History and small-town charms just north of Lancaster
Situated in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lititz is a little borough whose compact size is outweighed by its surprising charms. “Lititz is a small town with a lot of historic tradition behind it, and that’s what makes it so cool,” says Jerry Meck, a borough council member. Jason Burkholder, a broker who leads the Jason Burkholder Team at Hometown Property Sales, agrees: “One of our mottos is ‘where preservation meets progress’ because we’re maintaining the history while keeping with the times.” Although the city began as a Moravian community, it now welcomes people of all backgrounds and creeds. Its population has been climbing slowly but steadily to nearly 10,000 people. About 10 miles north of Lancaster, Lititz has been put on the map in recent years for its reputation of eclectic local businesses and picturesque streets, drawing in homebuyers looking for a slice of slow-paced, small-town life that’s still close to city amenities. According to Burkholder, “It’s the kind of place where people smile and say hello when they see you walking down the street.”
Lititz is a tight knit community that started started as a stop along the Reading Railroad.
Lititz Springs Park is a privately run park offering regular concerts as well as a playground.
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Chocolate-makers and pretzel bakers in Downtown Lititz
Main Street is lined by restaurants and shops, many of which have operated in the borough for decades. For over 125 years, Wilber Chocolate has served homemade and premium treats, originally setting up shop right next to the train station. Wilber Buds are their specialty chocolates, designed to resemble flower buds. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery opened in 1861, making it the first pretzel bakery in the country. Today, they sell soft and hard pretzels, as well as plenty of chocolate-covered options. Grocery stores and supermarkets such as Target, Giant and Weis Markets are just south of downtown.
In the winter, the Fire and Ice Festival brings 10 days of colorfully lit ice sculptures to the streets of Lititz. “It started as a way to bring business in during the slower winter months,” Meck says, “Now, hundreds of residents volunteer at the festival every year.” Every September, the Lititz Craft Beer Fest offers samplings of local and national brews, with the proceeds donated to various charities. Fresh produce and baked goods are provided by local growers and makers during the warmer months at the Lititz Farmers Market.
The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz bakes their pretzels fresh on site.
Wilbur Chocolate in Lititz has served homemade chocolate to the town for over 125 years.
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Early 1900s homes within walking distance of downtown
Downtown Lititz is home to a high concentration of early 20th-century houses and duplexes, while the surrounding suburbs are booming with new construction developments. Multiple retirement communities are also based in the borough, particularly Moravian Manor Communities. The median single-family home price is $450,000, higher than the state median of $315,000. The median townhouse is priced at $500,000. “Our housing costs are rising,” Meck says. “We’ve been designated as one of the coolest small towns in America, and because of that, we’ve had a lot of people from New York and New Jersey moving here. So one of the things we’re working on now is keeping the housing affordable for the people who’ve lived here for generations.” Homes spend an average of 25 days on the market, fewer than the national average of 44 days.
Queen Anne homes can be had in Lititz.
Twin homes are a popular and affordable style of house in Lititz.
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Rock Lititz brings in big-name touring artists
Healthcare is a leading industry in the area. The borough has its own hospital, UMPC Lititz, which is less than 10 miles north of Lancaster General Hospital. “We’re close to Lancaster, so some people do commute there for work. But Lititz has a couple of sizable employers of its own,” Meck says. Rock Lititz specializes in rehearsal facilities and stage technology for major touring artists, including stars such as Taylor Swift, BTS and Ariana Grande. Per Meck: “You’ll go downtown and see these celebrities and think, ‘Oh, they must be recording something with Rock Lititz.’ Those big bands love to come here because they can walk around and no one bothers them.”
Public Warwick schools and private Linden Hall
Lititz is served by the Warwick School District, which scores a B grade from Niche and enrolls about 3,800 students. It operates four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Warwick High School offers technical career education classes through the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. The borough is also home to Linden Hall Girls School, a private all-girls boarding and day school that was founded in 1746, making it the oldest school of its kind in the country.
Warwick Middle School received an overall grade of B from Niche.
Warwick Senior High School received an overall grade of B+ from Niche.
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Lititz Springs Park blends fun and history
In the heart of downtown, Lititz Springs Park is filled with trees, walking paths and a playground, along with a pond in the center for watching ducks. Formerly a train station, the park currently functions as the community’s welcome center. An old red Reading Railroad train car sits here, highlighting the community’s past. On the far side of town, residents can access the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, which offers 7 miles of hiking, biking and even skiing in winter.
Lititz Springs Park is a perfect place for a stroll will furry friends and loved ones.
Ducks make their home and are a big draw at the creek at Lititz Springs Park.
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Getting around downtown on foot and nearby Pennsylvania highways offer commuting
Although downtown Lititz is very walkable, residents on the edges of the borough need a car to get around. Pennsylvania highways 772 and 501 converge in the center of town, while Interstate 76 is 5 miles to the north. Lancaster is less than 10 miles south, and Philadelphia is about 75 miles east. The nearest international airport is 40 miles away in Harrisburg. Red Rose Transit operates a bus route from Lititz to Lancaster, and the Lancaster Amtrak station is popular with commuters.
Downtown Lititz has numerous shops lining its sidewalks.
Lititz has a pedestrian friendly main street filled with a variety of shops and restaurants.
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Low crime rates and seasonable weather
According to crime statistics provided by the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System, violent crime decreased by 14% and property crime rose by 37% between 2018 and 2023. Per FBI statistics, both violent and property crime rates in Lititz are very low, compared to national and state figures.
Lititz has four seasons, with yearly lows and highs averaging 20°F and 85°F. There is a minor risk of flooding in the low-lying areas surrounding Lititz Run, the creek which passes through Downtown Lititz, but it affects few residential properties.
Born and raised in Lancaster, I have a deep-rooted appreciation for the area's charm, history, and vibrant community. I still call Lancaster home, living in the heart of downtown.
My passion for real estate began early, influenced by my parents' careers in architecture. After earning a degree in design, I returned to Lancaster and found myself drawn to revitalizing properties—not just as a hobby, but as a way to help friends and family maximize their homes' potential before buying or selling. This experience solidified my commitment to guiding clients through every stage of homeownership, whether it’s a first home, an investment property, or a forever home.
I bring a creative eye and hands-on approach to real estate, ensuring each property reaches its full potential. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me cycling through Lancaster’s scenic routes, tinkering in my woodshop, or exploring my love for drawing and painting.
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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.
