A small borough, rooted in railroad and Amish history
Just a short drive—or a slightly longer horse-and-buggy ride—from the center of Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish Country, Ephrata brings contemporary convenience to a rustic farming town. The borough is known for its close community feel, with under 14,000 residents. Ephrata is packed with history and exciting events, and it also offers plenty of investment opportunities. The area recently earned Keystone Communities Main Street status, meaning the borough’s funding applications will now receive priority status from the Department of Community and Economic Development. Despite this ongoing growth, Ephrata is still home to the trademark farmers markets, creameries and railroad history that come with life in Lancaster County, off the old Reading and Columbia Railroad tracks.
Ephrata brings contemporary convenience to a rustic farming town located in the northeastern section of Lancaster County.
Ephrata is just a short drive from the center of Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish Country.
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Relatively low investment, high return on Ephrata homes
Colonial duplexes and townhouses line the main thoroughfares of the borough, and many are accented with Baroque-style, ram’s head pediments above their entryways. Capes, ranch-style builds and condos are popular, as well. Buyers can expect to stay under $500,000 for a single-family home, and the median price in the overall market sits at around $330,000. “Buyers are looking for granite or quartz countertops, kitchen islands, technology, prewiring for their TVs, finished downstairs spaces for mancaves, and that’s all at an entry-level price point,” says Realtor Allison Whittaker with Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty. “You can get all those features, and a one-car garage, for $275,000.”
Ephrata home owners can expect to pay under $500,000 for a single-family home, with the median price around $330,000.
Duplexes and brick townhouses line the main thoroughfares of Ephrata.
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The Green Dragon Farmers Market and “cow to cone” ice cream
Small businesses, restaurants and shops line Main Street, and plazas off Reading Road have chain and big-box options. There’s a push to shop locally in Ephrata, and hundreds of vendors sell their homemade goods at the Green Dragon Farmers Market. The market, spanning over 30 acres of both indoor and outdoor space, is one of the largest in the country. Shoppers peruse farm-fresh produce and Amish-made artisanal crafts, while bidders can attend the livestock and small-animal auction. Fox Meadows is another farm in the area with a country market and a creamery that sells “cow-to-cone” ice cream.
Ephrata is home to The Green Dragon Market, which features more than 100 local vendors, making it one of the largest flea markets on the East Coast.
Clay Residents love Fox Meadows Creamery with it's home made ice cream and country market.
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Cloister museums, performing arts and the Ephrata Fair
The Ephrata Cloister, one of the oldest religious societies in America, still offers tours and events today. German immigrant Johann Conrad Beissel founded the group and in turn, the town, in 1732. The borough has also hosted the Ephrata Fair, Pennsylvania’s largest street fair, for over 100 years. Folks can catch a performance at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. Its first shows were put on by Broadway producer John Cameron and featured big stars like Robert DeNiro and Betty White.
Super hero themed rides like "The Avengers" are enjoyed by kids and adults at Ephrata Fair.
The Ephrata Cloister has a museum with a collection of books, manuscripts, tools and more from the early days of the settlement.
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Over 300 acres of Dutch Country park space
With the largest park system per capita in the state, there is plenty of both indoor and outdoor recreation to choose from. Thomas P. Grater Community Park has athletic facilities, a skatepark and walking trails near a wetland area. Cyclists can head to the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, an 8-mile stretch that runs past Amish farms and Reiff’s Amish Market. It also stops by Heatherwood Bike Park, which features dirt hills and wooden ramps for stunts.
The Warwick Ephrata Rail Trail extends 7.5 miles through villages, farmland, and forested areas.
The Ephrata Skate Park is a popular spot for kids to gather after school to show off their moves.
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Ephrata schools prepare Life Ready Graduates
The Ephrata Area School District scores a B-plus on Niche. Students may attend one of four elementary schools before transitioning to Ephrata Intermediate, Middle and High schools. Students benefit from the district’s Life Ready Graduate model, so traits that go beyond the classroom, like teamwork, integrity and leadership, are embedded into the curriculum.
Ephrata Intermediate School is the only middle school in the Ephrata Area School District.
Ephrata Senior High School earns high praise on academics and diversity with many programs.
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Pennsylvania Turnpike facilitates Ephrata travel
One of Ephrata’s biggest draws is its proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Various U.S. routes cut through the borough and lead to the turnpike, which runs west to Harrisburg, about 45 miles away, and 65 miles east to Philadelphia. Reading and Lancaster are also accessible within around 20 miles. Red Rose Transit Authority buses stop along major thoroughfares, as well. Flights to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., take off from Lancaster Airport, about 10 miles away.
Relatively low crime rates and weather patterns
According to Lancaster County Community Indicators, the county has seen significantly lower violent crime rates than both the state and the U.S. over the past decade.
Ephrata gets four distinct seasons. While the Ephrata Public Works Department plows major thoroughfares, property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall.
Written By
Grace Pitney
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nancy Bischoff,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ephrata, PA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Ephrata, PA over the last 12 months is $476,000, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Peaceful 55+ Living in Meadow Valley Estates North. Enjoy a quiet, well-maintained community with attentive management in this 2-bedroom, 2-bath Pine Grove single-wide home, located in the desirable 55+ Meadow Valley Estates North. This 2001 home offers 1,036 sq. ft. of comfortable living with an open floor plan, abundant storage, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, fuel oil heat with a newly
Enjoy one floor living with beautiful farmland views from this three bedroom rancher, just outside Ephrata! Recently updated with fresh paint, newer flooring and new hot water heater, this home is a must see. You'll love to spend time in the huge finished lower level which has a second entrance from the oversized 2-car garage. Enjoy the outdoors from the screened in porch and spacious backyard.
Beautifully Maintained 3-Bedroom Townhome with 2-Car Garage – No HOA!Welcome home to this immaculate 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offering comfort, convenience, and modern style—all with no HOA fees. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained, this property features a first-floor primary suite, perfect for easy, one-level living.Step inside to find luxury vinyl flooring
Peaceful 55+ Living in Meadow Valley Estates North. Enjoy a quiet, well-maintained community with attentive management in this 2-bedroom, 2-bath Pine Grove single-wide home, located in the desirable 55+ Meadow Valley Estates North. This 2001 home offers 1,036 sq. ft. of comfortable living with an open floor plan, abundant storage, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, fuel oil heat with a newly
Enjoy one floor living with beautiful farmland views from this three bedroom rancher, just outside Ephrata! Recently updated with fresh paint, newer flooring and new hot water heater, this home is a must see. You'll love to spend time in the huge finished lower level which has a second entrance from the oversized 2-car garage. Enjoy the outdoors from the screened in porch and spacious backyard.
Beautifully Maintained 3-Bedroom Townhome with 2-Car Garage – No HOA!Welcome home to this immaculate 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offering comfort, convenience, and modern style—all with no HOA fees. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained, this property features a first-floor primary suite, perfect for easy, one-level living.Step inside to find luxury vinyl flooring
Located in the heart of Ephrata, this charming duplex offers a great place to call home! Within walking distance to local shops, restaurants, and businesses, and close to the community pool you’ll have the convenience of being close to everything. A front porch offers a great spot to sit and watch the world go by on warm weather days. You’ll find a cozy and comfortable living room, formal
This updated Ephrata duplex is located in a nice, residential area, just minutes from Downtown Ephrata and within easy access to major roads for convenient commuting. You’ll find a first floor with hard surface flooring throughout for easy maintenance, a cozy and comfortable living room, open kitchen and dining area with doors to a rear deck, and combo laundry room and half bathroom. The second
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