For the second consecutive year, US News and World Report has ranked Lancaster as one of the top two places in the US to retire – #2 in 2017 and #1 in 2018! This is just one of the testimonies to Lancaster’s policies, programs and services targeted toward older people. Happiness, housing affordability, desirability, taxes for retirees, healthcare quality, and job market were among the measurements used by US News and World Report. .In addition, Lancaster has a robust tourism and arts industry, a Walk Score of 82, and is routinely included in media lists of “best places to live.” Curb cuts, complete streets, a sidewalk repair fund, and a critical repair fund are all policies and programs integrated within Lancaster’s infrastructure. “QUEST, ” educational program; Lancaster’s recreation and senior centers; and our door-to-door paratransit service are among Lancaster’s offerings tailored for older adults.

Three foundational indicators of the how Lancaster will plan to become more age-friendly are:
1.) The catalyst for this Age-Friendly Initiative, Lancaster Area Senior Services (LASS) began by
convening community conversations across business, education, civic, and social services sectors and
garnered support for further promoting Lancaster city as an age-friendly community.
2.) A triad of organizations have already committed to provide time and resources to launch the initial
steps toward Age-Friendly Lancaster. These are:
• Lancaster Downtowners
• City of Lancaster Department Leaders
• Landis Communities
3.) Millersville University School of Social Work (MU) has now begun conducting an environmental scan of services and opportunities for older adults in throughout Lancaster and County. After partnering with their Geography Department to map the data, MU will convene conversations with community stakeholders to share the information.

Lancaster will continue to build on its strengths, exchange ideas with other communities in order to remain an affordable and desirable city for people of all ages.