Lancaster PA Township Resources: Crime, Schools, Healthcare, and Flood Maps

When buying or selling a home in Lancaster County, the town or township you choose makes all the difference. Beyond the home itself, buyers often want to know:

• Is this neighborhood safe?

• How are the schools rated?

• What healthcare options are nearby?

• Is this property in a flood zone?

Below is an overview of why each of these factors matters and links to the best resources for researching them in Lancaster County.

1. Crime & Safety

Why it matters:
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for homebuyers. Crime statistics can help buyers feel confident about the area they’re moving into and give sellers an edge by showing they live in a desirable neighborhood.

Where to search:

• PA State Police Crime Map – searchable tool for reported incidents across Pennsylvania, including Lancaster County.

• City-Data Crime Reports – provides an easy breakdown of township and borough crime levels.

💡 Tip: Always compare several years of data — one unusual year can skew results.

2. Schools & Education

Why it matters:
School district quality directly impacts home values in Lancaster PA. Even if you don’t have children, properties in strong school districts tend to appreciate more and sell faster.

Where to search:

• GreatSchools.org – ratings and reviews of Lancaster County schools.

• Lancaster County School District Map – shows which district covers your address.

• Pennsylvania Department of Education – official academic performance reports.

💡 Tip: When relocating, double-check school district boundaries — two homes on the same street can be in different districts.

3. Healthcare & Hospitals

Why it matters:
Access to quality healthcare is a major factor for families, retirees, and anyone moving to Lancaster. Proximity to hospitals, urgent care, and specialists can also influence resale value.

Where to search:

• Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health – the largest health system in Lancaster County.

• WellSpan Health – regional hospital and urgent care network.

• Medicare Hospital Compare – ratings and performance of hospitals nationwide.

💡 Tip: For investors and landlords, being near major hospitals also drives rental demand — especially for traveling nurses and medical professionals.

4. Flood Maps & Environmental Risks

Why it matters:
Lancaster County is filled with creeks and rivers. Flooding can impact insurance costs, resale value, and whether certain lenders will approve a mortgage.

Where to search:

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center – official government flood zone maps.

• Lancaster County GIS Map – local floodplain overlays with parcel search.

• PA DEP Floodplain Management – resources for homeowners in designated flood zones.

💡 Tip: Even if a home isn’t in a FEMA flood zone, ask about past flooding. Localized water issues may not appear on maps.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right township in Lancaster PA is about more than just finding the right house — it’s about finding the right community fit. Crime, schools, healthcare, and flood risks are four key areas every buyer should research before making a decision.

👉 Thinking about making a move in Lancaster County? I can help you interpret this data and find the perfect home for your lifestyle. Book a free consultation with me here.