Lancaster is one of the oldest inland towns in Pennsylvania and the United States. Despite this fact, moving to this history-rich town will undoubtedly bring new experiences.
With a land area of 7.40 square miles and a population of almost 60,000, Lancaster, PA, is a continuously growing town with a balance of rural and urban living. Like a move to any other place, your transition to Lancaster will also be a process, and as you make that big move, it is best to be prepared.
Here is some important info to keep in mind when moving to Lancaster:
Learn Some Local History—Lancaster Has a Rich Past
Seated 71 miles west of Philadelphia and positioned along the north and west by the mighty Susquehanna River, Lancaster was originally called Hickory Town. German immigrants, known as Pennsylvania Dutch, first populated the town back in the 1700s.
Today, over 20% of Lancaster’s population has German ancestry. You can expect to encounter many people of Dutch descent, along with those from other ethnic groups like Puerto Ricans, African Americans, and Irish.
Their German heritage also brought the ethnic German Amishculture to the town. There are still Amish in Lancaster today, and they are a considerable contributor to Pennsylvania’s rich culture.
Lancaster’s vivid history is substantiated by many historical sites and museums which you can visit. Some areas you should not miss include a visit to the Underground Railroad and the Fulton Opera House.
There’s More to the Area Than the Amish—But a Visit to Amish Country Can Be Lovely
Lancaster is also best known for being the hub of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, but contrary to popular belief, not everyone there is Amish.
If you are not familiar with the Amish, they are traditionalist Christian church fellowships with Swiss German and Alsatian Anabaptist origins. They are related to Mennonite communities, which also exist in Lancaster.
The town of Lancaster is known as the Amish Country of Lancaster County and is the cradle of Amish and Mennonites or the “Plain People.” They significantly contribute to Lancaster’s culture, but they do not actually make up the whole county.
You won’t have to change your lifestyle in moving to Lancaster, but you may encounter some Amish people and can choose to visit the areas they keep open to tourists to enjoy learning about a simpler way of life. Note that the Plain People are very private, and you should respect their privacy and culture when visiting.
Prepare For the Weather—Stay Warm and Keep Cool
For most of the year, it’s warm and sunny in Lancaster, with a chance of heat reaching about 85 degrees, especially around July.
Meanwhile, for about a third of the year, you’ll experience precipitation in the form of rain, snow, hail, and everything in between. It can get pretty cold during the winter, with temperatures dropping all the way down to 21 degrees, with about 20 inches of snow per year.
The rain in the area can be extreme, too, with an average of 43 inches per year, compared to the U.S. average of 38 inches of rain per year.
Before moving, familiarizing yourself with Lancaster’s dynamic climate and weather is essential preparation. Bring the right clothes, vehicle, and home/auto insurance to prepare for all kinds of weather situations, especially if you’re new to that kind of condition.
Get Ready to Handle the Local Pests—Better
With its geography and dynamic climate, Lancaster is not exempt from pests and infestations. Some of the most common pests you might encounter living in the area are bed bugs, flies, mice/rodents, wasps, and ants.
Keeping your home clean and inspecting any furniture or materials that you take inside your home are good measures to prevent these pests from entering your abode. Regular inspection and disinfection will also help.
Get a pest professional to inspect the place as soon as you move in and regularly in the future. Prevention is always better than cure in the case of pests. So, consider looking for pest control Lancaster, PA to contact. Early precautions and pest management will save you money and prevent damages to your new home in the long run.
Find Your Bliss
Lancaster, PA, has a lot of attractions, entertainment venues, and fun activities. There are many things to do in Lancaster, like visiting historical places, hiking, woodworking, quilting, brewery tours, and more. You can also visit local farms and try some farmland activities.
There are zoos and amusement parks for kids to enjoy. Visiting an outdoor mountain retreat or attending a festival are family bonding opportunities Lancaster has to offer. Try out new activities, discover a new hobby, and get to know the town and its people.
Make Your Move to Lancaster
Lancaster, PA, is home to simple people with rich culture and history behind them. It is undoubtedly a great place to live with its robust farmlands and vibrant downtown scene. Make sure to get yourself ready and make that move to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
