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Moving. Simplified.
You’ve probably seen York stamped on produce labels. But there’s more to it than farm roots. Tucked between Harrisburg and Baltimore, York has turned heads for being practical and peaceful at the same time. People move here for a reason—it’s quiet without being dull and connected without the crowds.
Part of the York-Hanover Metro Area, it’s known for its Colonial history and affordable living. You’ll find picturesque streets, old brick homes, and new developments spaced out just enough to breathe. Employment opportunities exist—especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Schools and hospitals check the right boxes, too.
This moving guide breaks down what to expect. From housing costs to schools to daily life—here’s what living in York actually looks like. Let’s get started.
York offers a slower pace, historic charm, and affordability. It provides access to nearby metro areas while keeping day-to-day life manageable. With walkable streets, local shops, and reasonable housing costs, many newcomers appreciate York’s balance of calm living and opportunity.
York experiences higher crime rates than the national average. The violent crime rate is approximately 710 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime is around 2,559 per 100,000—about 31% above national levels. This translates to a 1 in 141 chance of experiencing violent crime and 1 in 43 for property crime. While some neighborhoods are safer, new residents should research communities carefully.
York offers lower housing costs, manageable crowds, and close proximity to major cities like Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. The area is practical, affordable, and grounded—ideal for those seeking a simpler lifestyle without losing access to urban opportunities.
York has a population of around 44,800 residents across five square miles. The city is diverse, relatively young, and filled with long-time locals and new families. Here are some key demographics:
York’s compact size limits congestion, and travel within the city is relatively easy. Commuters benefit from short drives and quick access to major routes.
Here’s how residents typically commute:
York enjoys all four seasons with mild transitions. Summers are warm, winters are moderately cold, and spring/fall feel balanced. Weather patterns stay manageable, making York suitable for residents who like seasonal variety.
Here are key climate facts:
York continues to attract people looking for the right balance in life. It offers affordability without sacrificing access to essential services or nearby major cities. Life here feels manageable—housing is budget-friendly, commutes are reasonable, and the community has a grounded charm. For many, York is where practicality meets peace of mind.
Before packing your bags and relocating to York, it’s important to understand the city’s advantages and disadvantages. Every city comes with a mix of both, and York is no different. To simplify things, we’ve compiled the key pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
It’s common to search for the best neighborhoods when relocating to York, Pennsylvania. We at MoverJunction have analyzed local data to highlight top-rated areas in the city. These neighborhoods offer a combination of value, comfort, and lifestyle. Here’s our carefully compiled list to help you narrow down your search with confidence.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Average Home Rental | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Side-York | $1,327 | $268,000 |
| 2 | North York | $1,351 | $232,228 |
| 3 | Penn Oaks | $1,363 | $200,102 |
| 4 | East York | $1,398 | $254,145 |
| 5 | Tyler Run-Queens Gate | $1,435 | $214,001 |
| 6 | Springetts Manor-Yorklyn | $1,508 | $235,113 |
| 7 | Stonybrook-Wilshire | $1,508 | $226,103 |
| 8 | Fairmount Historic District | $1,350 | $224,115 |
| 9 | Northwest York Historic District | $1,729 | $232,114 |
| 10 | Brillhart / Leaders Heights | $1,826 | $220,115 |
York’s cost of living is about 3 percent below the national average and 5 percent lower than Pennsylvania’s average. Housing is exceptionally affordable here and often drives those savings. Groceries and healthcare also come in cheaper. On the other hand, residents pay slightly more for utilities and transportation. Here’s a detailed comparison to make your decision to relocate easier.
Below is a clear comparison of York’s living expenses versus Pennsylvania and the US national average.
| Living Expense | York | Pennsylvania | US National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Expense | 90 | 95 | 100 |
| Grocery Expense | 94 | 100 | 100 |
| Health Expense | 88 | 94 | 100 |
| Housing | 86 | 91 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $268,000 | $242,800 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 110 | 106 | 100 |
| Transportation | 115 | 105 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous Expense | 119 | 99 | 100 |
If you are relocating to York for job reasons, you have every reason to feel encouraged. The city’s job market has been gaining strength with steady growth over the past year. Key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, education, and retail, but employment opportunities span many fields. For those looking to build careers or switch paths, York offers variety and stability. Here are a few job-related facts in York, which may benefit you.
| Indicator | York | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Income per Capita | $25,400 | $37,638 |
| Household Income | $47,100 | $69,021 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.1% |
| Recent Job Growth | +2.3% | -1.2% |
| Future Job Growth (10 Years) | +35.7% | +33.51% |
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Start My Quote NowYork’s job market has been expanding steadily, offering more opportunities across various fields. Some roles are seeing faster growth than others. These jobs reflect both local demand and national trends. Below are ten occupations with strong projected growth and solid salary ranges in the York area:
| Rank | Job Title | % Growth | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | 33% | $68,340 |
| 2 | Nurse Practitioner | 46% | $129,210 |
| 3 | Information Security Analyst | 33% | $124,910 |
| 4 | Medical and Health Services Manager | 29% | $117,960 |
| 5 | Data Scientist | 36% | $112,590 |
| 6 | Physician Assistant | 28% | $133,260 |
| 7 | Physical Therapist Assistant | 25% | $65,510 |
| 8 | Operations Research Analyst | 23% | $91,290 |
| 9 | Computer & Information Research Scientist | 26% | $140,910 |
| 10 | Actuary | 22% | $125,770 |
If you are stepping into York’s job market, knowing which careers offer the strongest salaries helps with planning. These roles reflect top earning potential across healthcare, tech, and specialized fields.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse Practitioner | $110,675 | $76,420 |
| 2 | Physician Assistant | $118,977 | $105,136 |
| 3 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | $68,340 | $53,000 |
| 4 | Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | $65,000 |
| 5 | Data Scientist | $112,590 | $80,000 |
| 6 | Medical & Health Services Manager | $117,960 | $65,000 |
| 7 | Radiologic Technologist | $128,835 | $60,000 |
| 8 | MRI Technologist | $120,457 | $60,000 |
| 9 | Physical Therapist Assistant | $65,510 | $45,000 |
| 10 | Pharmacy Technician | $37,000 | $30,000 |
If you’re thinking about building your life in York, it helps to know what drives the local economy. The city balances tradition with steady progress, and that shows in its workforce. York’s biggest industries include:
In York, many employers are known for stability, growth, and employee-friendly policies. Here are the top companies to work for:
Knowing what you could earn in York makes all the difference when planning your move. Here are the key income figures:
York’s housing market has become fast-paced and increasingly competitive. The median home value stands at $268,000, shaped by steady growth across the past year. Homes sold for a median of $185,000 and typically stayed on the market for eight days. Buyers need to act quickly and stay focused. Sellers are seeing strong interest, but limited inventory means choices are tight. Timing plays a key role.
Here are key facts about York’s housing market:
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Start My Quote NowIf you're planning to relocate to York, it helps to understand the current rental rates. These prices are based on active listings and reflect realistic housing costs across the city.
While planning your move to York, it’s essential to understand how much of your paycheck remains after taxes. Here are three key rates that affect your cost of living.
Moving to York means more than settling into a new home. It’s about plugging into a place with roots, rhythm, and a heartbeat that’s easy to love. York has something for everyone—from quiet park walks to community theaters that light up the night. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or sports fan, the city gives you reasons to belong. Here are ten of the best things to do in York.
Museums and historic buildings bring the region’s past to life through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
Operating since 1888, this iconic market offers local produce, handmade goods, and Pennsylvania Dutch favorites.
Catch concerts, films, comedy, and live theater in downtown York at this premier cultural venue.
A beautifully preserved 1741 building showcasing life in colonial Pennsylvania and early American history.
One of the best retro arcades in the region, packed with classic pinball, vintage consoles, and nostalgic fun.
Cheer for the York Revolution, the city's minor league team, in a lively local ballpark atmosphere.
Enjoy scenic, wooded trails and panoramic views that shift bea
York may offer character and charm, but safety concerns still matter when you think about settling in. The numbers show that York’s crime rates remain higher than what many would hope. While some parts of the city feel secure, others struggle with incidents that affect everyday peace of mind. This breakdown can help you weigh that reality with care.
Before relocating, you should have a sound overview of the reputed schools in York. We have compiled the following list of top schools in York for you.
Dallas Elementary School
Address: 2500 S Queen St, York, PA 17402 | Enrollment: 430 students
McKinley School
Address: 400 W College Ave, York, PA 17401 | Enrollment: 400 students
Jackson School
Address: 1000 Rosa St, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 350 students
Phineas Davis School
Address: 800 E Princess St, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 300 students
Hannah Penn School
Address: 200 W Princess St, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 300 students
Central York Middle School
Address: 601 Mundis Mill Rd, York, PA 17406 | Enrollment: 881 students
Edgar Fahs Smith STEAM Academy
Address: 515 E College Ave, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 600 students
A.D. Goode School
Address: 633 N Beaver St, York, PA 17404 | Enrollment: 350 students
Devers School
Address: 1501 Loucks Rd, York, PA 17404 | Enrollment: 350 students
Ferguson School
Address: 133 W Princess St, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 300 students
Central York High School
Address: 601 Mundis Mill Rd, York, PA 17406 | Enrollment: 1,800 students
West York Area High School
Address: 1800 Bannister St, York, PA 17404 | Enrollment: 860 students
York Suburban Senior High School
Address: 1800 Hollywood Dr, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 863 students
William Penn Senior High School
Address: 101 W College Ave, York, PA 17403 | Enrollment: 1,311 students
York County School of Technology
Address: 2179 S Queen St, York, PA 17402 | Enrollment: 1,621 students
York College of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg Area Community College – York Campus
Penn State York
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