A City Revitalizing Through Innovation, Community, and Opportunity

Perfectly positioned as a hub for creativity, connection, and growth.

York, Pennsylvania, affectionately known as the “White Rose City,” is experiencing a remarkable transformation that bridges its rich historical legacy with an ambitious vision for the future. Positioned strategically in south-central Pennsylvania, this vibrant hub of 50,000 residents offers a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, all within easy reach of major cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

“York is very proud of its history,” says Mayor Michael Helfrich, noting the city’s significant historic role. “Being one of the first capitals of the United States and the place where our first constitution was agreed upon is exciting, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of that event.” However, the city is also a haven for creativity and innovation, where traditional industries mingle with cutting-edge entrepreneurship. “One of my favorite examples is Lee King, who runs a hip-hop music studio right behind city hall, but in the same space, he’s using 3D printing technology to create prosthetics for top-tier medical companies,” Helfrich shares. “That’s the kind of creativity we nurture here.”

The city’s social amenities rival that of much larger urban centers, offering an impressive array of dining options and entertainment venues like the Appell Center, celebrating its 100-year anniversary, which hosts the York Symphony and various performing arts events. Performances of live music nearly every night, and local art in galleries, coffee shops and boutiques around the city showcase the city’s cultural diversity. At the center of it all is York’s gem for visitors, the Yorktowne Hotel. After receiving a $50 million facelift, it is celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2025. The Yorktowne is just 15 minutes from the York Airport and 45 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport.

This blend of history, innovation, and culture has made York increasingly attractive to those seeking an alternative to big-city living. With housing prices that remain relatively affordable despite rising demand, and a strong sense of community, York represents a unique opportunity for those looking to be part of a city on the rise. As Mayor Helfrich puts it, “We’re seeing a lot of people move here who are tired of the stress of big cities and can still have the urban amenities without all the traffic and hustle and bustle.”

A Renaissance of Culture and Community

York’s transformation is most evident in its thriving downtown, where empty storefronts have given way to bustling local businesses and vibrant cultural spaces. Through the efforts of Downtown Inc, the city’s equivalent of a Main Street program, York has cultivated a dynamic urban core that draws residents and visitors.

“Downtown Inc has done an incredible job working with us to recruit businesses and help entrepreneurs,” Mayor Helfrich explains. “There are many homegrown restaurants and businesses here in York. We’ve seen quite a change over the last 10 years.” This revival is particularly notable in the city’s entertainment district, where venues like the Appell Center have become cultural anchors, hosting everything from symphony performances to jazz nights.

The city’s strategic location has proven to be a major asset in attracting new residents and businesses. Post-COVID, York has become a magnet for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and a more manageable pace of life. “We had more businesses open during Covid than close,” the mayor notes, crediting federal relief programs for helping sustain small businesses through challenging times. “Now we’re seeing really good performance on every level in the economy here in York.”

This economic resilience is matched by a strong sense of community engagement. Local philanthropic organizations, including the Warehime Foundation and Powder Mill Foundation, have been instrumental in supporting city initiatives. “Our philanthropy community is next to none here,” Mayor Helfrich emphasizes. “These folks have invested constantly in the city and county, very selflessly.”

Historic Architecture Meets Modern Development

Architectural heritage forms a stunning backdrop to York’s ongoing development, combining Victorian-era charm with contemporary innovation. The city’s historic streetscapes have become a draw for architects and preservationists alike, with buildings dating back to the 1740s standing alongside thoughtfully repurposed industrial spaces.

“I had folks in here from New Hampshire, Denver, and Brooklyn recently,” Mayor Helfrich shares, “and when I told them that a brownstone house would go for about $220,000 to $250,000, and one of these 150-year-old smaller brick homes you could probably pick up for $150,000, their jaws dropped.” This affordability, combined with the city’s architectural significance, has caught the attention of academics and urban planners. As the mayor notes, “A professor from Georgetown University brought his students up here to look at all the diverse architecture in such a relatively small area.”

The city’s approach to development emphasizes adaptive reuse, particularly of its industrial heritage. A prime example is the transformation of the former Dentsply campus, a 17-acre site that once housed the dental supply giant founded in York in the early 1900s. “These buildings are being transformed into elder care facilities, senior housing, and market-rate apartments,” Mayor Helfrich explains.

While preserving its historical character, York faces unique challenges in modernizing its infrastructure. “Being only 5.2 square miles, we’ve been essentially built out since the 1800s,” Mayor Helfrich notes. “It’s all about reimagining existing spaces now.” This limitation has sparked innovative solutions, with developers and city planners working together to create mixed-use spaces that serve modern needs while respecting historical context.

Housing Innovation and Affordability

York’s approach to housing development follows a comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple community needs while maintaining affordability. With housing demand at an all-time high and properties selling within days of listing, the city is embarking on an ambitious plan to create over a thousand new housing units in the next five years, ranging from affordable housing to upscale condominiums.

“The demand for housing is so high. We are one of the highest demand cities in the entire country,” Mayor Helfrich explains. “A house here will only stay on the market for four or five days, and apartments are hard to get.” While this demand has led to a 160% increase in housing prices over the last decade, York remains relatively affordable compared to neighboring metropolitan areas.

The city’s housing strategy emphasizes diversity in housing types and price points. A standout example is the development right by the mayor’s house, where Four Squares, an African American development group, is building 20 new single-family homes on land that had been vacant for decades, a project that exemplifies inclusive development and community renewal.

The housing initiatives also address broader social challenges. “Our shelters are at a bottleneck because of the affordable housing crisis,” Mayor Helfrich notes. “When people can’t find affordable places to live, they get stuck in shelters, which prevents others from accessing those services.” To address this, York is prioritizing development at all levels. “If we build for everyone—affordable, middle-market, and higher-end—it creates opportunities for people to move up,” he explains. “That, in turn, frees up more affordable options for others.”

Workforce Development and Second Chances

Workforce development in York combines innovative training programs with a deeply compassionate focus on second chances. Through partnerships with organizations like Tech Centro and Crispus Attucks, the city is creating pathways to employment while addressing labor market gaps in an evolving economy.

A groundbreaking initiative involves virtual reality career training, funded through a grant from Comcast and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “We got a grant to purchase virtual reality goggles that are career training goggles,” Mayor Helfrich explains. “You can be incarcerated but be in a virtual world where you’re learning new skillsets.” The program offers training in various fields, from mechanical work to drone operation and aircraft maintenance, ensuring participants are job-ready upon release.

The city’s workforce strategy particularly emphasizes supporting returning citizens. “Because of the labor shortage, we’re seeing more second chances for people, and that’s great,” Mayor Helfrich shares. “We’re working hard to make sure they have the tools to succeed.” This approach involves partnerships with organizations like the York County Re-entry Coalition, South Central PA Works and major employers, creating a support network that facilitates successful reintegration into the workforce.

The impact of these programs goes beyond individual success stories to strengthen entire communities. “When someone coming out of prison has a job and a chance to rebuild, it’s not just about them—it uplifts their family, their neighborhood, and even local businesses,” Mayor Helfrich explains. This comprehensive approach to workforce development, combining practical training with support services and entrepreneurial opportunities, exemplifies how York is creating pathways to success for all its residents.

Outdoor Recreation and Urban Connectivity

Outdoor recreation and connectivity initiatives in York have created a uniquely livable urban environment where nature and city life seamlessly intersect. The crown jewel of this system is the York County Heritage Rail Trail, which offers residents and visitors access to an extensive network of recreational opportunities.

“The York County Heritage Rail Trail takes you within minutes along scenic waterways, through farm country, orchards, and beautiful little, small towns nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians,” Mayor Helfrich describes. This 20-mile trail network provides recreational opportunities and serves as a vital transportation link, connecting to Maryland’s trail system and offering access to Baltimore via light rail.

The city’s location between the Susquehanna River and the Appalachian Mountains provides diverse outdoor activities within easy reach. “If you go 15 minutes to the East, you have amazing fishing and kayaking opportunities on the Susquehanna. Go west about 30 to 40 minutes, and you’re on the Appalachian Trail,” Mayor Helfrich explains. A local ski resort adds winter recreation to the mix, making York a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Urban planning in York prioritizes accessibility to these outdoor amenities. “A hundred percent of the housing that we are developing will be within two blocks of the rail trail or a connector trail,” Mayor Helfrich notes. The city is also working to enhance its urban mobility infrastructure, particularly focusing on walkability and bikeability. Despite the challenges of retrofitting a Victorian-era street grid, York continues to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.

Creating a Safer City: Violence Prevention and Community Building

In York, public safety combines innovative policing strategies with deep community engagement, resulting in remarkable progress in violence reduction. Through a mix of compassionate outreach and targeted interventions, the city achieved an 80% reduction in gang-related shootings in 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of its holistic approach.

“The most rewarding thing is to see the young people stop shooting each other,” Mayor Helfrich shares. The city’s strategy includes unique initiatives like a violence-related scholarship program that provides educational opportunities to those impacted by violence—whether as perpetrators, victims, or family members. “When you invest in people, you invest in the future of this city,” the mayor emphasizes.

A key component of York’s success has been its unconventional approach to leadership and community outreach. Mayor Helfrich appointed a former high school police chief to lead the city’s police department, recognizing the value of his personal connections with at-risk youth. The department also employs trauma-informed outreach workers who engage with families immediately after violent incidents to prevent retaliatory violence.

At the same time, the city is actively working to restore community spaces that were lost to budget cuts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “When we lost our community centers, the violence went up,” Mayor Helfrich explains. “Now, we’re working to reopen spaces where kids can interact with police officers, play basketball, or learn music.” Current plans include a new police-based community center and a career training facility that will offer free programs to local youth.

As York continues its transformation, the city stands tall as a model for how mid-sized American cities can reinvent themselves while preserving their historical character. Through innovative housing solutions, workforce development programs, and comprehensive safety strategies, York is creating a template for sustainable urban renewal. As Mayor Helfrich reflects on the city’s progress, his vision is practical and hopeful: “You only get to vote twice a year for who your leadership is, but you get to vote every day with your dollar to determine what kind of community you want to have.”

AT A GLANCE

Name: City of York

What: A historic city undergoing revitalization through housing, workforce development, and community-focused initiatives

Where: South-central Pennsylvania

Website: https://www.yorkcity.org/