East Earl Township offers rural living with Pennsylvania Dutch roots
Though much of East Earl Township is farmland, the rural area is also home to East Earl, a small community with a big draw: the nation’s largest buffet. With the large Amish community in Lancaster County, it’s common to see locals getting around by horse and buggy. The township's rolling hills also border Welsh Mountain, one of the few remaining forests in Lancaster County.
Incorporated in 1851, East Earl Township is now home to over 6,800 residents.
Horse-drawn carriages are a common sight in East Earl Township and surrounding areas.
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Shady Maple shopping center features the nation's largest buffet
Main Street is mostly farmland until it reaches the Shady Maple shopping center, home to some of the most popular stores and restaurants in Lancaster County. Shady Maple Smorgasbord is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, featuring more than 200 feet of food stations brimming with Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. “It has a lot of Lancaster County food — things people might not be accustomed to, like shoofly pie and chicken croquettes,” says Wendy Stauffer, a Realtor with Kingsway Realty who has been selling homes in the region for more than 30 years. Shady Maple Farm Market, the largest grocery store in the county, also features Pennsylvania Dutch ingredients. Good’s Store is right next door for clothing and household essentials. Other restaurants in the area include Carini’s, which serves Italian food, and Fireside Café, a chic coffee shop with modern décor and a string-lit patio.
Enjoy a coffee or brunch with family at the Fireside Cafe.
Shady Marble Smorgasboard's large interior makes room for so many dining options.
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Housing includes farmland retreats and subdivisions
Most houses are part of subdivisions in East Earl or on backroads in the township’s countryside. “A lot of people come to this area looking for more secluded farmland living,” Stauffer says. Farmhouses dating back to the mid-1800s and early 1900s sell for around $300,000 to $500,000. Ranch-style and New Traditional houses range from around $400,000 to $500,000, while manufactured homes go for $40,000 to $190,000. Those looking for an acre or more of land can expect to spend anywhere from $400,000 to $1 million. The laid-back farming community has its own police department with five full-time officers. The township's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
East Earl Township residents can greet their neighbors on some of the more densely packed streets.
Homes sit on large plots of land in East Earl Township.
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Nature trails on Welsh Mountain, outdoor fun at Terre Hill Park
Money Rocks County Park offers more than 300 acres of nature to explore Welsh Mountain. Nature trails lead to boulders believed to be where farmers used to hide the money, and overlooks with views of the surrounding farmland. Terre Hill Park has a large wooden playground resembling a castle, a basketball court and a bandshell used for community events. Terre Hill Days is a popular summertime event, featuring carnival rides and live music. During the holiday season, Christmas in the Park is a big draw, where locals walk the lighted trail and nativity display, ride horse-drawn carriages and eat holiday treats from vendors.
Get some cardio in at Terre Hill Park's tennis courts.
Money Rocks County Park has many entrances.
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Block schedule at Garden Spot Middle and High schools
Students may attend Blue Ball Elementary School, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche. They’ll go on to C-plus-graded Garden Spot Middle School and B-graded Garden Spot High School. The high school’s broadcasting program allows students to create news segments through its KGSH TV station. The middle and high schools operate on a five-block schedule, where students have fewer classes but more time per class compared to a traditional schedule.
Garden Spot Middle School has 392 students in grades 7-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
According to state test scores, 72% of Garden Spot Senior High School students are at least proficient in math and 72% in reading.
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Halfway between Lancaster and Reading, public buses to Lancaster
State Route 23 (Main Street) and U.S. 322 are the two major highways that intersect in the township. Lancaster and Reading are both around 20 miles away, which is about a 30-minute drive. Locals can also reach Lancaster by taking a Red Rose Transit Authority bus on Main Street. The township is equidistant to three major cities: Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Allentown, all about 50 miles away, each with an international airport.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Taylor Noll
Video By
Becky Gaskill
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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