Lancaster County CCRC Communities | Comprehensive Continuing Care Guide
Lancaster County contains more continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) per capita than any county in the United States. With 18-20 communities serving 97,200 residents age 65 and older, relocating retirees have exceptional choice across price points, faith affiliations, amenities, and philosophies of aging. Whether you seek luxury resort-style living, faith-based community, or moderate-priced quality care, Lancaster County’s CCRC options are unmatched.
LiteMovers specializes in moving families to Lancaster County CCRCs from Philadelphia’s Main Line and surrounding suburbs. We understand the unique logistics of CCRC relocations-from downsizing your Chester County home to coordinating delivery and setup in your new community. Our team has moved dozens of families to these exceptional communities and brings expertise in packing, unpacking, and managing the emotional and logistical complexity of this life transition.
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What Makes CCRCs Different from Other Senior Living
A continuing care retirement community provides a comprehensive continuum of care on a single campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. This model allows you to age in place. Unlike 55+ active adult communities, CCRCs provide security that if your health needs change, you receive escalating levels of care without relocating to a different facility. Unlike independent living apartments, CCRCs guarantee access to professional medical care.
Most Lancaster County CCRCs operate on an entrance fee model (you pay an upfront fee plus monthly service charges) or rental model. Some offer Type-A Lifecare contracts where monthly fees remain stable regardless of care level-premium protection that prevents escalating costs as health needs increase.
Premium Luxury CCRC Communities
For retirees seeking resort-style amenities and premium service, Lancaster County offers luxury options that rival exclusive private clubs.
Willow Valley Communities – The flagship luxury community and Lancaster County’s only Type-A Lifecare option. 210-acre campus with ~2,600 residents from 42 states. 90+ floor plans from studios to 3,300-square-foot townhomes. Amenities include a 500-seat performing arts theater, Cultural Center with art gallery, two indoor lap pools plus therapy pool, 30,000-square-foot Clubhouse, bowling alley, outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, full-service day spa, woodworking shops, fishing ponds, and 12+ dining venues. U.S. News recognized with “A” financial rating from Fitch. Residents describe it as comparable to a luxury resort.
Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities – For urbanites seeking sophistication. 146 residences in a 20-story high-rise with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Lancaster. Units range from 1,592 to 3,338 square feet. Residents enjoy full access to Willow Valley’s suburban campus amenities via shuttle service while living steps from Central Market, theater, and 300+ restaurants and shops. Type-A Lifecare protection included.
Nationally-Ranked CCRC Communities
For retirees seeking validation through national recognition, these communities have earned top rankings from U.S. News & World Report and other authoritative sources.
Garden Spot Village – Ranked #1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2025) for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, AND CCRC categories-the only Pennsylvania community to sweep all four designations. 220-acre faith-based campus (Lancaster Mennonite Conference affiliation) emphasizing “Life with Purpose” with 40+ micro-communities including Wood Shop, Train Room, Art Guild, and Quilters. Amenities include state-of-the-art wellness center with indoor heated pool, five restaurants plus Starbucks, miles of walking and biking trails, aeroponic greenhouse, putting greens, bocce ball court, and WellSpan Health outpatient center on campus. Residence options include single-family homes in Sycamore Springs neighborhood, carriage homes, cottages, and Village Square apartments. Described as “relatively moderate” and “competitive” among CCRCs with wait lists of 1-2+ years due to demand. 9.5/10 Seniorly rating; 5-star CMS rating.
Landis Homes – U.S. News Best Nursing Home for 2025. Hosts 850+ residents on 114 acres near charming downtown Lititz. One of only two Lancaster County communities accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Mennonite heritage with 60+ year history. Amenities include state-of-the-art fitness center with staffed pool, three restaurants (bistro, café, formal dining), covered walkways connecting all buildings, model train displays, garden plots, shuffleboard and bocce courts, on-site pharmacy, bank, and general store. Residence options include Hybrid Homes (unique design combining cottage size with apartment building convenience), traditional cottages, apartments (studio to two-bedroom), and residential suites. Assisted Living pricing $8,866-$13,299/month. Entrance fee plans available with 25%, 50%, or 69% refund options. 92% resident satisfaction rating; CARF accredited; daycare on-site for intergenerational activities.
Large-Campus CCRC Communities
For retirees drawn to expansive campuses with significant amenities and room to explore, these large-footprint communities offer scale and variety.
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown – One of the largest senior living campuses in the nation at 1,400+ acres. Historic stately granite buildings alongside modern cottages. Operating farm and orchard on-site with farmers market selling fresh produce to residents. Masonic affiliation not required for residency. Amenities include 12+ miles of outdoor/indoor walking paths, bocce/pickleball/basketball/tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple dining venues, train layout attraction, Elizabethtown College lifelong learning opportunities, and intergenerational activities with on-campus children’s home. Care levels include independent living (cottages, apartments, townhomes, villas), personal care, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, home health, and hospice. Pricing starts around $5,388/month. Entrance fee model with various pricing tiers. U.S. News recognition for long-term care and short-stay rehabilitation; pastoral setting with working farm.
Faith-Based CCRC Communities
For retirees seeking communities with faith foundations and spiritual programming, Lancaster County’s faith-based CCRCs offer strong religious traditions alongside quality care.
Brethren Village Retirement Community – Church of the Brethren-affiliated Life Plan Community serving residents 62+. Campus features private cottages and apartments across multiple neighborhoods, with The Courtyards offering 120 skilled nursing residences. Amenities include swimming pool and wellness center, movie room, library, billiards room, woodworking shop, recently renovated therapy facilities, three concierge service desks, community gardens, and extensive recreational programming. Higher-end positioning with various entrance fee options and Lifecare options available. 8.0/10 Seniorly rating; reviewers describe as “top-notch” and “upper class/modern”; strong faith-based programming.
St. Anne’s Retirement Community – The only Catholic CCRC in the Lancaster region. Founded by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in 1928. 50-acre campus offering a “right-sized” community feel with broad amenities. Care levels include independent living (apartments, cottages, villas), four levels of personal care, two levels of memory care, and 119 skilled nursing beds. Amenities include Lancaster County murals throughout, underground parking, chapel, meditation room, gym, Jacuzzi, block parties and live entertainment. One-time entrance fee plus monthly fees; benevolent fund ensures residents won’t be displaced if funds run out. 9.4/10 Seniorly rating; U.S. News “High Performing” for long-term care; attracts residents from NY, NJ, MD, NC; many staff members with 15+ year tenure.
Community-Focused CCRC Communities
For retirees seeking “right-sized” communities with strong resident connections, these smaller to mid-sized CCRCs offer close-knit atmospheres.
Homestead Village – CARF-CCAC accredited Life Plan Community on 90 tree-lined acres known for “Thrive Where You Are” philosophy-bringing care services to residents rather than requiring moves between buildings. Minutes from downtown Lancaster. Residence options include apartments with housekeeping and linen service, cottages, villas, The Farmstead Carriage Homes (1,819-1,858 sq ft with 2-car garages), and The Townstead Apartments (newest addition). Entrance fees starting around $62,900 (minimum); Townstead entrance fees starting around $250,000. Monthly fees range $1,798-$9,271. Daily rate option available for direct-to-personal-care admission without entrance fee. 9.3/10 Seniorly rating; couples can remain together even with differing care needs.
Moravian Manor Communities – Two campuses steps from downtown Lititz with nearly 40 different floor plans. Moravian faith heritage; growing wait list due to popularity and community quality.
Additional Lancaster County CCRC Options
More Choices Available: Lancaster County’s unprecedented CCRC concentration means additional options beyond the featured communities. Research United Zion Retirement Community, Fairmount Homes, Calvary Homes, and Pleasant View Communities.
CCRC Entrance Fee vs. Rental Models
Entrance Fee CCRCs
Most Lancaster County CCRCs use an entrance fee model where you pay an upfront fee (typically $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars) plus monthly service charges. Entrance fees may be refundable (25%, 50%, or 69% refund options) or non-refundable. The advantage: entrance fees are often less per month than rental-only models because your initial investment helps secure your place. Disadvantage: significant capital is tied up upfront. However, if you downsize from a Main Line home, the equity released often covers CCRC entrance fees entirely.
Rental-Only Model
Country Meadows of Lancaster offers month-to-month rental without entrance fees, pricing from $2,540-$8,340/month. This model appeals to retirees who prefer monthly costs over capital commitment or those new to Lancaster wanting flexibility.
Moving to a Lancaster County CCRC
Downsizing Challenges
Moving from a Chester County estate home to a CCRC apartment requires significant downsizing. Most CCRC apartments range from 600-1,500 square feet-far smaller than suburban homes. LiteMovers helps you navigate this emotional process, sorting treasured items from those ready for new homes, arranging estate sales, and thoughtfully packing your essential belongings into appropriately sized space.
Move-In Coordination
CCRC communities are prepared for move-in day logistics. Many coordinate with preferred moving vendors and understand the special handling required for valuable items. We work seamlessly with community staff to ensure your belongings arrive safely and you’re unpacked and settled quickly. On your first day in your new CCRC apartment, you’ll feel at home.
Storage Solutions for Overflow
Some treasured items won’t fit in CCRC apartments. LiteMovers’ secure warehouse storage lets you keep meaningful belongings while deciding their ultimate fate-no pressure to make permanent decisions during the moving rush.
Why Choose LiteMovers for Your CCRC Move
CCRC-Specific Experience: We’ve moved families to all major Lancaster County CCRCs. We understand downsizing requirements, CCRC logistics, and the emotional complexity of this transition.
Licensed and Insured: PA PUC A-8916211 and USDOT 2173383. Your belongings are fully protected.
Compassionate Approach: We treat your move with the respect and care it deserves, understanding that moving to a CCRC represents a significant life transition.
Efficient Downsizing: Our team helps sort, organize, and pack your treasured items. We can arrange estate sales or charitable donations for items you’re downsizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a CCRC over independent living?
CCRCs provide a continuum of care on one campus. If your health needs change, you can transition to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing without relocating. You remain in your community while care escalates to meet your needs.
Is Garden Spot Village really worth the 1-2 year wait list?
Garden Spot Village’s #1 national ranking, exceptional amenities, and community quality create significant demand. For retirees valuing nationally-recognized excellence, the wait may be worthwhile. However, Lancaster has 17+ other excellent CCRCs with shorter wait lists.
How much of my home equity should I use for CCRC entrance fees?
Most financial advisors recommend using 30-40% of liquid net worth. Many retirees downsizing from Chester County homes release $200,000-$750,000 in equity-enough to cover entrance fees comfortably while leaving reserves.
Can I move between care levels at my CCRC?
Yes. That’s the primary CCRC advantage. If you need assisted living later, you transition within the same community to the appropriate building or wing.
Is Type-A Lifecare worth the premium?
Type-A Lifecare means monthly fees remain stable regardless of care level, protecting you from escalating costs. It costs more upfront but provides predictable lifetime expenses. Choose based on your financial planning preferences.
Start Your CCRC Journey Today
Lancaster County’s exceptional concentration of CCRC communities means you’ll find an option matching your values, preferences, and budget. From luxury resort-style living at Willow Valley to nationally-ranked Garden Spot Village to intimate faith-based communities, the choice is yours.
Let LiteMovers handle the logistics of 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 CCRC.
Ready for Your CCRC Move?
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PA PUC A-8916211 | USDOT 2173383 | Serving Greater Philadelphia Since 2007
Explore Specific Communities: Willow Valley | Garden Spot Village | Mosaic Lancaster | Landis Homes | Masonic Village | Brethren Village
Other Senior Living Options: Lancaster County Senior Living Guide | 55+ Active Adult Communities | Independent Living | Assisted Living
