Millersville, PA Homes & Neighborhoods Guide: What Buyers Need to Know

If you've widened your search past Lititz and Manheim Township prices and landed on Millersville, you're in good company. This small Lancaster County borough — five miles southwest of Lancaster city and home to Millersville University — has quietly become one of the fastest-growing places to live in the county. Here's what buyers actually need to know before touring homes here.

Is Millersville, PA a Good Place to Live?

Yes — Millersville works well for buyers who want a walkable small-town feel, a well-regarded school district, and quick access to Lancaster city without paying Lancaster city prices. It's a borough of roughly 9,250 residents as of 2023, and it grew faster than almost anywhere else in Lancaster County over the previous three years.

That growth isn't an accident. Millersville sits just five miles from downtown Lancaster, so residents get a short commute into the city's shops, galleries, and Central Market, while still coming home to a quieter, more residential borough. The presence of Millersville University adds a steady rhythm of campus events, sports, and a younger population mix that you don't always find in a town this size — plus a walkable Millersville University Sports Complex where you can catch a football or basketball game most fall and winter weekends.

What Do Homes Cost in Millersville, PA Right Now?

As of July 31, 2026, the average home value in Millersville is $359,050, up 4.0% over the past year, according to Zillow's Home Value Index. Inventory has stayed fairly tight, with only 15 homes for sale and 10 new listings recorded that same month — so well-priced homes here don't tend to sit long.

For renters or buyers weighing the numbers before a purchase, the average asking rent in Millersville was $1,578 as of July 2026, noticeably below the national average of $1,962. That gap is part of why Millersville draws both young professionals and downsizers looking for a lower cost of living without leaving Lancaster County.

What School District Is Millersville In, and Is It Any Good?

Millersville Borough is part of the Penn Manor School District, which also covers Conestoga, Martic, Manor, and Pequea Townships. Penn Manor currently holds an A-minus overall grade on Niche, ranking #5 among school districts in the Lancaster area and #101 statewide out of hundreds of Pennsylvania districts.

The district serves roughly 5,300 to 5,500 students in grades K-12 with an 18:1 student-teacher ratio, and state testing shows 59% of students proficient in math and 63% in reading — both solid marks for the region. Penn Manor High School carries a B+ overall grade and is ranked #6 among the best public high schools in the Lancaster area. For families comparing districts, Penn Manor tends to come up favorably against its neighbors on both academics and value.

What Makes Millersville Different from Other Lancaster County Towns?

One detail buyers often overlook: Millersville Borough runs its own public water and sewer system, rather than relying on private wells and septic like a lot of the surrounding townships. That's a meaningful practical difference if you're comparing a borough home here against a rural property in, say, ELANCO or Cocalico territory — fewer unknowns at inspection, and no septic maintenance to budget for.

Millersville's history goes back further than most people realize. The area was first settled in 1761 as a small village called Millersburg, built around John Miller's blacksmith shop and hardware store. It went through a name change to Millerstown in the 1820s before finally becoming Millersville by the mid-1850s, and it was formally incorporated as a borough in 1932. That long history shows up today in a mix of older, character-filled homes near the borough center alongside newer construction on the edges closer to Manor Township.

Outdoor space is easy to find, too. Millersville Community Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a large playground, while the Millersville Borough Loop is a flat, paved half-mile path good for an evening walk. The Little Conestoga Creek Trail and Herr Park's walking path round out a handful of nearby options if you like to stay active close to home — all without leaving the borough.

What's the Commute Like from Millersville?

Because Millersville sits just five miles from downtown Lancaster, most residents are looking at a 10 to 15 minute drive into the city for work, dinner, or a Saturday at Central Market. That short commute, paired with home values still well under the county's higher-end markets, is a big part of the appeal for buyers who want city access without the city price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Millersville, PA a safe place to live?

Millersville is generally considered a safe, family- and student-friendly borough, with the kind of low-key small-town character typical of Lancaster County boroughs. As with any home search, I'd always recommend reviewing current local crime data for the specific street or neighborhood you're considering.

Is Millersville, PA a college town?

Yes — Millersville University of Pennsylvania, a public university with an enrollment of roughly 7,000 students, is based in the borough. It shapes the local economy and social scene without overwhelming what is still a primarily residential community.

How far is Millersville, PA from Lancaster city?

About five miles, which typically translates to a 10 to 15 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day.

Does Millersville, PA have public water and sewer?

Yes. Millersville Borough operates its own public water and sewer system for residents, which is different from many surrounding townships that rely on private wells and septic systems.

What school district serves Millersville, PA?

Penn Manor School District, which holds an A-minus grade on Niche and ranks among the top school districts in the Lancaster area.

Ready to Look at Homes in Millersville?

Millersville offers a rare combination in Lancaster County: a short commute to the city, a strong school district, public utilities, and home values that still leave room to negotiate. If you'd like to see what's currently available or want a second opinion on a listing you've found, I'm happy to help.

Mike Gordon Jr.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty

717-475-5824

https://www.thegordon.group