Southern Pennsylvania real estate is a predominantly rural collection of counties, so it’s not surprising that agriculture is the region’s economic mainstay. But tourism is another major source of funding, thanks to popular attractions like the Gettysburg National Military Park and Hershey Park. The nation’s second-largest Amish community is also located in Southern Pennsylvania, with an estimated 47,000 members. Several noteworthy counties make up the Southern Pennsylvania region, including Lancaster County, York County, and Adams County.

Lancaster County, with its population of nearly 500,000, is located on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Its county seat is the city of Lancaster, also known as the Red Rose City. Settled in 1718, the city’s architectural heritage has been meticulously preserved in sites like the Central Market. A downtown fixture located just off Penn Square, this farmer’s market dates back to the 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains in operation today, with local farmers displaying their wares every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Other historic buildings include the Fulton Opera House and Lancaster Prison, which were both built in the 1850s. This preserved local history attracts many buyers of Southern Pennsylvania real estate.

York County, with its population of roughly 400,000, is situated to the west of Lancaster County on the other side of the Susquehanna River. The county is the site of several notable industrial facilities, including the UTZ potato chip factory and a Starbucks roasting plant. It is also home of the original manufacturer of York Peppermint Patties. Its county seat is the city of York, also known as the White Rose City. The arts are a big part of life in the city, which boasts the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, the Strand Studio, and the historic Capitol Theatre. In addition, major country music acts are showcased each September at the city’s York Fair, a ten-day festival dating back to the 1700s.