Rural features keep residents happy
Lancaster Township, which is north of Pittsburgh, is evolving from a rural Western Pennsylvania enclave to a bustling Pittsburgh suburb. Lancaster Township comprises the pastoral scenery of remote Pennsylvania. “Lancaster Township encompasses a large geographic footprint of rural farmland,” says Diane Bureman, Realtor at Howard Hanna. The township offers spacious acreage, an excellent school district and a few outdoor spaces. “It used to be very rural,” says Georgie Smigel of Coldwell Banker Realty. “The rural feel is what residents like.” Although there is a rural feel, that doesn’t mean it’s all countryside surroundings — 63% of the structures in the area are commercial properties, including a paper mill, construction company, printer company, communications center and a foundry.
Log cabins claim popularity
North of Pittsburgh, Lancaster Township's main roads feature buildings like farms and houses spaced far apart. The rural setting of 6 square miles means the area, while not walkable, gives people huge swaths of quiet, peaceful land. “People often take over land and then make weekend properties or places they want to live,” Bureman says. The architecture varies widely, although most houses have driveways and attached garages.
The community was established in 2021 and there are 210 homes in the neighborhood. While the cost range of homes sits between $310,000 and $1.2 million, the median home size can be around 2,130 square feet with a median lot of 48,350 square feet. There are several styles of homes in Lancaster Township, including farmhouses, ranches, log cabins and cottages. Farmhouses range from $575,000 and $775,000, while log cabins can cost between $545,000 and $1 million. Ranch-style homes tend to range between $320,000 and $565,000 and cottages can cost around $256,000 and $500,000. Lots are estimated to go for $25,000 and $75,000 per acre. Dwellings sit on the market for 55 days, which is higher than the national average of 44. The Cap Index crime score is very favorable — the community has a score of 1 out of 10, the highest possible score and the lowest possible. The median home size in the community is 2,127 square feet and the median lot size is 48,350 square feet. The cost range of homes in the area sits between $310,000 and $1.2 million. A farmhouse can range between $575,00 and $775,000. Ranch-style homes can have a price setting of $320,000 and $565,000 . Log cabins, popular in the community, can sell for $545,000 and $1 million. A cottage may cost between $256,000 and $500,000. And lots can go for $25,000 to 75,000 per acre. The Cap Index crime score is very favorable — the community scored 1 out of 10, which is the lowest possible score and compares favorably to the national average of 4. Most homes are on the market for 55 days, which is higher than the national average of 44. Very few renters are in the community; 88% of the residences are owner-occupied.
Schools earn high marks
Students in Lancaster Township attend the Seneca Valley School District, which earned an A rating on Niche for high-quality academics, college prep and teachers. Schools include Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School, Ryan Gloyer Middle School and Seneca Valley High School. The school district has a one-to-one computing initiative for modern learning and digital access. The elementary and high schools have Niche grades of A-minus; the middle school has a B-plus. There are eight colleges and universities near the community, including Franklin and Marshall College.
Plenty of outdoor options
There are several options for spending outdoor time in Lancaster Township. Four Springs Park offers a dog-friendly trail through fields and woodlands. At Bauder Park, little leaguers can play games at the baseball diamond and kids can run around the playground. For large gatherings, folks can use the picnic shelter or rent out the Community Center building. Along the banks of the Connoquenessing River is the tranquil Wood Street Park. Attractive landscaping and benches are available.
Log cabin eatery features prime rib
For an atmospheric meal, choose between a few restaurants in the area. For those who enjoy a night out At the cozy Log Cabin Inn, residents can order prime rib or cod, among other dishes, served in a rustic log cabin from the 1800s, which features a scenic patio space overlooking the woods. Alternatively, Clifford’s Restaurant serves European and American dinners like crab cakes, sea bass and racks of lamb. Clifford’s has no liquor license, but guests can bring their own unopened bottle of wine. For grocery needs, there is a neighborhood Wegmans and Whole Foods Market.
A short trip to Pittsburgh
Residents can take Route 18 or Interstate 79 to reach the Steel City for a weekend getaway. They can visit the city to enjoy skyscraper river views at Point State Park and see the Golden Triangle from the inclines.
Low crime rates
The Cap Index crime score for the area is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
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Anna Dukovich
