Explore Lancaster
Personal finance expert WalletHub compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities based on 45
key indicators of livability. Lancaster is one of 30 cities that ranks in the top
1 percent, making it a top place to live and study. Video by Andrew BilindabagaboLancaster Is One of the Best Places to Live In 2024
Money.com featured F&M's home city of Lancaster as one of the best places to live
in the U.S. in 2024. See why they said Lancaster "combines many of the draws of a
big city but with the charm (and cost of living) of a small town."
Read More »One of WalletHub's Best Small Cities in America
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Where History and Culture Live Side by Side
Lancaster is a thriving city of nearly 60,000 residents with a rich history. In 1730, Lancaster was designated a market town, or a town in a rural area with a regular market.
Lancaster’s rich history is prevalent everywhere you look. In the heart of the city is Central Market, built in 1730 and the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the U.S. Here, you can glimpse Amish businesses operating alongside modern-day industries. Less than a mile from F&M is the Fulton Theatre House, built in 1852 and a National Historic Landmark. Some of the brightest stars of theatre, music and film have appeared on the Fulton stage, including Mark Twain, Lionel Barrymore, Louis Armstrong, W.C. Fields, and Lancaster’s own Jonathan Groff. Lancaster is also home to a distinctive collection of historic buildings, with many diverse architectural styles dating back to the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s.
One City; Myriad Cultures
Lancaster is a global village with a vibrant culture. Students in the School District of Lancaster speak more than 30 languages, reflective of the many nationalities represented within city borders alone.
This broad diversity is reflected on F&M’s campus. The College is home to more than 100 student organizations, including ethnic and lifestyle clubs, political advocacy groups, religious organizations, service groups, and other special interest clubs — all of which open their doors to any student interested in learning about new cultures, customs and cuisine.
A Lively Arts Scene
At the heart of Lancaster’s arts scene is Gallery Row, a three-block cluster of art galleries less than two miles from campus. Wander a little farther and you’re sure to bump into one of Lancaster’s public art installations or murals, several of which were created by F&M alumni and staff artists. On the first Friday of every month, step off campus and find a city abuzz as 90-plus art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants extend their hours into the evening.
“I love how Lancaster has evolved. It's exciting to see so many murals pop up, more access to the arts, more restaurants and cafes.”
— Salina Almanzar ’13
And We're Just Getting Started
No matter where you turn, Lancaster is full of extraordinary opportunities for your F&M education and is ultimately an incredible place to call home.
- Grab a bite from one of Lancaster’s more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries featuring food fromaround the world. Many restaurants source from nearby farms to create fresh farm-to-table dishes.
- Cheer on the Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park, a 10-minute walk from campus.
- Catch a show at one of Lancaster’s theatre and music venues.
- Freshen up your wardrobe with a shopping excursion to Lancaster’s many boutiques and stores.
- See the latest independent film or blockbuster at one of Lancaster’s nearby movie theaters.
“It is safe to say that my time at F&M would not have been the same without the city of Lancaster.”
"Lancaster has provided me with some incredible opportunities and cultural entertainment. It is so nice to have the city right next to the college.”
— Lara Gillingham ’23
From hands-on research to resume-enhancing internships, discover how we offer our
students a variety of opportunities to live and learn in this vibrant city.Lily Finds a Rose: Lily Vining ’24 Shares How Lancaster Became Home
After three years at F&M, Lily Vining ’24 set her mind to embrace the experience of
“Lancaster local.” She developed a bucket list to explore Lancaster, which is nicknamed
“Red Rose City,” including trying new restaurants, seeking live music, visiting new
coffee shops and bookstores, and more. “My bucket list grew more quickly than I could
eat, dance, and hike my way through it,” Vining said. “But in the process, I met incredible
people, explored countless new destinations, and developed a deeper sense of belonging
in F&M’s home city.” (Illustration by Robert Nuebecker)
Read More » Living & Learning in Lancaster
Plan Your Visit
Take Your First Look at Campus
Step on campus and find your home. Visiting F&M is the best way to get a feel for day-to-day life on campus and to visualize yourself as a member of our curious, collaborative and close-knit community.
Getting to Campus
Lancaster’s location offers easy access to major metropolitan areas. With an Amtrak train station just two miles from campus, you can ride the rails toward an exciting day in New York City or Philadelphia with your friends. Or, hop on the highway and reach major cities and airports in just a couple of hours.
Where to Stay and Dine
Stay at hotels near campus and grab a bite from one of Lancaster’s more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries, featuring food from around the world! Explore our recommendations, including our hotel and bed and breakfast partners that offer a special rate for F&M visitors.
Explore F&M Students' Favorite Spots in Lancaster
Check out this list of places to visit, curated by our very own students! These suggestions are just the start — all are a short walk off-campus.
F&M in Lancaster
March 27, 2025
Make the Most of Your Spring Visit to F&M
When you become an F&M Diplomat, your college experience will extend beyond our campus and into the vibrant city of Lancaster. If you’re planning a visit to campus this spring, add a stop at one of our favorite spots and get a glimpse of what it’s like to call Lancaster home.
January 28, 2025
Revisiting World War II Correspondence of F&M Servicemen
In August 1943, F&M President Theodore “Prexy” Distler created a bimonthly newsletter to keep enlisted service members informed of changes on campus. The newsletters also shared welcome updates from classmates around the globe, including Richard “Dick” Luxner ’48, a member of the College’s volunteer Cadet Corps.
January 16, 2025
Visiting F&M? Explore Winter Activities On and Off Campus
Make the most of your winter visit to F&M's campus with these ideas to fill out your day or weekend.