with access to big-city opportunities and the charm of a tight-knit, outdoor-oriented town. The city’s identity is deeply rooted in its history, particularly its legacy of glass manufacturing, and its commitment to growth. “We’re an older city, but it’s almost like a small town,” Bosco notes. As Lancaster evolves, it remains focused on preserving its community spirit while welcoming new development, a vision Bosco and local leaders are actively shaping. COMMUNITY AND LIFESTYLE Lancaster’s charm lies in its strong sense of community, where collaboration and connection define daily life. “It’s a close-knit place where community is very important,” says Bosco, noting how residents take pride in supporting organizations that do good as well as one another. This warmth extends to newcomers. When Bosco first joined the city three years ago, she was met with an outpouring of hospitality. “I had so many people, especially women, reaching out to me. I got cards, phone calls, emails saying, ‘welcome, let’s meet,’” she recalls. The city’s lifestyle strikes a rare balance. Downtown buzzes with activity. Restaurants, offices, and retail spaces fill historic buildings, while just beyond, rolling farmland offers quiet respite. “I’m looking at our downtown right out of my window,” Bosco shares. “Downtown has a bustling area with retail, commercial, restaurants, offices but if you go a little bit further out from our downtown, you run into farms and corn fields.” Outdoor enthusiasts thrive here, thanks to walking trails along the Hocking River and easy access to the hiking haven of Hocking Hills.“We’re an outdoor community that we’re trying to make very walkable,” Bosco explains. Efforts to add sidewalks, bike lanes, and green spaces reinforce this vision, ensuring Lancaster remains a place where both people and nature can flourish. ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS AND KEY EMPLOYERS Lancaster’s economic identity is deeply tied to its manufacturing heritage, namely Anchor Hocking, the 129 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 LANCASTER, OH
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