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College Park

College Park

$397,896 Average Value
$157 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Historic properties under verdant cover

“It's got the old trees, it’s a lovely little area, it’s a very pretty place to live,” says Melissa Brosey, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. Centered around a college campus dating back over two centuries and resting under a dense canopy of old-growth trees that cover the neighborhood, it’s clear how College Park in Lancaster got its name. “There are so many beautiful homes with wonderful landscaping. And there’s a lot of history there,” says Christine Nolt, a Lancaster County native and partner in Kingsway Realty with the Nolt & Bailey Team. While Franklin & Marshall is certainly the centerpiece of the community, unlike many college towns, it doesn’t define it. Instead, College Park is a mix of long-time residents, college professors and students in a calm and quiet neighborhood that is only moments away from Lancaster’s bustling downtown.
College Park sits next to Buchanan Park and is minutes from downtown Lancaster.
College Park sits next to Buchanan Park and is minutes from downtown Lancaster.
College Park is a pedestrian friendly neighborhood with beautiful landscaping seen throughout.
College Park is a pedestrian friendly neighborhood with beautiful landscaping seen throughout.
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Prospective Park residents must move fast

“Those properties sell very well. They don’t last long in that neighborhood,” says Nolt. Indeed, College Park neighborhoods generally sell within 3 days of being listed – compared to the national average of almost 6 weeks. “We’re a destination location for New York people, Washington, from Seattle,” says Brosey. There are a range of homes in the neighborhood, from modern condos in historic buildings, to traditional and Colonial Revival row homes and semi-detached units, to single-family stand-alone homes with Georgian and Tudor influences. This leads to a variety of price points, with one- and two-bedroom condos going for $150,000 to $225,000. Row homes and semi-detached units generally range between $325,000 and $450,000, while single-family estates can sell from $500,000 to north of $1 million.
Victorian-style homes on large lots can be found in College Park.
Victorian-style homes on large lots can be found in College Park.
Traditional twin homes in College Park offer small yards and big front porches.
Traditional twin homes in College Park offer small yards and big front porches.
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Doggy dreams and open greens

Buchanan Park isn’t just the centerpiece of College Park – it’s one of the most-visited parks in the city. Rolling hills, massive oaks that have been standing longer than the campus has been around, and open fields make it a hive of activity in warmer months. Basketball and tennis courts get used well into the night, and the playground nearby is perfect for younger children. The park's centerpiece is Beau’s Dream Dog Park – after local dog mom Angela Bauman won a Purina contest in 2012, the original dog park received a massive makeover to become the doggie heaven it is today. Splash pads, tunnels and other obstacles help dogs and owners socialize and play, and the free-to-use park draws residents from across the county.
The wide open grassy area at Buchanan Park in College Park are ideal for kite flying.
The wide open grassy area at Buchanan Park in College Park are ideal for kite flying.
College Park's Beau's Dream Dog Park is always abuzz with people and their furry friends.
College Park's Beau's Dream Dog Park is always abuzz with people and their furry friends.
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Cutting-edge fare in a historic region

“On Harrisburg Avenue, Iron Hill is really popular, and Oka is really fantastic, that’s my youngest’s favorite place to eat,” says Brosey. Only a short walk out of the neighborhood, trendy wood-fired Italian specialties feature at the James Beard-nominated LUCA, along with an amaro list that is unmatched in the region. In the other direction, Cartel Brewing & Blending is a thriving local brewery tapping innovative beers reflecting local sensibilities, like the Amish Mug Club cream ale that provides a nod to the traditional Amish homemade root beers of the countryside. The local retail and restaurants of downtown Lancaster are only blocks away, and it's common to see residents walking to Central Market on warm weekend mornings. Shopping centers including Red Rose Commons and The Shoppes at Belmont, which are home to Whole Food, Weis, the Home Depot, and other major national retailers, are only two miles away.
On warmer days, numerous restaurants offer outdoor dining in College Park.
On warmer days, numerous restaurants offer outdoor dining in College Park.
Residents of College Park can head to the newly built Wegmans down the road for groceries.
Residents of College Park can head to the newly built Wegmans down the road for groceries.
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Fun times in the Park

With so much open space, Buchanan Park is also home to numerous events throughout the year. VegFest is a two-day vegan festival hosted by Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, highlighting vegetarian and vegan living. Lancaster Beer Gardens runs over numerous periods in the summer and fall, popping up with local favorites for relaxed sipping under the shade trees. Musicfest celebrates local music while raising funds for Penn State Children’s Hospital, while the annual Recovery Day Lancaster promotes healing and recovery for community members.
The Warehouse District Beer Garden is open in warmer months in College Park and is a huge draw.
The Warehouse District Beer Garden is open in warmer months in College Park and is a huge draw.
Warehouse District Beer Garden in College Park is a place to gather with friends and relax.
Warehouse District Beer Garden in College Park is a place to gather with friends and relax.
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Schooling for all ages

The School District of Lancaster serves the students of College Park in their primary years. Students may start at Thomas Wharton Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche, then progress to Reynolds Middle School, with a C grade. Students towards the neighborhood's southern end start their education at Smith Wade-El Elementary, which earns a C-plus, then move on to Wheatland Middle School, which gets a C-minus from Niche. All public-school students finish at McCaskey High School, earning a B-minus from Niche and offering the International Baccalaureate program. Private schools include Lancaster Country Day School for preschool through twelfth grade, which Niche ranks as the 20th Best Private High School in Pennsylvania. The school around which the neighborhood is built, Franklin and Marshall College, is a premier liberal arts college, home to roughly 2,000 students.
McCaskey High School received a B- from Niche and has more than 2,500 students.
McCaskey High School received a B- from Niche and has more than 2,500 students.
Many students in College Park attend the nearby Wheatland Middle School.
Many students in College Park attend the nearby Wheatland Middle School.
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Walk or ride, it’s easy to explore Lancaster

Red Rose Transit Authority provides limited bus service to College Park, but many residents take advantage of how easy it is to walk and bike. The nearby Amtrak train station offers daily service for commuters to Harrisburg and Philadelphia, while Lancaster Airport, roughly 6 miles north, offers limited flights. Most residents will make the 30-mile drive to Harrisburg International Airport for commercial airline travel. Lancaster General Hospital, a top employer and provider of emergency care for the city, is on a mile or so away – often less than a 5-minute drive.
The Lancaster Amtrak station is minutes from College Park and gets commuters to major hubs.
The Lancaster Amtrak station is minutes from College Park and gets commuters to major hubs.
The Lancaster Amtrak Station serves commuters of the College Park neighborhood.
The Lancaster Amtrak Station serves commuters of the College Park neighborhood.
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A Diplomatic presence

While the college doesn’t define the neighborhood, its impact on it is hard to miss. College buildings are dotted throughout the neighborhood, and many rental units in the neighborhood are also for college students. Game days at Shadek Stadium turn the neighborhood into a much busier spot, as do move-in and move-out days. The Barshinger Center and Green Room Theater on campus bring in students and local residents alike.
The Green Room Theater in College Park hosts live theater, film screenings and more.
The Green Room Theater in College Park hosts live theater, film screenings and more.
Game days at Shadek Stadium make College Park a much more busy neighborhood.
Game days at Shadek Stadium make College Park a much more busy neighborhood.
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Andrew Tyson
Written By
Andrew Tyson
Justin Schmidt
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Benjamin Rose

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Justine Dennis McPhee, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Harrisburg International

42 min drive

Bus

College Ave. & W. James St.

Bus

N. President Ave. & W. Clay St.

Bus

Buchanan & College

Bus

Collage Ave. & Walnut St.

Bus

Buchanan Ave. & State St.

Bus

Columbia & West End Ave.

Bus

N. President Ave & James St.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime College Park US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

College Park Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$260,000
Median Sale Price
$253,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$253,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$135,833
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$157

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
554
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1925
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,100
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,557
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,009
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
752
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 3pm

    917 Columbia Ave Unit 444, Lancaster, PA 17603

    $169,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 913 Sq Ft
    • 917 Columbia Ave
    • Unit 444
    • New 19 days ago

    Condo living at a very affordable price. This unit needs your cosmetic vision. This is a one owner unit and your upgrades will make it amazing! All of the original appliances, carpets and cabinets are in this unit. No updating has been done yet so, it's waiting for you! Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Clock Towers has great amenities. Easy parking and access to entrances. Great location in

    Jeffrey Bowman Hometown Property Sales

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Justine Dennis McPhee, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,411
Median Age
29
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,175
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,609

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
53.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.2%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
14''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

63 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

66 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
College Park