Compact, affordable, underrated small city. Median home price runs about $393K with an effective property tax near 1.49% — roughly $5,856/yr on the median home.
Scorecard
Dimension
Lancaster
Median home price
$393K
Effective property tax
1.49%
Tax friendliness
6/10
Winter mildness
5/10
Summer comfort
8/10
Walkability
4/10
Outdoor access
5/10
Culture & food
5/10
Healthcare
9/10
Airport connectivity
6/10
Schools
7/10
Safety
7/10
Hazard safety (10 = lowest risk)
9/10
Growth trajectory
7/10
Who it fits: anyone prioritizing healthcare, families weighing schools, buyers with room in the budget. Who should look elsewhere: