$260,944Average Value$168Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Homes with a sense of history and a fresh coat of paint
Just a short walk from Downtown Lancaster is the East Side, where a grid of townhouses, parks and schools are less than a mile from the heart of the city. This neighborhood has fewer restaurants and more homes, lending it a more residential feel. It’s also been considered slightly more affordable than some of the city neighborhoods to the west, but that’s started to change. As Lancaster grows, more and more of the East Side’s townhouses have been flipped by investors for a healthy profit. Still, even the remodeled properties cling to the historic flair that makes the city unique. “There’s a real pride in ownership,” says Susan Allison, a Lancaster County native and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. “You get a sense of collective appreciation for the architecture, and people make a real effort to preserve it.” Many of the neighborhood’s modern institutions are housed in historic buildings, such as the stable-turned-restaurant Horse Inn. Even the Lancaster Science Factory, the neighborhood’s hands-on family museum, is located in an old cork factory. Even as East Side continues to evolve, that reverence for the past remains the same.
Renovated 19th-century townhouses
History is evident in the East Side’s streets, with brick townhouses from the 19th and 20th centuries lined up elbow-to-elbow in neat rows. “The architecture keeps people here,” Susan says. “Instead of moving out of the city, you’ll see lots of people moving from one home to another. Some of these houses have gorgeous Tiffany windows and prized chestnut woodwork.” Colonial Revival styles are favored here, with some Italian and Victorian stylings such as decorative trim and bay windows. Detached and semi-detached properties, especially ones with a garage or their own parking space, are especially desirable. Most East Side residents park on the streets, with city-issued permits in select areas. According to locals, Lancaster’s East Side has become a hotspot for investors buying up condemned properties and freshening them up with a complete remodel. While houses in need of repair can list at around $150,000, newly renovated homes can sell for upwards of $375,000.
The colorful facades of the historic townhouses in East Side add character to the area.
There are some stand alone single family homes to be had in East Side.
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Shop local at Lancaster Central Market and dine out at Horse Inn
Some residents grab goods at the local CTown Supermarkets, while others stock up at grocers like Weis Markets on the edge of town. But on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, nearly everyone heads downtown to the Lancaster Central Market to peruse the stands full of home-baked goodies and produce straight from the farm. Peat Evans, Lancaster Central Market’s Assistant Market Manager, walks to the Market every day from his house on the East Side and says that plenty of other residents do the same. “Even some of the restaurants in the surrounding area get their groceries fresh here,” Evans says. “I know I see the people from Horse Inn doing their shopping at the Market every week.” Located in the heart of the East Side, Horse Inn has been a local mainstay since its establishment in 1920. What was once a hayloft speakeasy is now an elevated pub that retains its rustic vibe, known for hearty, comforting meals such as tenderloin tips on toast. A few blocks away is Lancaster Brewing Company, a big brick building where beer flight flavors range from traditional German styles to locally inspired varieties such as a shoo-fly pie porter.
Rural heritage and fresh food coalesce at Cork and Cap Restaurant in East Side.
The Horse Inn in East Side offers refined, globally inspired pub grub and a speakeasy vibe.
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A former zoo meets a bicycle repair shop at Reservoir Park
Reservoir Park is the East Side’s central green, once home to the Lancaster Zoo. While a bronze lion fountain hearkens back to the park’s history, today, Reservoir Park is dotted by mature trees, a playground, a basketball court and a seasonally open wading pool. At the far end of the park is the Common Wheel, a nonprofit that serves as a bicycle co-op and repair shop. Its Earn-a-Bike program is a popular after-school program where kids fix up their very own donated bike, all while learning the ins and outs of bicycle maintenance and safety. Lancaster County Prison is directly adjacent to the park and is impossible to miss, thanks to its façade resembling an English 18th-century castle. However, plans are underway to open a brand-new correctional facility in 2027 that would shutter the current prison.
Reservoir Park in East Side is home to an early 20th-century bronze lion fountain.
Reservoir Park borders the East Side neighborhood to the south and boasts numerous amenities.
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Students walk to school at McCaskey High
When the final bells ring at Wickersham Elementary, Lincoln Middle and McCaskey High by 3:15 p.m., East Side’s sidewalks are full of backpack-clad children headed home for the day. Many kids in the neighborhood walk to school, as the School District of Lancaster does not provide bus service to students living within 2 miles of Lincoln Middle and McCaskey High, or within 1.5 miles of Wickersham Elementary. Luckily, all three schools are clustered together at the northern end of the neighborhood, close to many homes. Niche grades Wickersham Elementary a C-plus, while Lincoln Middle scores a C and McCaskey High receives a B-minus. The high school offers dedicated academies or course sequences for media studies and communications, health sciences and public leadership.
Lincoln Middle School boasts a student-teacher ratio of 10-to-1.
McCaskey High School received a B- from Niche and has more than 2,500 students.
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Summer camps and school trips to the Lancaster Science Factory
East Side families share a neighborhood with the Lancaster Science Factory, a hands-on museum full of interactive exhibits that engage young learners with topics such as engineering, fluid dynamics and environmental sustainability. “We do summer camps, field trips, holiday and after-school programming — we even work with local Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops,” says Joanne Trusz, a STEM Educator at the museum. “We cater all of our programs to what they’re interested in or learning about, so just recently, we did one on structural engineering focusing on the types of bridges and their uses. We do lots of robotics workshops, too, and we gear our programming to all age groups. Honestly, the best part is seeing the parents get just as excited as the kids.” During First Fridays, museum admission is free from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Children can enjoy interactive exhibits at the Lancaster Science Factory, an East Side Museum.
East Side residents can watch plays at Fulton Theatre, the oldest working theatre in the US.
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Walkable streets 2 miles from U.S. Route 30
East Side homes are between 1 and 2 miles from Lancaster’s historic central business district, with plenty of amenities, restaurants and shops within walking distance. Entrances to U.S. Route 30 are a couple of miles east along Walnut Street and King Street, with Red Rose Transit Authority bus stops at regular intervals along each thoroughfare. Philadelphia is about 80 miles away, and some professionals make weekly commutes by train via the Lancaster Amtrak station. Other major metropolitan areas on the East Coast such as New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are between 100 and 150 miles away. Lancaster General Hospital, operated by Penn Medicine, is the city’s largest employer and is roughly a mile outside of the neighborhood.
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East Side Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Side, Lancaster sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in East Side, Lancaster over the last 12 months is $263,450, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming end-of-row townhouse, built in 1880, beautifully blends traditional architecture with modern updates in a prime Lancaster City location. Step inside to discover a warm and inviting interior featuring hardwood floors and exposed beams that add character and charm. The spacious living area is perfect for cozy evenings and comfortable gatherings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere
Extensively renovated and rich with original character, this early-1900s Lancaster city rowhome pairs historic detail with updated finishes. Inside you will find exposed brick walls, wood beam and plank ceilings, bay windows, a restored staircase and millwork, and skylights that pour in light. The renovated kitchens feature granite counters, stainless appliances, subway tile, and shaker
Lancaster City Investment Opportunity!Excellent opportunity to own a **well-maintained 2-unit property in Lancaster City** offering strong income potential and a proven rental history. Whether you're looking to add to an existing portfolio or purchase your first investment property, this property is worth a closer look.The building features **two spacious rental units totaling
A distinctive two-unit property in the heart of Lancaster City, pairing a stabilized residential apartment with a ground-floor commercial storefront The upper level offers a 2-bedroom apartment with its own private entrance, currently leased at $1,600/month for immediate, dependable income . The ground-floor commercial space— has been home to professional office space and established salon and
Great opportunity for investor or to make this your home. House features vinyl replacement windows, 1st floor laundry room, and a side yard ready for creative landscaping. Home offers the potential for new owner to make improvements that tailor to personal preference. Owner selling property "As-Is". President of City Limits Foundation, LLC is a PA Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Welcome to your NEW Lancaster City Home - 542 E Orange. This 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers the perfect balance of city living and personal space. As you arrive, you’ll notice the large front porch, ideal for relaxing or welcoming guests, and the home’s position set back from the road, adding a touch of privacy. Step inside to find a wide-open entry room, a bright and versatile space that sets
Don't miss this charming corner property with three bedroom and one bath. Totally renovated in 2024 with new Roof, Kitchen, Water Heater, Gas Furnace, Air Conditioner, Replacement Windows, Bath, Flooring etc. New Sewer Line installed July 2026. Walk into beautiful engineered hard wood floors that lead to the spacious and bright kitchen featuring Butcherblock Counter Tops and new Cabinets.
Welcome to 417 E Orange St. Charming and full of character this 3-bedroom 1.5 bath perfectly located just minutes from Downtown Lancaster. Enjoy the best of both worlds with easy access to restaurants, shopping, local parks and entertainment, plus a yard that's perfect for hosting, relaxing and making memories. Built in 1880 this 1,534 sq. ft. offers inviting living space, a versatile basement
Welcome to 603 E Marion Street! This 3-bedroom Lancaster City home offers plenty of space and potential for an owner-occupant or investor. The home features a traditional layout with spacious living areas, a full basement with a full bathroom, plus a finished third-floor bonus room that provides flexible additional living space. Enjoy a generous fenced rear yard with room for gardening,
This well-maintained detached single-family home offers an excellent opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants alike. Featuring 1 bedroom, 1 full bath, and a nice-sized yard, this property combines comfort, functionality, and outstanding income potential. The home is currently vacant, providing immediate flexibility for an owner-occupant or the opportunity to secure a new tenant. It was
This charming two-bedroom, one-bath home is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Lancaster, offering easy access to a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping.Inside, you’ll find freshly painted walls, luxury vinyl plank flooring, a dining room, and a kitchen. The first floor bathroom features a tub shower and vinyl flooring. Both bedrooms and the bonus room feature
Ms. Stephanie SantosLusk & Associates Sotheby's International Realty
Enjoy a location with convenient access to Downtown Lancaster’s restaurants, cafés, shopping, entertainment, and Central Market, while still being situated outside the heart of the downtown business district.First floorBonus room / Formal dining roomWasher/Dryer in UnitPrivate EntranceExposed BrickOne Off-street Parking SpaceShared BackyardTenant pays
3D Virtual Tour link provided here: Virtual Tours & Online Applications may be found on our GM Property Solutions, LLC website. Virtual Tours have replaced in-person showings. Interested applicants must apply to the property first. Approved applicants will be offered an in-person showing prior to their final acceptance of the property.4 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms /
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