Should You Attend College in York, PA? 7 Reasons Students Are Saying Yes
The town where you earn your degree is almost as important as the school you attend. Whether you stay close to your support network or step outside your comfort zone, choose a place where you can live comfortably, have fun, and, most importantly, make the connections that will set you up for the start of your career and the rest of your life.
If you’re looking at college towns in Pennsylvania, have you considered York? Once again, HGTV has ranked York, PA among the top 40 most charming small towns in America. And more and more students are starting to see the benefits:
7. Local Parks and Farms
Take a short drive out of York City and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful farmland, walking trails, and ways to connect with nature. Some favorite local recreation spots include:
- Lake Redman - Rent a rowboat or canoe and paddle around this 290-acre lake! You’ll also find hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing areas.
- Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market - Not your average farmer’s market, Flinchbaugh’s hosts regular family-friendly events featuring local food trucks and craft vendors. You’ll also find pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and flowers (seasonally).
- Heritage Rail Trail - Bring your bike and enjoy 27 miles of flat, paved trail traversing York City and scenic woodlands (including streams and rock formations).
- Perrydell Farm and Dairy - The only thing better than enjoying locally made ice cream… is enjoying locally made ice cream and then petting baby cows.
- Nixon Park Nature Center - With 213 acres of meadow, woodland, and marsh — you’ll spot many species of native plants and animals. Stop inside the informative nature center and gift shop before you leave.
6. Charming College-Town Atmosphere
If you’re looking for more of a lively social scene, check out York City. With locally owned coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, and even a historic theater, there’s never a shortage of places to meet up and have fun.
- Prince Street Cafe - A perfect spot to read a book, study, or meet up with friends, you’ll immediately notice the difference in the quality of this coffee, roasted just one town over in Lancaster, PA.
- Rockfish Public House - York is putting itself on the map as a foodie destination and Rockfish is just one of the local restaurants offering high-quality ingredients, modern recipes, and relaxed atmosphere. Their selection of raw oysters is a must-try for any seafood-lover.
- Marketview Arts - This historic downtown building has become a cultural hub for gallery exhibitions and creative events, featuring artists from York and beyond.
- Appell Center for the Performing Arts - Catch a show at this gorgeous theatre that’s been a staple of downtown York since 1906. They even host FREE First Friday movies that are perfect for any budget.
- Yorktowne Hotel - When family and friends come to visit, they’ll want a comfortable place to stay. This historic hotel got a recent makeover, so you’ll find sleek, modern finishes plus character and charm. Plus, with a rooftop lounge, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better view of the city.
5. Strong Academic Offerings
If you’re considering York College for your degree, you’ll be pleased to find that 88% of faculty hold the highest degree available in their field of study. And with a model that emphasizes experiential learning, students get first-hand experience with equipment that many schools don’t offer until students reach a postgraduate level. Examples include:
- Nursing Simulation Lab - Nursing students gain skill and confidence before ever interacting with a real patient. State-of-the-art, anatomically correct simulators give students practice reading blood pressure, heart rhythm, and more.
- NASDAQ Trading Lab - Financial data and market information is displayed in real time as business students learn the ins and outs of trading.
- Engineering Labs - Automation and robotics, communications and signal processing, machining technology, energy conversion, and thermodynamics are just some of the engineering facilities available to students in the Kinsley School of Engineering.
York College also offers programs you won’t find at most other schools. Cannabis Chemistry and Digital Art and AI are two of the newest majors giving students a chance to break into some of the most innovative industries.
4. Centrally Located Near Five Major Cities
College should be your time to explore. So choose a town that’s just a short drive to some of the most bustling cities in the nation:
- 1 hour from Baltimore
- 2 hours from Washington, D.C.
- 2 hours from Philadelphia
- 3.5 hours from Richmond, New York City, and Pittsburgh
3. Career Networking Opportunities
Part of the benefit of being so close to major cities is that students can easily take on internships without having to relocate. Some York College students have done work with the PA Department of Health and the National Aquarium, to name a few.
Other businesses within York County that are popular for student internships are:
One 2025 Business Administration graduate completed his internship with the York Revolution baseball team and cited it as an opportunity that helped him envision himself in a managerial position after college.
“The hands-on management experience has shown me that this is a role I’d like to be in someday. That’s not an experience you can find in the classroom. I appreciate that York College made sure I found that kind of opportunity.” - Devin Hartlaub ‘25
2. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to most college towns or nearby cities, York is affordable. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in York, PA is lower than you’ll find in most states. Higher Education in York is also more within reach than you might think, with York College being the most affordable private 4-year college in Pennsylvania, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
1. Tight-Knit Community
Colleges in York tend to be smaller and student-focused, offering small class sizes, strong faculty-student relationships, and accessible support services. It’s perfect for students who want to meet mentors who know their names, answer their questions, or even provide references for internships or jobs after graduation.
“My favorite thing about YCP is the community here,” said York College Finance major Blake Morton ‘27. “I think one of the great things about going to a smaller school is it’s a lot easier to create connections. It really helps me to stay engaged in my classes and gives me opportunities to branch out and network.”
So as you’re thinking about where you want to live, grow, and start building your future, remember that York, PA has a lot to offer. Whether you’re staying close to family or starting fresh on your own, York is a town where you can feel comfortable, make lasting memories, and get ready for what’s next.
The best way to know if York is right for you? Experience it firsthand. Schedule your campus tour today and discover why this could be the perfect place to call home.
