Pennsylvania is known for being tax-friendly for retirees. There’s no state tax on pensions (for those over 60), income from retirement plans communities or Social Security. But it’s the blend of small city culture and surrounding landscapes of parks and farms that make York, Pa. one of the best places in the state to retire. In our series of blogs highlighting senior friendly communities, we’re exploring what makes retirement living in York, Pa. wonderful.
History, hills, and central location
York is an historic city in York County, Pennsylvania. In fact, it was the national capital of the newly created United States of America when, in September of 1777, the Continental Congress left Philadelphia as the British approached and moved to York where it remained until June 27, 1778. The museums and architecture in the city, and across the county, reflect this history and take visitors and residents alike back to colonial times, particularly at the Colonial Complex, through to the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil War. The newly transformed York History Center is a great way to immerse yourself in all things historic.
Outside of the city are small towns and rolling hills with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities from walking or biking the 14-mile Northwest Lancaster River Trail to exploring Lake Williams, Lake Redman and the York Reservoir. There’s also the Richard Nixon Nature Park and Center only a few miles south of city center, and very near Country Meadow’s Leader Heights community.
So, in many ways, York offers something for everyone with its blend of city vibe, history and opportunities to get out into nature.
York County is almost exactly half-way between Harrisburg, Pa. and Baltimore, Md. and within easy driving distance to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. which makes the decision to enjoy retirement living in York, Pa. an easy one. Add into the mix that Pennsylvania is a retirement hub for older adults with more than 2.5 million residents aged 65 or older, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
The area also has some of the highest-rated medical facilities in the country, including Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and WellSpan, York Hospital.
Food, fairs and culture – a great way to enjoy retirement living in York, Pa.
From Central Market to cafés and international cuisine, York has so much to offer when it comes to food, whether it’s fresh from a farm market or fine dining for a special occasion.
Like a good state fair?
“The traditions of fairs in the New World began with the York Fair, America’s first fair, held in the historic old town of York in 1765, eleven years before the nation was founded. A charter to hold that fair was granted to the people of York by Thomas Penn, son of William Penn in recognition of ‘the flourishing state to which the town hath arrived through their industry.'”
— yorkstatefair.com
What was once a two-day agricultural event has grown into a full blown, ten-day summer extravaganza now called the York State Fair. With entertainment (including internationally renowned acts), livestock competitions, concessions and a midway, heading to the York State Fair is one way to prove that retirement living in York, Pa. doesn’t have to be about slowing down.
At our two Country Meadows campuses in York, York-South (Leader Heights) on the southern side of York City right off I-83 at exit 14, “Leader Heights” and York-West, near Shiloh and US 30, on the northwest side of the city, residents enjoy all that retirement living in York, Pa. has to offer.
At York-West, on the first Friday of each month, there is a Meet the Artist event. Several local artists who share their passion for painting have their work displayed on the walls of this campus – The Gallery at Trolley. Residents also go on shopping trips and annual Christmas Lights tours.
The campus team is happy to help residents with unique ambitions and requests. Recently, the team helped John Wolfe, a York native who now makes Country Meadows his home, realize a bucket list item. Wolfe, WWII veteran and retired pilot, got to fly again at the York municipal airport through the AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime program. (Check out the news story!)
Residents at the York-South (Leader Heights) campus recently visited South County Brewery for a tour and lunch. They also are pampered with monthly manicures, courtesy of local vocational tech students. Community choirs and local high school musical groups give performances on campus regularly.
Both communities have open houses, wine and cheese tastings, daily Happy Hours, art classes and educational programs. These events, plus our exceptional staff and attention to each senior who calls Country Meadows home, is why we’ve been awarded the Best of the Best York County Community’s Choice Award, Assisted/Senior Living for 12 years in a row!
In 2024 each of our York communities were rated by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Senior Living community for assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
Two options for affordable retirement living in York, Pa.
You’ll find affordable independent living, assisted living or personal care, and memory support at Country Meadows of York-West, as well as Country Meadows York-South (Leader Heights.) With beautifully landscaped campuses, dynamic living programs for body and soul, onsite amenities like fitness centers and salons, professionally prepared meals and scheduled transportation for appointments and outings – coming home to the history, nature, food and culture of Country Meadows York-West and York-South at the end of the day means it will have been a great day.
