Lancaster 79 Exceptional
Lancaster Livability #126 ranked city in New York#2,010 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Lancaster

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

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What's it like Living in Lancaster?

Located in the state of New York, Lancaster is a moderately-sized city with a population of 10,087 inhabitants. Lancaster has a population density of 3,738 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, Lancaster could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Lancaster is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Lancaster, New York. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Lancaster, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, employment and more.

The livability score in Lancaster is 77/100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Lancaster could be a great choice! Lancaster has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Lancaster ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Lancaster. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Lancaster, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 41 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Lancaster, the unemployment rate stands at 2.33%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Lancaster, the average school test scores reached an impressive 65%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Lancaster an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Lancaster market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Lancaster. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Lancaster are affordable. Median real estate prices in Lancaster come in at $128,400, which is 55.2% lower than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lancaster, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 51.1% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lancaster

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Compare Lancaster, NY Livability

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      Lancaster transportation information

      Statistic Lancaster New York National
      Average one way commute19min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.5%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.2%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.5%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home3.6%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Lancaster, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).