A proud past, a promising future

York was the first capitol of the United States, hosting the drafting and signing of The Articles of Confederation in 1777, and Gettysburg, site of the most decisive battle in the American Civil War, remains a popular destination for tourists across the country.

York and Adams Counties are located approximately an hour north of the Baltimore/Washington area, an hour and a half west of Philadelphia and two hours south of New York City.

From this rich historical background and location comes a blend of urban, suburban and rural influences, a healthy business environment, excellent public schools and diverse and active cultural and religious communities.

WellSpan Health serves a community of 650,000 in Adams and York counties. The area attracts people to it by its low cost of living, low crime rates, educational opportunities, and convenient proximity to major east coast cities. The wealth and relative prosperity enjoyed in the area is due to a vibrant and diverse manufacturing base with wage increases that have outpaced inflation. Housing options in the region range from 18th century farms to suburban neighborhoods to historic townhouses.

York’s classic Strand-Capital complex, which seats over 1,500 within its newly-refurbished italian renaissance walls, hosts a full slate of nationally-reknowned entertainers and touring Broadway shows. York plays host to the oldest county fair in America each September, and numerous locally-sponsored arts festivals take place year-round. Gettysburg’s role as a pivotal location in American history makes it not only a popular tourist destination, but a home to a variety of authors, artisans and craftsman.

You'll feel at home

It's not just our moderate climate that makes York a comfortable place to live and work. You'll find a noticeably lower cost of living and freedom from the congestion of larger metropolitan areas. Affordable housing comes in many varieties. Whether you prefer city lights, suburban neighborhoods or a secluded house in the country, chances are you'll find a lifestyle to your liking within a short drive of your workplace.

A family focus

Most residents describe our public school system as “outstanding” and choose to enroll their children in the public schools. We offer a variety of school districts, large and small, country or urban. The percentage of seniors planning to attend post secondary schools in the 22 districts ranges from 51 to 80 percent and the drop out rate is less than 3 percent.

In the 1990 Census, over 70 percent of our population 18 years old and over at least had a high school diploma. York and Adams county also offer a comprehensive K- 12 parochial school program and private school options such varying from faith-based, Montessori, vocational technical and Waldorf programs. Quality child care equals success in early learning. With over 60 percent of primary care givers working outside the home, quality child care is essential. In York County there are 238 regulated childcare facilities, many of which are either accredited or working towards accreditation Accredited facilities mean lower staff-to-child ratios, increased staff to child ratios, and other components essential for nurturing our children.

Twelve colleges and universities are within commutable distance to York and Adams counties. In addition to a variety of advanced degree programs, they offer lecture series, musical and theater productions, art exhibits and library facilities for the general public.

And close to it all

York and Adams counties offer a unique combination of outdoor recreation and culture, with thousands of acres of natural wilderness plus easy access to some of the East Coast’s major cities.

With the largest county park system in the state -- over 15,000 acres of state, county, and national park land -- outdoor recreation opportunities in York and Adams counties are plentiful. Sixty-three miles of trails, six lakes and rivers for boating and fishing, hunting, camping and organized nature programs are just a few examples.

York’s Heritage Rail Trail, the longest non-motorized rail trail in the nation, is ideal for hiking and biking, as is Gettysburg National Park in Adams County, which attracts more than two million visitors each year.

Twelve colleges and universities are within a short commute to York and Adams counties, offer guest lecturer series, musical and theater productions, art exhibits and library facilities for the general public.

To complement the local recreational opportunities, cities like Washington DC, Philadelphia and Baltimore are within a comfortable two-hour drive, as are the beaches of Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware, offering convenient access to the many cultural, historical and recreational attractions of a major metropolitan area.  

Local Attractions include the historic battlefields of Gettysburg, the quaint farmlands of Lancaster County, the state capital in Harrisburg, and Hershey - "the sweetest place on earth" - are all within an hour's drive.