Lancaster is the seat of Lancaster County in south-central Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. The city of about 60,000 (and a metro area of over 500,000) has undergone a remarkable transformation — Bloomberg, Forbes, and the New York Times have all profiled Lancaster's downtown revitalization as a national model. Central Market, operating since 1730, is one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country and anchors a food scene that includes nationally recognized restaurants. The Gallery Row and Art Walk along Prince Street and adjacent blocks have made Lancaster a genuine arts destination. Beyond downtown, the county is famous for its Old Order Amish community — the largest settlement in the world — which supports a tourism economy of family-style restaurants, quilt shops, and farm stands. Major employers include Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Armstrong World Industries, and a strong manufacturing base. Lancaster Mennonite and Lancaster Catholic supplement the public school options. Housing varies enormously: row homes and brownstones in the city, colonial farmhouses in the county, and newer subdivisions in townships like Manheim and East Hempfield. The commute to Philadelphia takes about 90 minutes via the turnpike, while Harrisburg is about 40 minutes west. Lancaster's cost of living is moderate — above rural Pennsylvania but well below the Philadelphia metro.