Philadelphia to Lancaster County: The Complete Senior Relocation Guide
The move from Philadelphia to Lancaster County represents one of retirement’s most significant decisions. For Main Line and Chester County retirees, Lancaster County offers an extraordinary combination of quality of life, cost savings, and senior living options that simply don’t exist in the Philadelphia metro area.
This comprehensive guide explores why 15,000+ Philadelphia-area retirees have made this move, what to expect during the transition, and how to navigate one of life’s most important relocations.
Why Philadelphia Retirees Are Moving to Lancaster County
The migration from Philadelphia to Lancaster County isn’t random. It’s driven by specific economic and lifestyle factors that create compelling advantages for affluent retirees.
The Financial Reality: $150K-$750K in Savings
The primary driver is straightforward economics. A typical scenario:
- Main Line Home Value: $2.5M (modest estate, Radnor/Wayne area)
- Continuing Care Retirement Community Entry Fee: $250,000
- Lancaster County CCRC Monthly Fees: $6,500 (all-inclusive)
- Philadelphia-Area Senior Living: Similar monthly costs ($6,500+) with NO entry fee cushion and NO healthcare guarantees
- Net Result: $2.25M remaining capital from home sale, plus comprehensive healthcare security
For a 20-year retirement, this capital differential creates substantial financial flexibility-additional travel, legacy planning, family gifts, or enhanced lifestyle spending.
Lancaster County’s Unmatched Senior Living Ecosystem
Lancaster County has become America’s #1 retirement destination, with:
- 18-20 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) serving 97,200+ residents age 65+
- Multiple 55+ active adult communities with modern amenities
- Independent living options ranging from luxury high-rises to charming small-town residences
- Pricing from $75K to $600K entry fees (vs. Philadelphia’s scattered, expensive options)
- Proven healthcare excellence with U.S. News recognized facilities
This concentration creates choice, competition, and quality that exceeds most metropolitan markets.
Quality of Life Beyond Finances
Beyond economics, Philadelphia retirees cite:
- Authentic Small-Town Living: Lititz, Ephrata, Akron retain genuine community character
- Natural Beauty: Rolling farmland, heritage landscapes, Amish country culture
- Walkable Communities: Unlike sprawling suburbs, many Lancaster communities have downtown walkability
- Cultural Richness: Art galleries, performing arts, farmers markets, craft beverage scene
- Proximity to Philadelphia: 60 minutes to Center City (via car or Amtrak), enabling family connection
- Food Excellence: Regional farm-to-table restaurants, Amish culinary traditions
The Timeline: Planning Your Lancaster County Move
12+ Months Before Move
- Research & Site Visits: Tour 4-8 communities; talk to current residents
- Financial Planning: Consult with CPA and financial advisor regarding estate liquidation
- Healthcare Assessment: Discuss care needs with physicians; determine CCRC vs. 55+ fit
- Family Communication: Discuss decision with adult children; address concerns
6-9 Months Before Move
- Community Application: Submit application and financial documentation to preferred community
- Home Listing: Prepare Main Line home for sale or estate sale coordination
- Downsizing Planning: Begin identifying items to keep, donate, or sell
- Moving Company Selection: Interview professional movers experienced with senior transitions
3-6 Months Before Move
- Community Approval: Finalize community lease and entry fee agreement
- Unit Selection: Choose specific residence (apartment, cottage, townhouse)
- Estate Sales/Liquidation: Conduct estate sales for items not relocating
- Move Coordination: Confirm moving date; coordinate with professional movers
4-8 Weeks Before Move
- Item Curation: Final decisions on what’s moving to Lancaster
- Utilities/Services: Arrange disconnection from Philadelphia area, connection in Lancaster
- Healthcare Transition: Transfer medical records; establish relationships with Lancaster physicians
- Final Walkthroughs: Conduct final walkthrough of Lancaster residence before move
Understanding the Communities You’re Choosing Between
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)
What You Get:
- Entry fee ($75K-$600K) guarantees residence and healthcare access
- All-inclusive monthly fees ($3,800-$9,500) covering meals, amenities, healthcare access
- Aging-in-place guarantee: transition from independent to assisted to nursing care without relocation
- On-campus healthcare: doctors, nurses, rehabilitation, memory care
- Comprehensive programming and social activities
Best For: Retirees prioritizing healthcare security, comprehensive amenities, certainty about future
Top Options: Willow Valley Communities, Garden Spot Village, Landis Homes, Masonic Village
55+ Active Adult Communities
What You Get:
- Property ownership or lease of age-restricted residence
- HOA fees ($350-$550/month) covering common areas and amenities
- No guaranteed healthcare (you manage own medical services)
- Flexibility: sell anytime, no exit restrictions
- Active lifestyle programming and social community
Best For: Active, healthy retirees valuing independence and flexibility; investors viewing property appreciation
Top Options: Traditions of America at Lititz, Four Seasons at Elm Tree
The Downsizing Reality: From 6,000 sq ft to 1,500 sq ft
Most Philadelphia to Lancaster moves involve dramatic downsizing. A 7,000 sq ft Main Line estate typically reduces to 1,200-1,500 sq ft in a CCRC.
What Actually Moves
Professional senior movers estimate:
- 10-15% of furniture from original home
- 20-30% of decorative items, artwork, collectibles
- 50% of kitchen items (move to smaller kitchens)
- 5-10% of clothing (downsized wardrobe)
- 2-5% of books and paper items
Strategic Downsizing Approach
Tier 1 (Must Move): Meaningful artwork, favorite furniture pieces, jewelry, family heirlooms with emotional value
Tier 2 (Consider Moving): Collections reflecting hobbies, quality decorative pieces, kitchen equipment for cooking interests
Tier 3 (Estate Sale/Donation): Duplicate furniture, excess tableware, items for kids who don’t want them, books with lending library alternatives
Working with Professional Movers
The best senior moves involve professional movers who understand:
- Estate sale coordination with liquidation companies
- Fine art and antique handling for valuable pieces
- Moving timeline coordination with CCRC requirements
- Unpacking and room arrangement services
- Donation coordination with nonprofits
Don’t DIY this move. The emotional and logistical complexity warrants professional guidance.
Financial Planning for Your Lancaster Move
The Math: CCRC Entry vs. Home Equity
Most retirees don’t “lose” money moving to Lancaster:
- Philadelphia Home Sale: $2.5M proceeds
- CCRC Entry Fee: $250,000 (10% of home sale proceeds)
- Monthly Fees: $6,500 (all-inclusive)
- Remaining Capital: $2.25M for investments, travel, legacy planning
The entry fee is typically recouped from remaining home sale proceeds within 5-8 years of monthly fee payments alone. The psychological reframe: you’re not losing capital, you’re redeploying it more efficiently.
Entry Fee Refund Policies
Most CCRCs use declining refund schedules:
- Year 1: 90% refund if you exit
- Year 5: 70% refund
- Year 10: 50% refund
- Year 15+: 0-20% refund
This structure protects the community while providing exit flexibility for residents who change their minds.
Healthcare Transition: What to Expect
Transferring Medical Care
- Request medical records from Philadelphia physicians
- Connect with Lancaster General Hospital physicians (primary healthcare provider)
- Establish relationships with CCRC medical director and nursing staff
- Transfer prescriptions to Lancaster pharmacies
- Update insurance (Medicare, supplemental) as needed
Specialized Healthcare Access
If you need specialists, Lancaster County provides access to:
- Penn Medicine Lancaster (University of Pennsylvania affiliated)
- Lancaster General Hospital (regional medical center)
- University specialists via telemedicine
- Philadelphia specialists (60 minutes away for serious needs)
Making the Emotional Transition
Beyond logistics, moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster is emotionally significant. You’re leaving:
- A 40+ year home
- Familiar neighborhoods and routines
- Long-term relationships and community identity
- Philadelphia cultural institutions and family proximity
The first 6 months are an adjustment. Most residents report:
- Month 1-2: Grief and nostalgia (normal)
- Month 3-4: Integration into new community, friendship formation
- Month 5-6: Sense of belonging, reduced Philadelphia homesickness
- Year 2: Full community integration, established routines
Community programming, volunteer opportunities, and active participation accelerate adjustment.
Staying Connected to Philadelphia
Lancaster County doesn’t mean abandoning Philadelphia. Strategies for maintained connection:
- Amtrak Access: Direct train service from Lititz and Elizabethtown to Philadelphia (60 minutes)
- Family Visits: Reduced driving stress for adult children visiting Lancaster
- Cultural Access: Philadelphia Orchestra, Kimmel Center, museums remain accessible
- Grandchildren Visits: Many CCRC cottages accommodate overnight grandchild stays
- Regular Trips: Bi-weekly or monthly Philadelphia visits remain feasible
Your Lancaster County Chapter Awaits
Moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster County represents a major life transition. But for thousands of retirees, it’s opened a chapter of enhanced financial security, quality lifestyle, and community engagement that exceeded their expectations.
The move is feasible, well-supported by professional services, and increasingly standard for Philadelphia-area retirees. With proper planning, professional guidance, and realistic emotional preparation, you can make this transition successfully.
At LiteMovers, we’ve coordinated 100+ Philadelphia to Lancaster County moves. We understand the logistics, the emotional dimensions, and the importance of getting it right. Contact us for a free consultation about your senior relocation.
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