Are you starting to plan for your retirement, have you recently retired, or are you in the midst of those great years looking for something new? Deciding to retire or where to move can be daunting especially after years in one home or if you are someone that has moved around a bunch. Finding that perfect forever home for the wonderful years of retirement does not have to be, especially if you can live in a community that brings you everything you can ask for; from a lively downtown to roaring hills and privacy Lancaster County is calling your name! 

Ranked number three of best places to retire by Dave Ramsey, after interviewing people across the country and looking into cost of living David Ramsey created a list of top ten places to retire within the United States. Focusing on quality of life and cost of living there are four things Ramsey says you should focus on when looking for a place to retire and those are tax rates, housing costs, quality of healthcare, and overall happiness of residents. Lancaster excelled in all four! 

Lancaster County provides a true variety of things to do, places to live, and a quality of life where you will enjoy every day. When you retire you are provided so much time to do things you enjoy, the options of how you spend your retirement are endless but Lancaster County has a few things that might interest you. With restaurants, food, shops, local activities, part time jobs and multiple terrains Lancaster County provides ample opportunities to enjoy your retirement years. 

Lancaster County meets all of your dining pallets from restaurants focused on international cuisine to peaceful cafes. One of my favorite things to do is try out the restaurants that use locally grown produce, farm to table is a great way to enjoy the local community while also learning about it! If you are passionate about cooking there are a handful of farmers markets for you for fresh baked goods, local produce and so much more. The farmers markets within Lancaster County provide a sense of serenity with the beautiful array of produce, the perfumed pleasures of baked goods and breathtaking flowers. While there are plenty of markets to pick from one of my favorites is right downtown, Lancaster Central Market, a true piece of history that was established in 1730!

Supporting local businesses is a great way to get ready for the holiday season. Lancaster County has great shops full of wonderful finds from clothing, to home decor, books and antiques you could find the best gifts for all your loved ones while showing them a piece of your new home town. If art is an interest of yours you will not want to miss First Friday. This is one of the best ways to see and buy artwork within the city of Lancaster. The first friday of every month from 5:00pm-9:00pm you can explore true creativity! 

While shopping, art and dining are great ways to spend your time Lancaster County offers so much more! Lancaster is a wonderful space to build community and get to know your neighbors. A great way to do this is by getting involved in the local community through joining programs, groups, or memberships. 

Lancaster Recreation Commission provides ambles of activities for individuals to sign up for and enjoy. This is a great way to meet new people, or those with like interests, get active and involved within the community. From exercise classes, clubs and discussion groups there is something for everyone. Lancaster Recreation Commission provides weekly activities to get individuals involved within the community in a fun and interactive way to continue a life of wellness. Lancaster Rec Senior Center is within this commission located at 525 Fairview Avenue, Lancaster PA. It provides adults a computer center, full size gym, kitchen, dance room and more. This is a great center to become a member if you are interested in building a community where you have a space to meet and try new things.  

Spooky Nook is known for sports tournaments, it is the largest indoor sports complex in North America but it is not just for high school athletes. Spook Nook Sports has programming for adults 50+ with a variety of classes from circuits, spin, pickleball, dance classes and more you will find a way to get active in a fun way! It is open every day from 9:00am-12:00pm for adult activities. 

After a week of exercise you may want to relax or if you have the travel bug a great idea would be getting to know your new home by visiting Lancaster! Lancaster County has multiple regions each providing you a mix of terrain and great weekend getaways! You can enjoy the countryside, small towns or city feels all at your backdoor and a quick drive. Each provides you beautiful views, fun ways to spend your days and a wonderful way to absorb your new home. Truly make it a weekend away by staying in one of the many hotels within Lancaster giving you a night away in the country, camping under the stars or an adventure within one of the top tourist attractions.   

When it comes time to pick a place to retire many individuals consider moving into retirement communities. Three of the best communities that come to mind are:

Willow Valley Community is an award winning 55+ living community offering an array of living options from apartments to one-story villas, two-story town homes and more with the ability to work with their complementary interior design service to truly make this space your forever home. Not only does Willow Valley have a variety of homes to pick from they also have plenty of amenities that you will surely find yourself busy and enjoying your days. From multiple dining locations and services you are definitely able to enjoy meals with your friends, loved ones and for special occasions. Offering a large fitness center as well as many smaller ones across the community you will be able to work out every day in many ways from swimming, walking, to weights you are sure to mix up your routine while having fun! If you are new to the community a great way to meet others is to join in on a club or the travel that Willow Valley offers its residents!

Another great community within Lancaster County for retired residents is the Moravian Manor Community. With two campuses prospect residents have the opportunity to pick a style of home they would like to live in as well as amenities like laundry, patios, car garages, bedrooms, and different floor plans. The Moravian Manor also offers opportunities to get involved within the community to make friends, continue a passion, learn something new, or just have fun! 

The last retirement community is Brethren Village, also a space that offers a variety of living options as well as personal care, memory support or 24-hour nursing care should someone need it. Brethren Village too provides individuals the opportunity to get involved in their community, make friends and live independent lifestyles with wonderful amenities at their back door. With social activities and dining services residents can build their own sense of community while enjoying things they always have at a pace best for them.

All three of these communities truly emulate relaxing while enjoying life and all at different prices there is a fit for everyone’s budget! If a retirement community is not for you, do not be discouraged Lancaster County offers a variety of homes to meet everyone’s needs and wants! 

Whether you are new to retirement or you have been retired for some time Lancaster County provides you the peace of mind of a retirement where your money is well spent, your health is a priority and there are numerous ways to enjoy your time. Look no further than Lancaster County where should you choose you do not need to work and you can always play (or enjoy your days)!

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that emulate your own piece of paradise as you look to take the next step towards retirement. You will love it here!

For more information on wonderful homes like: 5253 Summerfield Drive, Mount Joy PA 17552 call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 or visit her website at WolfandWebb.com