Moving to Red Lion, PA: 2026 Living Guide

Red Lion is a hometown borough in southeastern York County that was built on cigars, furniture and a railroad. The town takes its name from the Red Lion Tavern, an old inn for wagoners on the road to Baltimore, and at one point its factories turned out about 10% of the cigars made in the United States. Today you can still see that history in the brick factory buildings and the more than 1,400 historic buildings downtown, and the town still raises a cigar every New Year’s Eve.

Red Lion suits first-time buyers who want a real small town without York County’s higher price tags, families in the Red Lion Area School District, and commuters who work in York, which is only about 9 miles away. It has a strong music tradition, a rail trail through town and a main street with long-running local restaurants. If you want a walkable borough with some of the lowest housing costs in the area, it deserves a look.

Planning a move to Red Lion? Call our York PA & Maryland team at 717-844-5125 or get your price online.

Where Is Red Lion, PA?

Red Lion is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, about 8 miles southeast of the city of York, and part of the York–Hanover metropolitan area. The borough covers about 1.3 square miles. Pennsylvania Route 24 and Pennsylvania Route 74 cross in the center of town, with Route 24 running north along Main Street. Route 74 is the main road northwest into York, and Route 24 continues north toward the east side of York.

Approximate driving distances and times from Red Lion, based on OpenStreetMap routing (real times vary with traffic):

York (downtown): about 9 miles, roughly 20 minutes
Lancaster (Penn Square): about 26 miles, roughly 45 minutes
Harrisburg: about 33 miles, roughly 50 minutes
Hunt Valley, MD: about 35 miles, just under an hour
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): about 38 miles, roughly an hour
Downtown Baltimore: about 50 miles, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI): about 61 miles, roughly 1.5 hours
Washington, DC: about 86 miles
Philadelphia: about 102 miles

Harrisburg International is the closest major airport, and BWI is the usual choice for more flight options.

Red Lion Population & Demographics

Red Lion had 6,506 residents at the 2020 Census, and the Census Bureau estimated 6,523 as of July 1, 2025. It is a younger town than York County overall, with a median age of 35.5 compared with 41.1 for the county. Median household income is $72,901, and a little under two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, which leaves a healthy rental market for a borough this size.

Measure	Red Lion borough	York County	Data year
Population (2020 Census)	6,506	—	2020
Population estimate	6,523	473,197	July 1, 2025
Median age	35.5	41.1	ACS 2020–2024
Persons under 18	19.9%	—	ACS 2020–2024
Persons 65 and over	14.9%	—	ACS 2020–2024
Median household income	$72,901	$84,829	ACS 2020–2024 (2024 dollars)
Per capita income	$38,718	$41,601	ACS 2020–2024 (2024 dollars)
Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)	16.5%	27.6%	ACS 2020–2024
Owner-occupied housing rate	63.5%	76.3%	ACS 2020–2024
Poverty rate	16.0%	8.4%	ACS 2020–2024
Mean travel time to work	25.1 minutes	—	ACS 2020–2024

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Census (via Wikipedia), Vintage 2025 population estimates, and Census Reporter (American Community Survey 5-year estimates).

Is Red Lion Safe?

We did not find a current borough-level crime report we could cite, so we are not quoting a crime rate. According to the borough, police coverage in Red Lion has been provided by the Pennsylvania State Police since January 1, 2015, and the borough lists a state police contact on North Main Street in York for non-emergency calls. For emergencies, dial 911.

The best research is still local. Walk the block you are considering on a weeknight and a weekend, ask neighbors how long they have lived there, and check with the borough office at 438 East Lancaster Street about any questions on a specific property.

Cost of Living in Red Lion

Red Lion is one of the more affordable places to buy or rent in southern York County, and that is a big part of its appeal.

Home Prices

Zillow’s Home Value Index (smoothed and seasonally adjusted) puts the typical Red Lion home value at about $298,100 as of August 31, 2026, up 2.2% from a year earlier. That is below Zillow’s figure for York County as a whole (about $311,100) and close to the Pennsylvania figure (about $290,400).

The Census Bureau’s longer-running measure, the median value of owner-occupied homes, was $177,400 for 2020–2024. That is well below York County ($248,600), Pennsylvania ($254,500) and the United States ($332,700) on the same measure. Keep in mind that the Census figure reflects what owners reported over a five-year period, while Zillow tracks current market values. A large share of the borough’s homes date from Red Lion’s factory era, roughly 1880 to 1935, according to the historic district’s National Register listing.

Rent

Median gross rent in Red Lion was $884 a month for 2020–2024, compared with $1,193 for York County, $1,209 for Pennsylvania and $1,413 for the United States. Current asking rents are much higher. Zillow’s Observed Rent Index for Red Lion was about $1,681 a month as of August 31, 2026, up 4.9% over the year. The gap tells you that long-time tenants are paying far less than new renters will, so budget from current listings. The borough also runs a rental registration and inspection program, which landlords should know about before buying an investment property.

Best Neighborhoods in Red Lion

Red Lion covers only about 1.3 square miles, so it is really one connected town. Still, each part has its own feel.

Downtown and the Historic District

The Red Lion Borough Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, takes in 1,482 contributing buildings, mostly homes built between 1880 and 1935 in Colonial Revival and Italianate styles. Around Main Street and Broadway downtown, you are within walking distance from restaurants, the post office and the former Ma & Pa railroad station. This area suits first-time buyers, renters and anyone who likes an older house with a porch. Expect on-street parking and narrow staircases.

Near the Parks and the Greenway

Families often look at the residential blocks close to Nitchkey Field on West Avenue, the 11-acre Fairmount Park and the Ma & Pa Greenway. Being near one of these puts ball fields, playgrounds and walking paths within reach, and the greenway gives you a safe way to walk or bike toward shopping and downtown instead of along busy roads. Ask about driveways and yard size as you tour, since they vary a lot from block to block.

Windsor Township and the Surrounding Area

Many homes with a Red Lion mailing address are actually in Windsor Township or other townships served by the Red Lion Area School District. Windsor Township had 17,851 residents at the 2020 Census. These areas offer newer subdivisions, bigger lots and more garages, which appeals to buyers who want space while keeping Red Lion schools and a short drive to downtown. Always confirm which municipality a property is in, because trash service, taxes and permits differ.

Weather & Climate

Red Lion has four full seasons. NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for York, about 9 miles away and published on Wikipedia, show a January average high of 41.2°F with lows around 21.3°F, and a July average high of 87.7°F with lows around 63.1°F. York averages about 46 inches of precipitation and 24.6 inches of snow a year, with January (8.5 inches) and February (8.2 inches) the snowiest months.

For moving, late April through early June and September through October are usually the most comfortable. Summer is the busiest season for families but hot and humid. Winter storms can make side streets slick, so keep a backup date for any move between December and March.

Things to Do in Red Lion

Ma & Pa Community Greenway

The Ma & Pa Greenway converts abandoned railway corridors from the old Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad into a bicycle and pedestrian trail. The borough says the finished trail links residents to shopping centers, restaurants and parks as a safe alternative to walking along busy roads with limited sidewalks. The Ma & Pa once ran passenger trains between York and Baltimore, with Red Lion as a main stop.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is an 11-acre borough park with walking paths, a playground and a rentable picnic pavilion. It also hosts some of the town’s favorite annual events, including the Easter egg hunt, the Memorial Day service and the July 4th car show.

Nitchkey Field and Bowers Pavilion

Nitchkey Field on West Avenue has fields for baseball, softball, soccer and football, plus a playground. Its Bowers Pavilion is a heated indoor training building run by Red Lion Recreation, with batting cages you can rent by the hour in winter and summer, and an open-air pavilion for picnics.

Red Lion’s Music Scene

Red Lion takes music seriously. The Red Lion Felton Band, which started in 1932 as the Red Lion Concert Band, performs at community events, and the Red Lion Area School District received the NAMM Foundation’s “Best Community for Music Education” recognition from 2012 to 2018. The rock band Halestorm got its start here, too.

York County Parks

York County manages about 4,500 acres of public park land, according to Explore York. From Red Lion, residents can reach William H. Kain County Park, home of Lake Redman, and the 27-mile Heritage Rail Trail, which runs from the Maryland line to York. These are good weekend escapes when you need a break from unpacking.

Where to Eat in Red Lion

Central Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Central Pizza, at 33 North Main Street, is a family-owned pizzeria that has been serving Red Lion since 1981, according to a local dealership’s guide to town restaurants. The menu runs from specialty pies to Italian dinners, and the shop opens at 4 p.m. Online ordering makes it an easy first-night dinner when the kitchen is still in boxes.

Great American Saloon

The Great American Saloon, at 20 Dairyland Square, advertises the area’s largest menu of freshly prepared food, a full bar with draft and bottled beer, and a banquet room that seats up to 150 guests. It opens at 11 a.m. on weekends and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, so it works well for a family dinner or a get-together with new neighbors.

S & S Produce & Crabhouse

S & S, at 328 East Broadway, is Red Lion’s spot for steamed crabs, crab cakes and homemade soups, including a cream of crab that regulars rave about on its website. It opened in 1974, according to the same local restaurant guide. Check current hours before you go.

Jobs & Economy

Red Lion was once famous for cigars and hand-crafted furniture. According to Wikipedia, the furniture industry has mostly shifted over the past 40 years to kitchen cabinet production and retail store fixtures, and the old factory buildings still line the historic district. The Red Lion Area School District is one of the county’s major employers, ranking 31st on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s list of York County’s top 50 employers for the first quarter of 2026.

Most residents commute. The average travel time to work is 25.1 minutes, with York only about 20 minutes away. York County’s largest employers include York Hospital, the federal government, Amazon, WellSpan Health, Walmart, York County government, Giant Food Stores, BAE Systems, Kinsley Construction, Utz Quality Foods and Harley-Davidson. York College of Pennsylvania also ranks among the top 50.

Schools in Red Lion

Public students attend the Red Lion Area School District, which covers about 140 square miles in southeastern York County. It serves the boroughs of Felton, Red Lion, Windsor and Winterstown and the townships of Chanceford, Lower Chanceford, North Hopewell and Windsor. The district runs six elementary schools (Clearview, Larry J. Macaluso, Locust Grove, Mazie Gable, North Hopewell-Winterstown and Pleasant View), Red Lion Area Junior High School and Red Lion Area Senior High School, along with a cyber academy.

Red Lion Christian School offers a private option in town. For college, York College of Pennsylvania is in the York area, about 20 minutes away. Confirm school assignments for a specific address with the district before you buy.

Red Lion Quick Facts

County	York County
ZIP code	17356
Area codes	717 and 223 (overlay; 10-digit dialing)
Area	About 1.3 square miles
Incorporated	January 16, 1880
Main roads	PA Route 24 and PA Route 74
Borough office	438 East Lancaster Street
Nearest airports	Harrisburg International (about 38 miles); BWI (about 61 miles)
Public school district	Red Lion Area School District
Police	Pennsylvania State Police
Historic district	Red Lion Borough Historic District (National Register, 2000)

Moving to Red Lion: Tips From Our Crew

Check your trash day before you pack. The borough’s hauler is Anthracite Waste. Trash goes out Wednesday or Thursday depending on your location, recycling is Friday for everyone, and you can put out one large item a week with your garbage. For more than that, our junk removal service can clear it out in one trip.
Plan for parking downtown. Many homes around Main Street and Broadway have no driveway. Talk with your neighbors ahead of time about leaving room for the truck, and avoid parking in a way that blocks Route 24 or Route 74 traffic.
Measure for older homes. Historic district houses from the 1880s through the 1930s often have steep, narrow stairs and tight turns. Measure your largest pieces and tell us about them so we can plan disassembly and padding.
Landlords and renters: know the rental rules. Red Lion has a rental registration and inspection program. If you are buying an investment property or moving into a rental, check with the borough office so there are no surprises on move-in day.
Keep electronics out of the trash. Under Pennsylvania’s Act 108, trash haulers do not accept TVs, computers and similar electronics. York County’s Solid Waste Authority takes them free at its Flour Mill Road facility.
Build in a winter backup day. York County averages about two feet of snow a year. For a December through March move, pick a backup date and clear the walks the night before.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Red Lion

How much do movers cost in Red Lion, PA?

It depends on the size of your home, the distance, stairs, packing and your date. A one-bedroom apartment downtown is priced very differently from a four-bedroom house in Windsor Township or a move out of state. The fastest way to a real number is a free quote. Call 717-844-5125 and an owner will call you back within 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

How far is Red Lion from York?

About 8 to 9 miles. Wikipedia places Red Lion about 8 miles southeast of York, and the drive to downtown York is roughly 9 miles along Route 74, usually around 20 minutes outside of rush hour. Harrisburg is about 33 miles away and downtown Baltimore about 50.

Is Red Lion affordable?

Compared with much of York County, yes. Zillow’s typical home value for Red Lion is about $298,100, below the York County figure of about $311,100, and the Census median home value is far below county and state levels. Current rents have risen quickly, though, so check recent listings before you set a budget.

What school district serves Red Lion?

The Red Lion Area School District. It covers about 140 square miles and also serves Felton, Windsor and Winterstown boroughs and Chanceford, Lower Chanceford, North Hopewell and Windsor townships. Students attend one of six elementary schools, then Red Lion Area Junior High and Senior High.

Do you handle moves between Maryland and Red Lion?

Yes. Our York PA & Maryland office handles moves on both sides of the state line, plus long-distance moves. For long-distance jobs you get a binding estimate, your own dedicated truck, the same W-2 crew from door to door and a guaranteed delivery date. Military families get 5% off through our military moves program.

Move to Red Lion With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family owned since 2015, and our owners, Matthew Treharn and Amber Hallaman, stand behind every job. Our crews are background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employees, never subcontractors. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60 to 90 days. We have 850+ Google reviews across our five locations, and you can read them here.

From historic homes near the square to newer houses in Windsor Township, our Red Lion movers handle local moves, packing and unpacking, storage and piano and safe moving. Need a certificate of insurance for an apartment building? We provide it free. Call our York PA & Maryland team at 717-844-5125 or visit the Red Lion moving page.

Get My Price

Moving to Red Lion, PA: Living in Red Lion Guide