrisburg has a sizeable Indian population, but again at this point you would consider moving to King of Prussia, as they are about the same driving time from one another 45 - 60 minutes.

I definitely suggest visiting the city and see what you like. Check out places like the Central Market. There are a few Indian restaurants in downtown Lancaster. Maybe introduce yourself and ask about the community.

Nothing is wrong with Ephrata, but it just is very monoculture.

[tone77]

Lancaster, the city proper, has a good bit of diversity, is not conservative, has a thriving art scene and a good variety of restaurants. You should have no problems making friends.
Lancaster county outside of the city, including Ephrata, is very white, conservative, and not particularly welcoming to outsiders.

[gojira_]

Hello, sorry for not responding earlier. I've read the comments from you all and will definitely use this information when I start my apartment hunt in the Lancaster area. I have been to Lancaster in the past but only as a tourist and absolutely loved the place and food especially at Good n Plenty. At the same time I was surprised when I read some older threads where outsiders complained about living in Lancaster

I am not very particular about doing "Indian" things as such (apart from visiting some Indian restaurants, once in a while) , my only concern was that with a homemaker wife, growing baby and being brown I wanted a friendly environment where we could blend in.

I appreciate everyone for giving their inputs. Thank you so much!

[gojira_]

This just popped in my head, can you elaborate more on areas that come under Lancaster city vs the outer part of Lancaster?