Lancaster
One of WalletHub's Best Small Cities in America
Lancaster Is One of the Best Places to Live
A Historical City with an Eye on the Future
Lancaster is a lively city of nearly 60,000 residents with a rich history and a thriving downtown. Vibrant social and cultural experiences a short distance from campus give you a chance to explore, have fun, and build connections, while our educational partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations throughout Lancaster help you take what you鈥檙e learning out of the classroom and into the community.
Local Community, Global Culture
Lancaster is a global village with a vibrant mix of cultures. Students in the School District of Lancaster speak more than 30 languages, reflective of the many nationalities represented within the city. Throughout the year, local organizations host cultural celebrations in downtown Lancaster.
This rich off-campus experience compliments the broad diversity on F&M鈥檚 campus, where hundreds of student organizations 鈥� including ethnic and lifestyle clubs, political advocacy groups, religious organizations, service groups, and other special interests clubs 鈥� open their doors to any student interested in learning about new cultures and customs.
A Lively Arts Scene
Immerse yourself in Lancaster鈥檚 arts scene with a trip to Gallery Row, a three-block cluster of art galleries less than two miles from campus, or catch a show at one of Lancaster鈥檚 theatre and music venues. As you explore, be sure to keep an eye out for Lancaster's public art installations and murals, several of which were created by F&M alumni and staff artists.
鈥�I love how Lancaster has evolved. It鈥檚 exciting to see so many murals pop up, more access to the arts, more restaurants and cafes.鈥�
鈥� Salina Almanzar 鈥�13
More to Explore
No matter where you turn, Lancaster is full of exciting events and opportunities to explore during your time at F&M and is an incredible place to call home.
- Grab a bite from one of Lancaster鈥檚 more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries featuring food from around the world. Many restaurants source from nearby farms to create fresh farm-to-table dishes.
- Make a trip to Central Market, built in 1730 and recognized as the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S.
- Check out Lancaster鈥檚 First Fridays, when 90-plus galleries, museums, shops and restaurants extend their hours into the evening.
- Cheer on the Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park, a 10-minute walk from campus.
- Visit the Fulton Theatre House, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted some of the brightest stars of theatre, music, and film, including Mark Twain, Lionel Barrymore, Louis Armstrong, W.C. Fields, and Lancaster鈥檚 own Jonathan Groff.
鈥淚t is safe to say that my time at F&M would not have been the same without the city of Lancaster.鈥�
"Lancaster has provided me with some incredible opportunities and cultural entertainment. It is so nice to have the city right next to the college.鈥�
鈥� Lara Gillingham 鈥�23
To shape the world, start right where you are. Our home city of Lancaster is not only
an active urban hub, but also an integral educational partner teeming with opportunities
to learn, serve, and engage with the local community.Alumni Spotlight
鈥淚 absolutely love Lancaster.鈥�
鈥淚 absolutely love Lancaster,鈥� Ossa Rodriguez said. 鈥淚 cannot recommend this enough:
Enjoy life outside campus as much as inside it. It鈥檚 comforting to stay on campus
and not go into the city. But the efforts to get out and explore downtown are undeniably
worth it.鈥�
Now Ossa Rodriguez is helping the next generation of students unlock their potential
as a college adviser at J.P. McCaskey High School, his alma mater located in Lancaster,
just miles from F&M.
Read More 禄Alumni Spotlight
Lily Finds a Rose: Lily Vining 鈥�24 Shares How Lancaster Became Home
鈥淢y bucket list grew more quickly than I could eat, dance, and hike my way through
it,鈥� Vining said. 鈥淏ut in the process, I met incredible people, explored countless
new destinations, and developed a deeper sense of belonging in F&M鈥檚 home city.鈥�
(Illustration by Robert Nuebecker)
Read More 禄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 of hands-on learners and purpose-driven leaders.
Getting to Campus
Lancaster鈥檚 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鈥檚 more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries, featuring food from around the world! Explore our recommendations, including our and that offer a special rate for F&M visitors.
Explore F&M Students' Favorite Spots in Lancaster
Are you ready to see for yourself why Lancaster is such a great place to live and learn? Designed by F&M student An Bach '26, this map is your guide to Diplomats' cherished spots in Lancaster.
F&M in Lancaster
April 28, 2026
顶级国产视频 & Marshall College Names Matt Thomas '10 to Lead Ware Institute for Civic Engagement as College Renews Commitment to Lancaster Community
顶级国产视频 & Marshall College has appointed Matt Thomas '10 as Executive Director of the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement. Thomas, an F&M alumnus and longtime member of the College community, will provide strategic leadership for the Ware Institute as it evolves into an integrated hub connecting co-curricular service and leadership programs with a growing portfolio of community-based learning.
April 20, 2026
From Campus Leader to Communications Professional
Whether leading campus tours or serving as senior class president, Catherine Welch 鈥�26 is exploring a future in communications with courage and curiosity. As a marketing intern in Lancaster, the English major is now using her passion for writing to address critical social issues in the local community.
March 17, 2026
Student-Designed Map Shows Best Spots in Lancaster City
With so much to explore in Lancaster, where do students start? F&M student An Bach 鈥�26 illustrated a map spotlighting favorite student spots 鈥� all within walking distance from campus.