Are you considering investing in rental properties in York County, PA? If so, you’re making a smart move! York County is home to major employers, strong job growth, and increasing rental demand—all key factors in making a profitable real estate investment.
But not all locations are created equal. The key to maximizing rental income is choosing the right property in the right area. In this post, we’ll break down:
✅ The top employers in York County and how they impact rental demand
✅ The best areas to invest for different types of renters
✅ What types of tenants you’ll find in each location
✅ Common mistakes real estate investors make and how to avoid them
✅ How a local real estate expert (like me!) can help you find the best opportunities
Let’s dive in!
Why Location Matters for Rental Properties
📍 Real estate is all about location. A beautiful home in the wrong area can be a money pit, while a modest home in the right location can be a cash-flowing goldmine.
When choosing a rental property, follow the jobs. Renters prioritize convenience—short commutes, easy access to work, and nearby amenities. That’s why properties near major employers tend to have higher occupancy rates, lower vacancies, and better long-term returns.
So, where should you be looking in York County? Let’s break it down!
Top Employers in York County & Best Rental Investment Areas
York County has a diverse economy, with strong employment in healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and education. Each sector attracts different types of tenants, so let’s explore the best investment locations based on who’s hiring.
1. Healthcare – High Demand for Rentals 🏥
Major Employers:
- York Hospital
- WellSpan Health
- UPMC Pinnacle
👩⚕️ What Tenants Need:
- Nurses, doctors, and medical staff prefer rentals close to work with quiet, safe neighborhoods.
- Many nurses and traveling medical professionals need furnished short-term rentals.
📍 Best Areas to Invest:
✅ Spring Garden Township & East York – Close to York Hospital, great for young professionals.
✅ West York & Hanover – Convenient for WellSpan & UPMC Pinnacle Hanover employees.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider furnished rentals for traveling nurses and medical residents. These tenants often pay a premium for short-term leases!
2. Warehousing & Logistics – Affordable Rentals Needed 🚚
Major Employers:
- Amazon Fulfillment Center
- Walmart Distribution Center
- FedEx & Chewy
📦 What Tenants Need:
- Warehouse and logistics workers need affordable housing with easy access to highways.
- Since these jobs involve shift work, tenants prefer rentals near major transportation routes.
📍 Best Areas to Invest:
✅ Manchester & Emigsville – Close to Amazon & FedEx hubs, growing rental demand.
✅ West Manchester Township – Near Walmart’s distribution center, mix of apartments & single-family homes.
💡 Pro Tip: Multifamily properties do well in these areas—workers often rent in groups or look for affordable options.
3. Manufacturing & Engineering – Higher-Income, Long-Term Renters ⚙️
Major Employers:
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company
- BAE Systems
- Graham Packaging
🔧 What Tenants Need:
- Skilled trade workers and engineers have higher incomes and look for longer-term leases.
- They prefer single-family homes or townhomes over apartments.
📍 Best Areas to Invest:
✅ East York & Hellam Township – Close to Harley-Davidson, great for professionals.
✅ Red Lion & Windsor – More affordable but desirable for manufacturing employees.
💡 Pro Tip: Investing in duplexes or townhomes in these areas can attract stable, long-term tenants with higher earning potential.
4. Education – Rentals for Teachers & Students 🎓
Major Employers:
- York College of Pennsylvania
- Multiple Public School Districts
📖 What Tenants Need:
- Teachers and professors want safe, family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools.
- College students need affordable rentals close to campus with flexible lease terms.
📍 Best Areas to Invest:
✅ York College area (Spring Garden & Tyler Run-Queens Gate) – High demand for student rentals.
✅ Dallastown & Central York – Great for school district employees.
💡 Pro Tip: If you invest near York College, consider renting by the room or offering 9-month leases to align with the academic calendar.
Why Work with a Local Realtor? 🏡
Finding the right rental property isn’t just about the house—it’s about knowing market trends, zoning laws, and upcoming developments. That’s where working with a local expert (like me!) can give you an edge.
Here’s what I provide:
✅ Real-Time Market Insights – Data on rental demand, property values, and neighborhood trends.
✅ Zoning & Regulations Knowledge – Avoid buying in areas with rental restrictions that could hurt your investment.
✅ Access to Off-Market Properties – Some of the best rental investments never hit the public market.
📞 Want to find the best rental properties in York County? Contact me today for a free consultation!
Biggest Mistake to Avoid When Choosing a Rental Property 🚨
⚠️ Many investors focus too much on the property and not enough on job proximity.
A beautiful home in a low-demand area will struggle to stay occupied. Instead, follow the jobs, and you’ll never have trouble finding tenants.
💡 The smartest investors always ask: “Where do people work, and where do they want to live?”
Final Thoughts: Invest Smart & Maximize Your Returns
York County is a growing market with strong rental demand, but choosing the right location is key. Whether you’re investing in student housing, workforce rentals, or high-end properties, job proximity and neighborhood trends matter.
💬 What do you think? Comment below—which York County area do you think has the best rental potential?
🚀 Ready to start investing? Let’s connect! I specialize in helping investors like you find high-yield rental propertiesthat attract long-term tenants.
📞 Schedule a Free Consultation →717-836-4447
matthewpasciuta.com 
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