Millersville Homebuyers’ Guide: Homes, Commutes And Amenities

Thinking about a move to Millersville? You get a small-town feel, a quick hop to Lancaster city, and everyday amenities packed into less than two square miles. If you want easy commutes, a range of home styles, and parks and services close by, this guide is for you. You will learn what homes cost, how long typical commutes take, what to know about schools and neighborhoods, and practical steps to buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why Millersville appeals

Millersville is a compact Lancaster County borough with a July 1, 2024 population estimate of about 9,290 and an owner-occupied rate near 57%, according to the American Community Survey 2020–2024. The ACS also estimates a median value of owner-occupied housing of $277,600 and a mean travel time to work of 19.5 minutes. You can review these figures in the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Millersville borough (ACS 2020–2024) for the latest updates and definitions of each metric. See the Census QuickFacts page for Millersville.

The presence of Millersville University adds energy to the walkable core and nearby streets. The university reported about 7,009 students in Fall 2024, and campus coordination with local transit helps shape weekday traffic and local services. Read more about enrollment and campus updates in Millersville University’s recent news post.

Housing options and price signals

Home types you will see

You will find a mix of mid-20th-century single-family homes, including ranch, Cape Cod, split-level, and traditional two-story styles. There are also townhomes and newer construction options in and near the borough, along with apartments and duplexes that serve students and renters. This mix works for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and anyone who wants a short commute into Lancaster.

What recent numbers suggest

Price readings vary by source and date. A few examples to understand the range:

• The ACS 2020–2024 owner-occupied median value is about $277,600. This reflects estimated values, not exact sale prices. Review the Census definitions.
• Modeled value indices such as Zillow’s ZHVI placed typical values in the ~$341K range as of December 2025. This is a model, not a live sales median.
• Listing and sales snapshots varied through late 2025. Some months showed median listing prices in the $380K–$400K range with days on market around the 40+ day mark, while other snapshots labeled the market “very competitive,” reflecting quick movement for well-priced homes. Small-sample months can swing, so always check the date and method when you see a number.

The practical takeaway: use these as signals, then pair them with a current local comparative market analysis before you set your budget or offer strategy.

Entry-level and move-up segments

• Entry segment: Many older single-family homes and some townhomes appear in the low-to-mid $200Ks to $300Ks, depending on location and condition. Neighborhoods like Quaker Hills often show examples in this bracket.
• Move-up and newer builds: Newer townhomes and semi-detached options, including main-floor living models in areas like the Bellaride section of Crossgates, have been marketed from the mid-$400Ks and up, based on model and finishes. New construction often anchors the higher end for buyers who want low maintenance.

Student rentals and investors

Campus-adjacent streets include student rentals and off-campus housing. For owner-occupants, that can mean walkable access to coffee, services, and campus events. It also means you should check noise, parking patterns, and event schedules during tours. For investors, the off-campus market can support duplexes or small multifamily properties. Evaluate lease history, parking, and management needs block by block.

Commutes and transit made simple

Drive times to Lancaster

Millersville sits roughly 6–8 miles from central Lancaster, which typically translates to about 10–20 minutes by car depending on route and peak traffic. When you tour, test the drive during your actual commute window to see real-world timing. Nearby travel references list similar mileage between campus and central Lancaster. See a typical distance reference on this Millersville University venue page.

Bus access and shuttles

The Red Rose Transit Authority’s Route 16 connects Millersville, including stops near the university, to Lancaster’s Queen Street Station. Millersville University also coordinates local shuttle access to make campus and nearby services easier to reach. Review frequency and stop locations on the RRTA Route 16 schedule.

Nearby employment hubs

Lancaster city is the primary job center nearby, spanning healthcare, government, education, manufacturing, and retail. Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is a major employer in the county, with facilities across Lancaster that draw many daily commuters. For an overview of the health system’s local presence, visit Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Everyday amenities and recreation

Millersville offers borough parks and services within minutes of most homes. Freedom Memorial Park and other borough facilities support regular outdoor time, and Crossgates Golf Club, an 18-hole public course, anchors recreation on the edge of the Crossgates area. Learn more about borough services and parks at the Millersville Borough website and view tee times or course info at Crossgates Golf Club.

For daily needs, Manor Avenue and the streets bordering the university form the main local commercial corridor. You will find small businesses, coffee and bakery options, and services there. For broader shopping, downtown Lancaster and Park City Center are a short drive.

Schools and boundaries

Much of Millersville is served by the Penn Manor School District. Penn Manor High School and Eshleman Elementary are located in the Millersville area. Always confirm attendance zones by street address with the district and the property listing, since boundaries can vary by block. You can contact the district or view resources at the Penn Manor School District site.

How to buy in Millersville with confidence

Get pre-approved early

In periods when inventory tightens, sellers often expect a strong pre-approval or proof of funds before accepting an offer. Having underwriting-ready documentation helps you move quickly when the right home hits the market.

Explore down-payment help

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency programs are widely used in Lancaster County. Two to ask about:

• Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan. A zero-interest second loan up to 4% of the purchase price or $6,000, whichever is less. Learn more on PHFA’s program page.
• K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years). A forgivable second-mortgage option paired with PHFA first-mortgage products.

County-level down-payment assistance has historically been offered through groups like the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP, now part of Tenfold) and related partners. Funding changes over time and may be limited. Confirm current availability and rules with a PHFA-approved lender or local provider. For background, see this overview of LHOP’s historic DPA role.

Smart touring tips for Millersville

• Visit at multiple times. Check morning and evening commutes on weekdays and visit on a weekend when campus events may be active.
• Check parking and lot lines. Older streets can have narrow rights-of-way and limited off-street parking.
• Ask about utilities. Confirm sewer versus septic and review any recent plumbing, roof, or electrical work. Request invoices for clarity.
• Review flood mapping. If a property sits near the Conestoga River floodplain or older stormwater systems, verify insurance needs and disclosures.

Writing a winning offer

Recent snapshots showed seller-leaning conditions for well-priced homes, with some drawing multiple offers. Other listings can sit longer based on condition or pricing. Go in with a clear pre-approval, realistic comps for the specific block, and clean, easy-to-execute terms. Your agent can help you tailor contingencies and timelines to stay competitive without taking on undue risk.

Inspections and closing timeline

Most financed purchases include a home inspection contingency and an appraisal period. Typical conventional closings run 30–45 days from contract to settlement, depending on lender and title timelines. Cash and waived contingencies can shorten that window, but weigh the trade-offs with your agent.

Neighborhood snapshots

Walkable core near campus

The streets around Manor Avenue and the university feel active during the academic year. You will appreciate short walks to campus events and services. If you prefer a quieter setting, tour properties at different times, including evenings, and confirm parking patterns on your block.

Subdivisions and newer builds

Millersville also offers suburban-style neighborhoods with traditional two-story homes, ranches, and split-levels. Near Crossgates, you will find newer townhomes and semi-detached options that emphasize low maintenance and main-floor living. Proximity to the golf course and quick connections to Lancaster make these areas popular with buyers who want convenience without giving up space.

Quick buyer checklist

• Set budget and get a lender pre-approval.
• Map your daily routes and test drive times at peak hours.
• Shortlist neighborhoods that match your parking and yard needs.
• Tour at varied times. Note noise, parking, and event schedules near campus.
• Verify utilities, flood zones, and recent major system updates.
• Confirm school assignments with the district by street address.
• Ask about PHFA and local DPA options early. Funding can be limited.
• Align on offer terms and contingencies with your agent before the right listing appears.

Ready to explore homes in Millersville and compare neighborhoods side by side? Connect with the David A Wissler Team of Coldwell Banker Realty for local guidance, on-the-ground comps, and a step-by-step plan from search to closing.

FAQs

What is the typical commute from Millersville to Lancaster city?

• The ACS 2020–2024 shows a mean commute time of about 19.5 minutes for Millersville residents, which aligns with a roughly 10–20 minute drive to downtown Lancaster depending on traffic.

Is there public transit from Millersville to downtown Lancaster?

• Yes. RRTA Route 16 links Millersville, including stops near the university, to Lancaster’s Queen Street Station; check the Route 16 schedule for current times.

What price range should first-time buyers expect in Millersville?

• Entry-level options often appear in the low-to-mid $200Ks to $300Ks, depending on condition and exact location, with newer construction and larger homes trending higher.

Which school district serves most of Millersville?

• Much of the borough is in the Penn Manor School District; always verify exact school assignments by street address with the district and the listing.

How does Millersville University affect nearby housing?

• Campus-adjacent blocks can offer strong walkability to services and events and may include student rentals; check evening noise levels, parking availability, and event schedules during tours.