Today, 25 different Amish, Mennonite and Brethren groups live in Lancaster county and many of the 18th-century structures built by the original settlers, including old stone mills, and wooden covered bridges, still stand today.  Retirees are starting to discover this wonderful hamlet, attracted by its embrace of traditional values, its beauty and and its rich heritage.  Those age 45 and better make up 41% of Lititz's population.

Lititz has a cost-of-living below the national average, and the median 3 bedroom home price is $157,000, also below the national average.   Lovely, well-kept Colonial homes with 1,500 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths are for sale in the high $100,000s.  Homes dating from the turn-of-the-20th-century with 2,500 square feet can be found for $175,000.  Newer, bi-and tri-level homes are also available in the $175,000 range.

Lititz has a number of apartment complexes (although neighboring Lancaster has many more).  One of the newest and nicest apartment communities is pet-friendly Newport Commons, situated on 42 acres surrounded by farmland.  One bedroom units start at $779 per month; 2 bedroom units begin at $889 per month.  Call 717-626-7368 for information (this complex is not age-restricted).  Kissell Hill Commons is another well-maintained complex; rents here are about the same as at Newport Commons and include plenty of closet space and in-unit washers and dryers.  They can be reached at 877-478-5423.

Retirees will also find several retirement communities, including Moravian Manor, an accredited continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that offers apartments for independent living and facilities for assisted living, and Luther Acres Retirement Community, also offering similar living arrangements and services.

This is an interactive map.  Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click (more than once if necessary) on the +/- signs to zoom in and out.

Annual property taxes in Lititz are roughly 1.5% of a home's market value.  Pennsylvania has passed a Taxpayers' Relief Act under which senior homeowners, those age 65 and above, earning $35,000 per year or less are entitled to a $250 to $650 tax rebate.  People age 65 and better who lease apartments qualify for a $500 to $600 tax rebate if they earn less than $15,000 per year.   50% of Social Security payments may be excluded when figuring annual income.  Seniors who pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes will also have their property tax rebate increase by an additional 50% if their income is under $30,000.  Social Security, civil service, state/local government and private pensions, retired military pay, IRAs and out-of-state government pensions are all exempt from state income taxes after age 59½.

This hospitable hamlet is known as the "Lancaster County Treasure," and there are plenty of reasons why.  Tree lined streets, a deep connection to its past, cozy shops, boutiques and cafes, interesting museums and art galleries and 250-year-old architecture all contribute to Lititz's rich and inviting ambiance. 

Lititz, Pennsylvania, Continued....