Custom Stone Masonry in Lancaster, PA

The Lancaster housing market has seen notable activity. As of April 2025:

• The median listing home price in Lancaster, PA, was approximately $339,900, showing an upward trend of 5.4% year-over-year.
• Homes in Lancaster generally sell for around or a little above their asking price.
• It's currently considered a seller's market, meaning there are more buyers than available homes.
• Homes in Lancaster are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 20 days on the market.
• Price appreciation has been a key trend, with the median sale price increasing by 9.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This is influenced by limited inventory, a stable local economy, and the city's desirable quality of life.
• While rapid price increases might decelerate, steady appreciation is expected, along with a potential increase in inventory due to new construction.

Lancaster, PA, home renovation trends beautifully blend historical charm with contemporary living. Homeowners are increasingly focusing on functionality, energy efficiency, and personalized design in their updates.

• Kitchens remain a top priority. Open-concept layouts continue to dominate, creating seamless flow between cooking, dining, and living areas. Homeowners are gravitating towards clean lines, modern minimalism, and painted cabinetry in warm neutrals or bold, earthy tones. Quartz countertops are favored for their durability, while smart appliances and integrated technology are enhancing convenience. Custom cabinetry and pull-out storage solutions are maximizing every inch of space, reflecting a desire for both style and practicality.
• Bathroom remodels are transforming these spaces into spa-like retreats. Trends include efficient layouts, high-tech toilets, and luxurious heated floors. Unique tile patterns, such as honeycomb or geometric designs, are adding visual interest beyond traditional options. Floating vanities create an airy feel, and there's a shift towards warm, earthy color palettes, with brass and gold fixtures replacing cooler chrome tones. Freestanding tubs are also popular for a luxurious touch.
• Basement finishing is a significant trend, turning underutilized spaces into versatile areas. Popular transformations include creating home offices, dedicated home gyms, or multi-functional family/recreation rooms with custom bars and entertainment centers. In-law suites or guest accommodations are also common, driven by the need for adaptable living arrangements. Custom-built-ins and integrated technology are prevalent, and there's a growing emphasis on green design, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to improve comfort and reduce utility costs.

Overall, Lancaster homeowners are investing in renovations that not only enhance aesthetics but also improve their homes' livability, value, and energy performance.

Lancaster boasts the historic 1719 Herr House, the county's oldest structure and Mennonite meetinghouse. Constructed by the Herr family, it uniquely served as their home and the community's gathering place, remaining the sole original dwelling of the area's first settlers. Visit this landmark at the 1719 Museum in Willow Street, PA.

• Brief National Capital: Lancaster was the nation's capital for one day in 1777 when the Continental Congress met there.
• First Pretzel Bakery: The Sturgis Pretzel House in Lititz (Lancaster County) opened in 1861 and was the first pretzel bakery in the United States.
• Covered Bridges: Lancaster County boasts 29 covered bridges, often called "Kissing Bridges," which are popular for tours.
• Amish Roots: Lancaster County's Amish community dates back to the early 18th century and has doubled in number since 1990.
• Oldest Continuously Operating Theater: The Fulton Opera House in downtown Lancaster City has been in service since 1852, making it America's oldest continuously operating theater.‍
• Red Rose City: The name Lancaster is derived from Lancashire, United Kingdom, and is symbolized by the red rose from the House of Lancashire.

Lancaster has been home to many notable individuals across various fields, including:

• James Buchanan: 15th President of the United States.
• Jonathan Groff: Actor (known for "Hamilton," "Frozen," "Mindhunter").
• Milton S. Hershey: Founder of The Hershey Company.
• Bruce Sutter: Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher.
• Taylor Kinney: Actor and model.
• Kristen Wiig: Actress and comedian (born in New York, but moved to Lancaster at a young age).
• Thaddeus Stevens: Prominent abolitionist and Congressman.
• Charles Demuth: Noted American artist.
• Barney Ewell: Olympic gold medalist in track and field.
• Jim Furyk: Professional golfer.
• Johnny Weir: Olympic figure skater.
• August Burns Red: Metalcore band.

Lancaster has a variety of venues for events, dining, and entertainment:

• The Fulton Theatre: America's oldest continuously operating theater, a hub for performing arts.
• Lancaster Central Market: The oldest continuously operating public farmers' market in the United States, offering fresh produce and local goods.
• Spooky Nook Sports: A massive sports complex that also hosts events.
• Cork Factory Hotel: A historic hotel and event venue.
• The Railroad House Inn: A popular inn and restaurant.
• Drumore Estate: A picturesque venue for weddings and events.
• Mickey's Black Box: An event and performance space.
• Grandview Vineyard: A winery and event venue.
• The Inn At Leola Village: A historic hotel and event space.‍
• Olde Village Mill: A unique and historic event venue.

Lancaster County offers a diverse range of annual events and festivals, including:

• Mud Sales: Unique Amish community auctions (e.g., Bart Township Auction & Mud Sale).
• Food Festivals: Such as the Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village, Lititz Chocolate Walk, and Apple Dumpling Days.
• Music Festivals: Including the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival, Red, White, and Blues Festival, Country Music Festival, and Annual Reggae Festival.
• Craft Shows: Like the Lititz Rotary Craft Show and Lititz Artisan Porch Walk.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Such as the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival, Oktoberfest, and various Christmas events.
• Historical Reenactments: The “Living The Experience”: Underground Railroad Reenactment.
• Parades: Such as the Lititz Lions Club Patriotic Parade.
• Renaissance Faire: The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

• Fulton Theatre: (mentioned above) A historic landmark for performing arts.
• Lancaster Central Market: (mentioned above) A historic public market.
• Demuth Museum: Dedicated to the work of American Modernist painter Charles Demuth.
• Historic Ephrata Cloister: An 18th-century German Protestant monastic settlement.
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum: A living history museum showcasing Pennsylvania German rural life.
• National Watch and Clock Museum: Home to an extensive collection of timepieces.
• Strasburg Rail Road: America's oldest continuously operating railroad.
• Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park: A popular family amusement park.
• Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery: The original pretzel bakery in the US.‍
• Soldiers and Sailors Monument: A prominent monument in Penn Square.