Lancaster County Heads Retirement Relocation Options

Lancaster County was recently cited in ”Where to Retire” magazine as one of the eight best places to live during one’s golden years.  What other locations did we share this distinction with?  Fort Myers, Fla.; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Greeley, Colo.; Spokane, Wash.; Chattanooga, Tn.; Salem, Ore. and Chico, Calif.  I’d say we’re in pretty fair company.

“Where to Retire” magazine was launched in 1992 with the goal of helping its readers find the ideal place to retire.  Now published six times a year, the magazine covers the best retirement regions, towns, and master-planned communities, and has a national average circulation of 220,000 and an average readership of 500,000.

According to the magazine’s editor, Mary Lu Abbott, it’s a prime time for retirees to find affordable places to relocate, as an excess inventory of homes provides great values at low cost.  She’s states that as the housing market recovers, much of the buyer traffic will be active adults looking toward retirement and the cities that offer the opportunity for a well-rounded lifestyle coupled with great home buys should see increased interest from relocating retirees.

The magazine says that Lancaster embraces the dichotomy of the Amish and Mennonite horse-and-buggy, rural character and a revitalized downtown area with great shopping, restaurants, parks and affordable new condos.  In addition, with its easy access to major highways, airports, hospitals, shopping, theaters, golf and restaurants, Lancaster County is positioned to meet the needs of this demographic segment better than just about anyplace.

The magazine also revealed that each year, 700,000 Americans move to new towns to retire.  In general, relocating retirees are healthier, better educated and more affluent than retirees who stay put.  This in turn brings significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns.

The Lancaster Sunday News ran a piece this past weekend referencing this article and quoted two prominant REALTORS® from Prudential Homesale Services Group who service this segment, Rochelle “Rocky” Welkowitz and Jim Pappas.  Thanks to Rocky and Jim for sharing their insight and expertise with everyone.

Thinking retirement?  Think Lancaster County, Pennsylvania!