Section Image

Ephrata

Ephrata

Located in Lancaster County

$355,369 Average Value
$189 Average Price per Sq Ft
30 Homes For Sale

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 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.
Ephrata is just a short drive from the center of Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish Country.
1/2

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.
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.
Duplexes and brick townhouses line the main thoroughfares of Ephrata.
1/2

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.
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.
Clay Residents love Fox Meadows Creamery with it's home made ice cream and country market.
1/2

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
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.
The Ephrata Cloister has a museum with a collection of books, manuscripts, tools and more from the early days of the settlement.
1/2

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 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.
The Ephrata Skate Park is a popular spot for kids to gather after school to show off their moves.
1/2

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 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.
Ephrata Senior High School earns high praise on academics and diversity with many programs.
1/2

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.

Grace Pitney
Written By
Grace Pitney
Justin Schmidt
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Kyle Keyes
Video By
Kyle Keyes

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Debra Burke, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
8,737
Number of Homes for Sale
30
Median Year Built
1979
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,746
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,992
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,545
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
738
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 4
    Open House 4/04

    2130 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522

    $300,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,083 Sq Ft
    • 2130 W Main St
    • New 4 days ago

    This property will be offered at Public Auction on Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 6pm. The listing price is the opening bid only and in no way reflects the final sale price. 10% down due at auction, 2% transfer tax to be paid by the purchaser, real estate taxes prorated. This well-located four-bedroom home offers convenient first-floor living along with easy access to Ephrata, Lititz, and a variety

    Thomas Stewart Cavalry Realty LLC

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    20 Pacific Blvd, Ephrata, PA 17522

    $337,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 1,382 Sq Ft
    • 20 Pacific Blvd

    It's your lucky day! This beauty is back on the market due to no fault of its own and waiting for you! Welcome to easy living in Ephrata! Built in 2019, this modern semi detached home offers the perfect blend of style, space and low stress ownership! With only one shared wall, it lives like a single family home while still giving you that clean, well kept neighborhood feel. Inside, you’ll find a

    Jennah Good Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Ephrata Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
14,227
Median Age
39
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$57,703
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$70,918

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.1%
College Graduates
22.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
73.5%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
17''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®®

60 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Ephrata