What happens if I need care services while living in independent living?

Unlike CCRCs, independent living communities don't provide escalating care. You'd need to arrange home health services, relocate to an assisted living community, or move to a CCRC. Choose independent living if you anticipate remaining active for at least 5-10 more years.

Can I bring my own furniture to an independent living apartment?

Yes. Most communities allow you to furnish apartments with your own furniture, provided it fits within the space. Downsize to apartment-appropriate pieces, but your treasured items can come with you.

What utilities are included in independent living rent?

This varies by community. Some include all utilities; others include basic utilities with residents paying for phone and cable. Ask about utility costs when evaluating communities. Budget typically $100-$200/month for utilities not included in rent.

Can I transition to a CCRC if my health needs change?

Yes. Some independent living communities like those affiliated with CCRCs provide transition pathways. Others require moving to a new community. Ask about care transition options when choosing independent living to ensure you understand options if health needs change.

Lancaster County Independent Living Communities | Rental Guide

Q: Is The Long Community really month-to-month?

Yes, The Long Community's month-to-month flexibility is a key advantage. Most other independent living communities also offer month-to-month leases, though some may require short lease commitments. Always verify lease terms before moving.

Q: How does Landis Place on King's downtown location compare to suburban independent living?

Downtown location offers walkable access to restaurants, shops, culture, and entertainment-ideal for urban-lifestyle retirees. Suburban communities offer quieter settings, parking convenience, and community-focused programming. Choose based on lifestyle preferences.

Independent living communities offer rental apartments with social activities and minimal care services, appealing to active seniors who prefer flexibility without CCRC entrance fees or the home maintenance of 55+ communities. Lancaster County’s independent living options range from no-entrance-fee rental models to components within larger continuing care campuses, providing choice for retirees seeking social engagement, maintenance-free living, and reasonable costs.

LiteMovers specializes in moving families to Lancaster County independent living communities from Philadelphia’s Main Line and surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re moving to downtown Lancaster’s urban lifestyle or a suburban rental community, our team handles your transition with expertise in apartment-scale moving, efficient packing, and coordination with community staff.

Ready to move to Lancaster County independent living?

Call (610) 755-5535 for a Free Moving Quote

Independent Living vs. Other Senior Housing Options

Independent living provides a distinct lifestyle between fully autonomous 55+ communities and comprehensive CCRCs.

Choose Independent Living if: You’re active with no current care needs but prefer social engagement and maintenance-free living. You want flexibility without multi-year CCRC commitments. You’re downsizing significantly and want apartment living. You prefer renting without home ownership responsibility.

Key Differences from CCRCs

Minimal Care Services: Unlike CCRCs, independent living communities don’t provide escalating care. If you need assisted living later, you’d relocate to an assisted living community or CCRC. Choose independent living if you anticipate remaining active for at least the next 5-10 years.

Social Activities and Amenities: Planned social programs, fitness centers, cultural outings, game rooms, and dining options create community and engagement-more than living independently, less intensive than CCRC programming.

Key Differences from 55+ Communities

Apartments vs. Homes: Independent living offers smaller apartments; 55+ communities offer single-family or attached homes with yards, garages, and more customization.

Featured Independent Living Communities

The Long Community at Highland ⭐ No-Entrance-Fee Option

The Long Community at Highland stands as Lancaster County’s only no-entrance-fee senior community offering licensed assisted living. Located in Manheim Township on the outskirts of Lancaster City, off Routes 30 and 222, this Presbyterian Senior Living community provides month-to-month rental flexibility-ideal for retirees wanting to test Lancaster living without committing hundreds of thousands in entrance fees.

Pricing and Features: Starting at $2,834/month for one-bedroom apartments. Month-to-month rental flexibility. Multiple care levels available on-site. Amenities include scheduled transportation, cultural outings, beauty salon, and game room.

Appeal for Philadelphia Relocators: Lower financial commitment allows retirees to sell Main Line homes, invest proceeds, and maintain liquidity while exploring Lancaster County life. Perfect for those uncertain about permanent relocation or concerned about CCRC entrance fee commitments.

Landis Place on King ⭐ Urban Living

Landis Place on King offers urban walkability for active seniors 55+. Located at 239 W. King Street in downtown Lancaster, this 79-unit rental community places residents steps away from Central Market, Gallery Row, the Fulton Theatre, and dozens of restaurants and shops. The community maintains affiliation with Landis Homes, providing access to their broader network of services.

Pricing and Features: Monthly rental pricing without entrance fees. Walkable downtown location with direct access to cultural and dining amenities. Community affiliation provides access to broader Landis Homes services if future needs change.

Woodcrest Villa (Tandem Living)

Woodcrest Villa, part of the Mennonite Home organization (recently rebranded as Tandem Living), offers independent living apartments and villas near downtown Lancaster. Prime location near Lancaster General Health Suburban Outpatient Pavilion and Park City Mall provides convenient access to healthcare and shopping.

Appeal for Philadelphia Relocators: Faith-based organization with over 120 years of history. New construction available for those wanting modern finishes. Strong organizational reputation and stability.

Independent Living Components Within CCRCs

Many larger Lancaster County CCRCs include independent living apartments or cottages as their entry-level tier. These communities offer the flexibility of independent living with the security of knowing assisted living, memory care, and nursing are available on campus if future needs change.

Garden Spot Village Independent Living: The #1 nationally-ranked community offers independent living apartments in Village Square as part of its comprehensive continuum. Entry into a top-ranked community with assurance that escalating care is available on campus.

Landis Homes Apartments: Studio to two-bedroom apartments within the U.S. News Best Nursing Home community, providing entry to a nationally-ranked provider with on-site care escalation if needed.

Pricing Comparison: Independent Living vs. Other Options

Typical Monthly Costs: The Long Community: $2,834/month. CCRC independent living tier: $3,500-$5,000/month (plus entrance fee). 55+ home with HOA: typically $400-$500/month plus mortgage/ownership costs. Standalone apartments: $2,000-$3,500/month depending on amenities.

Downsizing to Independent Living Apartments

Significant Space Reduction

Independent living apartments typically range from 400-800 square feet-far smaller than Main Line homes. Moving from a 4,000-square-foot estate to a 600-square-foot apartment requires substantial downsizing. LiteMovers helps you navigate this significant transition, sorting treasured items, arranging estate sales or charitable donations, and thoughtfully packing your essential life into appropriately sized space.

What Fits in an Apartment?

Typically: one bedroom suite, living area essentials, dining table for two, kitchen items, treasured artwork or collections (curated carefully), and personal memorabilia. Usually excluded: large furniture pieces, multiple bedroom sets, extensive entertaining furniture, significant collections, or extensive book/media libraries.

Storage and Disposal Services

LiteMovers’ secure warehouse storage lets you keep treasured items while deciding their fate. Estate sales can monetize valuable antiques. Charitable donations provide tax benefits. We handle the logistics so you can manage the emotional aspect of downsizing.

Activities and Social Programming

Independent living communities emphasize social engagement and activity programming to prevent isolation and maintain active lifestyles. Typical offerings include:

• Scheduled social events and celebrations

• Fitness classes and wellness programs

• Cultural outings (theater, museums, concerts)

• Game rooms and hobby groups

• Educational seminars and lectures

• Volunteer opportunities

• Transportation services for shopping, appointments, and recreation

Why Philadelphia-Area Retirees Choose Independent Living

Maintenance-Free Living: No yard work, no roof repairs, no property taxes. Utilities often included. You focus on living, not home maintenance.

Affordable Option: At $2,800-$3,500/month, independent living costs less than CCRC monthly fees and are far less than maintaining a Main Line home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I need care services in independent living?

Unlike CCRCs, communities don’t provide escalating care. You’d arrange home health services, relocate to assisted living, or move to a CCRC. Choose independent living if you anticipate remaining active for 5-10+ years.

Is The Long Community really month-to-month?

Yes. The Long Community’s month-to-month flexibility is a key advantage. Most independent living communities offer month-to-month leases. Always verify lease terms before moving.

Can I bring my own furniture to an apartment?

Yes. Most communities allow your own furniture provided it fits the space. Downsize to apartment-appropriate pieces, but your treasured items can come with you.

How does downtown Landis Place compare to suburban independent living?

Downtown offers walkable access to restaurants, shops, culture, and entertainment-ideal for urban-lifestyle retirees. Suburban communities offer quieter settings and community-focused programming. Choose based on lifestyle preferences.

Can I transition to a CCRC if health needs change?

Some affiliated communities offer transition pathways. Others require moving to new communities. Ask about care transition options when choosing independent living.

Start Your Independent Living Journey Today

Lancaster County’s independent living communities offer flexible, affordable, maintenance-free living for active retirees. From The Long Community’s month-to-month flexibility to Landis Place on King’s urban walkability to Woodcrest Villa’s new construction, you’ll find options matching your lifestyle.

Let LiteMovers handle your move while you focus on this exciting new chapter. Contact us at (610) 755-5535 for a free moving estimate. We’ll help coordinate your downsizing, packing, and move to your chosen independent living community.