In the event you’re planning on shifting to Pennsylvania, add these cities to your checklist.
Pennsylvania is a splendidly numerous state, house to historical past, pure splendor, and thriving trade. Often known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has lengthy been formed by its central position in U.S. historical past, trade, and coverage. The metal and coal industries have been notably essential to the state’s economic system and tradition, and manufacturing stays foundational to its identification.
Pennsylvania has six distinct geographic areas, together with plains, mountains, valleys, and plateaus, every with their very own distinctive cultures and histories. The state is pretty gentle and sees between 34 and 52 inches of precipitation yearly. Snow is frequent each winter, although a majority falls close to Lake Erie and within the Appalachian Mountains. Nor’easters, thunderstorms, and tropical storms may cause flooding close to rivers.
Largely due to their affordability, many main cities in Pennsylvania have seen a latest surge in home costs and inhabitants development, as individuals spring to purchase houses they will afford. Curiosity has solely grown as nationwide housing prices proceed to rise, resulting in a statewide scarcity of houses. This, together with a concerted effort to modernize the state’s economic system, has turned some former Rust Belt cities, like Pittsburgh, into energetic hubs of group and innovation. However, which cities are the very best?
On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to stay in Pennsylvania, rating them on qualities corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You’ll find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
1. Pittsburgh, PA
Inhabitants:
303,255
Median Sale Worth:
$245,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,599
Common Commute Time:
24.2 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
3.4%
Overlook what you’ve heard: Pittsburgh, the enduring “Steel City,” has fully remodeled over the previous few a long time. What was as soon as a metropolis caught in a post-industrial previous has remodeled right into a thriving middle of expertise, drugs, and innovation, all whereas holding on to its blue-collar spirit. And it’s not achieved rising, with a not too long ago permitted $600 million plan to revitalize its downtown underway.
Residing in Pittsburgh is a deal with. Historical past, pure splendor, and stylish outlets collide with rusty remnants of town’s previous, making a metropolis that feels alive. Well-known points of interest just like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Strip District’s Markets, and Duquesne Incline (one of many final inclines within the nation) are must-sees. Inexperienced house is plentiful and enjoyable to discover, like at Level State Park or the Three Rivers Heritage Path. You will get round simply by mild rail.
Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain is outlined by three rivers – the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio – creating dramatic views and distinctive neighborhoods linked by a whopping 446 bridges. The Three Sisters Bridges are most likely probably the most well-known, all named after native legends. One of many three, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, turns into a pedestrian-only walkway on Pirates (MLB) recreation days. Unsurprisingly, sports activities are integral to locals. Together with the Pirates, The Steelers (NFL), Penguins (NHL), and Pitt Panthers draw tens of hundreds to each recreation.
A small, reasonably priced, walkable metropolis with the facilities of a significant metropolis, plus loads of character, make Pittsburgh the very best place to stay in Pennsylvania.
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2. Philadelphia, PA
Inhabitants:
1.55 million
Median Sale Worth:
$250,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,901
Common Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
5.4%
As Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis and one of many nation’s most historic, Philadelphia combines East Coast power with a down-to-earth vibe. Based in 1682, town is particularly well-known for its many firsts: the primary library, hospital, college, artwork museum, zoo, and extra. Different landmarks embody Independence Corridor, the Liberty Bell, and Philadelphia Museum of Artwork. Whereas it’s outdated, it’s all the time evolving and stays one of many nation’s premier cities.
You’ll by no means tire of exploring Philly. You’ll be able to simply see the outdated and densely packed buildings of Rittenhouse Sq. and peruse hip outlets in Fishtown in an hour. If in case you have extra time, watch town’s streets and row homes give strategy to fashionable skyscrapers in Heart Metropolis and Fairmount, the place you’ll discover museums, parks, and the expansive Schuylkill River Path – excellent for biking and working. Philadelphia is definitely fairly compact, with dozens of neighborhoods that every have a novel vibe. Getting round is made simple by way of sturdy subway and bus methods (SEPTA).
Philadelphia’s tradition units it other than most different cities. The humanities are common, headlined by the traditional Walnut Road Theatre and loads of arts colleges, and music is woven into town’s bones. Immigrants have performed a necessary position within the arts because the metropolis’s founding.
In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss the meals. Cheesesteaks reign supreme – strive Pat’s, Geno’s, or one of many numerous neighborhood spots – however they’re solely the start. Choices additionally embody roast pork sandwiches, mushy pretzels, water ice, and a rising roster of worldwide eateries, craft breweries, and famend BYOB eating places.
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3. Erie, PA
Inhabitants:
92,957
Median Sale Worth:
$127,500
Median Hire Worth:
$1,100
Common Commute Time:
18 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.8%
One of many snowiest cities within the nation, Erie is Pennsylvania’s lakeside hub. It was nicknamed “Gem City” for its pristine pure harbor, which nonetheless boasts a thriving maritime trade. Residents love Erie’s mid-sized really feel; not too massive to create visitors or really feel claustrophobic, however with loads of facilities all through its historic streets.
Pesque Isle State Park is a must-see, whereas the Erie Maritime Museum particulars the area’s intertwined historical past with the lake. Lake delivery, metalworking, and manufacturing had been important industries that helped develop Erie into town it’s at this time. Its skyline nonetheless displays its industrial previous but in addition seems to be ahead, just like the 120-year outdated Mercantile Constructing turning right into a slick workplace house.
There are a couple of downsides, although. Winters could be lengthy and snowy, with particularly heavy snow throughout lake-effect storms. Homes additionally run on the older facet, and nightlife is restricted and would require a automobile to get to. On the brilliant facet, commerce jobs are plentiful, there are many reasonably priced sporting occasions, and town continues to develop. Catch the Erie Otters play Minor League Hockey on the Erie Insurance coverage Area, or watch the Erie Seawolves play Minor League ball.
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4. Scranton, PA
Inhabitants:
75,805
Median Sale Worth:
$195,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,480
Common Commute Time:
20 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
2.9%
A Nineteenth-century industrial mecca, Scranton at this time is best recognized for its close-knit group, affordability, and old-town really feel. The promise of jobs drew hundreds of immigrants to the realm to mine anthracite coal and iron and work on railroads and in textile mills – a hard-working perspective that’s celebrated at this time. You’ll be able to study extra in regards to the area’s mining historical past on the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum or the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
Scranton is a small metropolis that punches above its weight. Boutiques, galleries, eating places, and outlets fill the compact downtown core, often in brick or stone buildings. Cracked roads and run-down buildings are a reasonably frequent sight, however the metropolis is all the time beneath enchancment.
Nature-wise, Scranton is top-notch. Nay Aug Park options waterfalls, mountaineering trails, and a treehouse, whereas McDade Park has trails, an arboretum, and a pool. You’re additionally nestled between mountains on both facet, offering nice views and mountaineering spots year-round. Montage Mountain Resorts even has snowboarding within the winter.
If it’s important to select one factor to do, although, it must be to take the Pizza Path. Scranton has distinctive pizza of all types, highlighted by the well-known “Old Forge Pizza” fashion, which is served in cuts reasonably than slices. Alfredo’s, Mama Mia’s, and Sabellini’s are high locations to expertise the very best pizza on the town, however locals can have a favourite spot.
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5. Allentown, PA
Inhabitants:
124,880
Median Sale Worth:
$230,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,484
Common Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
6.4%
Allentown was based in 1762 and hasn’t skipped a beat since. It’s particularly well-known for its position in early American historical past, which you’ll study on the Liberty Bell Museum, however has lots extra to brag about, too. The outside are all the time shut by within the Blue Mountains, which gives ski resorts and loads of trails. You can even cheer on the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park, or take a fast jaunt to Philadelphia and NYC for big-city enjoyable. Museums and historic landmarks are different execs, just like the well-known Zion’s United Church of Christ.
All through city, you’ll discover every part from century-old industrial buildings and historic homes, to fashionable bars and eating places. Allentown exhibits its age in some deserted warehouses and outdated buildings, however a couple of have was artists’ lofts and stylish outlets. In reality, town has undergone a significant revamp over the previous decade, and its downtown continues to develop. But when chains and mall procuring are extra your fashion, head north on MacArthur Street for every part you possibly can need.
Allentown is the third-biggest metropolis in Pennsylvania and the biggest of three interconnected cities within the Lehigh Valley, the opposite two being Bethlehem and Easton. The area is stuffed with pure magnificence and was pivotal in creating America’s early trade, particularly as soon as the Lehigh Canal was in-built 1829, which you’ll tour at this time. The area sees chilly winters and heat, humid summers.
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6. Harrisburg, PA
Inhabitants:
50,012
Median Sale Worth:
$190,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,207
Common Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
5.7%
The state capital, Harrisburg is a quaint and historic metropolis within the coronary heart of Pennsylvania. It has an interesting mixture of small-town allure and fashionable facilities, all at an reasonably priced value. Schools, historic theaters, fashionable skyscrapers, and the dazzling Capitol Constructing line the historic downtown’s slender streets, earlier than opening as much as tree-lined boulevards with colonial-style homes. It’s not arduous to imagine that it’s among the finest locations to stay in Pennsylvania.
The outside are simple to achieve by foot and satisfying to discover. Operating and biking alongside Riverfront Park and the traditional Susquehanna River is a deal with. You’ll be able to even circle your complete metropolis (practically 21 miles) by way of the Capital Space Greenbelt. Whilst you’re out, you’ll possible come upon a competition or occasion or see one taking place at close by Metropolis Island – a preferred 63 acre park. The Kipona Competition, celebrating Native peoples, is a must-see that occurs round Labor Day.
Getting round is straightforward. Amusement-filled Hershey is 20 minutes away, and it’s simply a few hours alongside the PA Turnpike to achieve Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Trains run all the best way to New York, too, and buses take you to essential stops within the metropolis and neighborhood.
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7. Studying, PA
Inhabitants:
94,903
Median Sale Worth:
$205,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,038
Common Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
6.9%
Studying (pronounced “Redding”) is an icon of American trade within the Pennsylvania heartland. Downtown, rows of outdated brick buildings home fashionable conveniences, and commemorative plaques have fun centuries of commercial historical past. A really low value of dwelling, simple tempo of life, and lovely surroundings are high attracts.
As a quintessential Rust Belt metropolis, Studying’s economic system has often been in a continuing state of transition. It was lengthy on the epicenter of main growth, just like the Schuylkill and Union Canals within the 1800s, and even housed important iron manufacturing in the course of the Revolutionary Warfare. However financial decline sometimes adopted as society developed and desires shifted. Manufacturing is alive and effectively at this time, however there’s proof of disrepair all through the area.
Nonetheless, town homes an enormous variety of industrial-era landmarks. You’ll be able to go to the real-life Studying Railroad from Monopoly, the Nineteenth-century Allegheny Aqueduct, and dozens of outdated hosiery vegetation, of which there have been as soon as 77.
Individuals from all around the world have been drawn to Studying’s promise of labor over the centuries, with a big Pennsylvania Dutch inhabitants nonetheless distinguished. As such, quite a lot of eating places and outlets dot town’s grid, which bleeds into neighboring suburbs Wyomissing, Laureldale, and Mt. Penn.
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8. Lancaster, PA
Inhabitants:
57,153
Median Sale Worth:
$242,500
Median Hire Worth:
$1,258
Common Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.3%
Lancaster, is the eight-best place to stay in Pennsylvania. Providing a fantastic steadiness of pure magnificence and a bustling downtown, Lancaster has a novel historical past. The town has performed host to societal adjustments for hundreds of years, notably in the course of the Industrial Revolution, when it gained a significant railroad and constructed the Conestoga Steam Mills. Farming and trade grew ever common and stay cornerstones of Lancaster at this time, celebrated at occasions year-round.
Inside just some miles, you’ll be able to go to picturesque farms, manicured suburbs, and stylish eateries, a lot of that are walkable. Native farmers and crafters promote their bounties three days per week on the 18th-century Lancaster Central Market, housed in an iconic brick constructing downtown. Giant parks, Victorian-era buildings, and an old-world really feel add allure and livability.
Farmland and tree groves outline the panorama nearly instantly after leaving town. East of Lancaster are main Amish and Mennonite communities, with some providing excursions of their farms. Journey two hours additional east or south and also you’ll find yourself in Philadelphia and Baltimore – excellent for a day journey.
Vital to notice: the miles of farmland close by produce quite a lot of disagreeable smells, which regularly waft into town. Kellogg’s and Mars Chocolate have factories to the north that may add a candy twist into the aroma, too. You’ll get used to the smells after some time, however it might take time to regulate. Air high quality will also be a problem round processing vegetation exterior town.
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9. Bethlehem, PA
Inhabitants:
78,300
Median Sale Worth:
$274,900
Median Hire Worth:
$1,775
Common Commute Time:
23.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
3.3%
Simply east of Allentown within the lovely Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem packs lots into its centuries-old bones. The town was based in 1741 by Moravian settlers, was a steel-production powerhouse, and at this time is a quaint metropolis with a youthful power. It’s each cosmopolitan and intimate, offering quiet respites and a downtown with all of the digs. An reasonably priced value of dwelling doesn’t harm, both.
The area’s Moravian historical past makes Bethlehem a reasonably common vacationer vacation spot. Considered one of 4 Moravian Church Settlements, all UNESCO World Heritage Websites, is situated on the town, as is the Historic Moravian Bethlehem Nationwide Historic Landmark District, which features a museum. Faith performed a significant position in Moravian life, and you may nonetheless discover locations of worship all through town. German festivals like Oktoberfest, Musikfest, and the comfortable Christkindlmarkt are common annual traditions.
Maybe Bethlehem’s very best quality is its small however energetic downtown; it has every part you want in a walkable format. The historic Resort Bethlehem, on the location of town’s first home, is a must-see and best choice amongst guests. Completely happy hour hotspots, stylish outlets, and Victorian townhomes line the historic streets, and there are even rooftop bars and a speakeasy. Plus, you’re minutes from Sand Island Park and the 140-mile lengthy D&L Path. Nightlife is a bit missing in comparison with bigger cities, although.
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10. Levittown, PA
Inhabitants:
50,804
Median Sale Worth:
$400,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,100
Common Commute Time:
28.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
3.2%
Sitting between Trenton and Philadelphia, Levittown rounds out our checklist of the very best locations to stay in Pennsylvania. Levittown boasts a low value of dwelling, loads of facilities, and pockets of inexperienced house unfold all through. The town is cut up between three townships: Bristol, Falls, and Middletown. Importantly, every have their very own tax codes to pay attention to, with Middletown having an Earned Earnings Tax.
Levittown, PA is the second of many deliberate communities constructed by Levitt & Sons within the years following World Warfare II. They rapidly turned the typified American suburb, with a garden and white picket fence. And notably, they had been deliberately exclusionary to non-white individuals.
Properties in these communities had been in-built a means akin to an meeting line, manufactured in 26 steps over a day or two. Levittown, PA was constructed over the course of six years and accommodates barely greater than 17,300 houses, cut up between six totally different fashions. The homes had been pretty naked bones by at this time’s requirements, missing central air and basements. Some have been transformed since, however most are authentic.
Levittown borders the Delaware River to the south and isn‘t removed from the Atlantic Coast, which means outside recreation is plentiful. A few of the hottest issues to do close by embody visiting the Bristol Wharf, exploring the Silver Lake Nature Heart, or studying about farming at Snipes Farm & Training Heart.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to stay. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or higher had been thought-about for our Pennsylvania checklist. Extra details about our methodology could be discovered right here.
Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.