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
Kate Mardis,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ephrata, PA sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ephrata, PA over the last 12 months is $340,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
AUCTION PROPERTY. Auction date is Friday, June 27th @ 4PM. List price is opening bid price only and is not indicative of the final sale price. TERMS: 10% down day of auction, balance 60 days or before. Buyer pays both transfer taxes (2% of sale price). REAL ESTATE: 1 story (California style) stone/masonry Rancher w/2178 SF finished area, large eat-in kitchen w/Knotty Pine cabinets &
THIS PROPERTY IS GOING TO AUCTION ON THRUSDAY JUNE 26, 2025 @ 6:30 PM. THE LIST PRICE ONLY REFLECTS THE SUGGESTED STARTING BID. All-brick Cape Cod home featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1-car attached garage on a .70 acre lot. Eat-in kitchen with dining area, spacious front living room with bay window, spacious full bathroom with tile shower, covered and semi-enclosed rear porch and covered
This property is being offered for sale at auction on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM. List price is the suggested opening bid only and is not indicative of the final sale price. Open House: Saturday, June 21 & 28 and July 5 (1-3 pm.) or by appt. Terms: 10% down day of sale; settlement within 45 days of sale.Beautifully situated ranch home w/a daylight basement and 2 car garage on 1.13 acres.
Welcome to 313 Liberty St in Ephrata PA, located in Home Towne Square 55+ community! This charming 3BR 2.5BA craftsman style home features 10 foot ceilings on the first floor, custom trim/woodwork throughout the home, large open foyer and grand hallways connecting all the finished area, large office in the front of the home, cozy living room with gas fireplace and built-in shelves, crown
Unique brick 4 gable two story with 9' first floor ceilings - Front door entrance into a wind break/vestibule w/guest closet - Nice, cozy living room w/gas log fireplace - Cherry kitchen w/many built ins including a breakfast bar, open to dining area - 2 bedrooms, full bath and office, plus an enclosed porch (use as an exercise or computer room) - All on the first floor - Most first floor rooms
Step into timeless elegance at this beautifully restored 1850s residence in the heart of Ephrata. Known as the Anne Sweigart home, this property blends rich history with thoughtful modern updates. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by soaring ceilings, classic crown moldings, and original hardwood floors that flow throughout. The expansive primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a
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
3 Bedroom 2 full bath unit for rent. Updated flooring. Washer/dryer hook up with washer and dryer included. Tenant pays electric. $40 monthly utility fee for heat/trash. No Smoking, No Pets. $50 nonrefundable application fee required per applicant and if selected $50 admin fee. 600 Min. Credit Score
This 1st floor apartment is in an ideal location, just blocks from Ephrata’s Main Street/Route 322 with its shops and restaurants and local businesses. You’ll find a great dining area, workable kitchen, living room with large closet for storage, and 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Laundry area is in the unfinished basement and the home includes a front porch for outdoor relaxation and a small shared
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