When you’re planning on transferring to Pennsylvania, add these cities to your listing.
Pennsylvania is a splendidly various state, house to historical past, pure splendor, and thriving business. Generally known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has lengthy been formed by its central function in U.S. historical past, business, and coverage. The metal and coal industries have been notably essential to the state’s financial 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 delicate and sees between 34 and 52 inches of precipitation yearly. Snow is widespread 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 current surge in home costs and inhabitants progress, 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 financial system, has turned some former Rust Belt cities, like Pittsburgh, into full of life hubs of neighborhood and innovation. However, which cities are the perfect?
On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to dwell in Pennsylvania, rating them on qualities resembling affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The most effective locations to dwell in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Erie, PA
Scranton, PA
Allentown, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Studying, PA
Lancaster, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Levittown, PA
1. Pittsburgh, PA
Inhabitants:303,255Median Sale Worth:$235,000Median Hire Worth:$1,475Average Commute Time:23.1 minutesUnemployment Price:3.4%
Overlook what you’ve heard: Pittsburgh, the enduring “Steel City,” has fully reworked over the previous few a long time. What was as soon as a metropolis caught in a post-industrial previous has reworked right into a thriving heart of expertise, medication, and innovation, all whereas holding on to its blue-collar spirit. And it’s not completed rising, with a just lately accepted $600 million plan to revitalize its downtown underway.
Dwelling in Pittsburgh is a deal with. Historical past, pure splendor, and classy retailers 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 area is considerable and enjoyable to discover, like at Level State Park or the Three Rivers Heritage Path. You may 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 related by a whopping 446 bridges. The Three Sisters Bridges are in all probability 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) sport days. Unsurprisingly, sports activities are integral to locals. Together with the Pirates, The Steelers (NFL), Penguins (NHL), and Pitt Panthers draw tens of 1000’s to each sport.
A small, reasonably priced, walkable metropolis with the facilities of a serious metropolis, plus loads of character, make Pittsburgh the perfect place to dwell in Pennsylvania.
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2. Philadelphia, PA
Inhabitants:1,550,542Median Sale Worth:$285,000Median Hire Worth:$1,885Average Commute Time:32 minutesUnemployment Price: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 very well-known for its many firsts: the primary library, hospital, college, artwork museum, zoo, and extra. Different landmarks embrace Independence Corridor, the Liberty Bell, and Philadelphia Museum of Artwork. Whereas it’s previous, 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 possibly can simply see the previous and densely packed buildings of Rittenhouse Sq. and peruse hip retailers in Fishtown in an hour. When you’ve got extra time, watch town’s streets and row homes give option to trendy skyscrapers in Middle Metropolis and Fairmount, the place you’ll discover museums, parks, and the expansive Schuylkill River Path – good for biking and working. Philadelphia is definitely fairly compact, with dozens of neighborhoods that every have a singular vibe. Getting round is made simple by way of strong subway and bus methods (SEPTA).
Philadelphia’s tradition units it other than most different cities. The humanities are in style, headlined by the traditional Walnut Avenue Theatre and loads of arts colleges, and music is woven into town’s bones. Immigrants have performed a vital function within the arts because the metropolis’s founding.
In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss the meals. Cheesesteaks reign supreme – attempt Pat’s, Geno’s, or one of many numerous neighborhood spots – however they’re solely the start. Choices additionally embrace roast pork sandwiches, smooth 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:92,957Median Sale Worth:$180,000Median Hire Worth:$920Average Commute Time:18.6 minutesUnemployment Price: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 business. Residents love Erie’s mid-sized really feel; not too huge 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 transport, metalworking, and manufacturing have been important industries that helped develop Erie into town it’s in the present day. Its skyline nonetheless displays its industrial previous but in addition appears ahead, just like the 120-year previous Mercantile Constructing turning right into a slick workplace area.
There are a number of downsides, although. Winters will 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 intense facet, commerce jobs are considerable, 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:75,805Median Sale Worth:$218,000Median Hire Worth:$1,250Average Commute Time:19.5 minutesUnemployment Price:2.9%
A Nineteenth-century industrial mecca, Scranton in the present day is healthier recognized for its close-knit neighborhood, affordability, and old-town really feel. The promise of jobs drew 1000’s of immigrants to the realm to mine anthracite coal and iron and work on railroads and in textile mills – a hard-working angle that’s celebrated in the present day. You possibly can study extra concerning 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 retailers fill the compact downtown core, normally in brick or stone buildings. Cracked roads and run-down buildings are a reasonably widespread 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 you need to select one factor to do, although, it ought to 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 fairly than slices. Alfredo’s, Mama Mia’s, and Sabellini’s are prime locations to expertise the perfect pizza on the town, however locals can have a favourite spot.
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5. Allentown, PA
Inhabitants:124,880Median Sale Worth:$335,000Median Hire Worth:$1,425Average Commute Time:24.8 minutesUnemployment Price:6.4%
Allentown was based in 1762 and hasn’t skipped a beat since. It’s particularly well-known for its function in early American historical past, which you’ll be able to find out about on the Liberty Bell Museum, however has a lot extra to brag about, too. The outside are all the time shut by within the Blue Mountains, which provides ski resorts and loads of trails. You too can 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 all the things from century-old industrial buildings and historic homes, to trendy bars and eating places. Allentown exhibits its age in some deserted warehouses and previous buildings, however a number of have become artists’ lofts and classy retailers. Actually, town has undergone a serious revamp over the previous decade, and its downtown continues to develop. But when chains and mall buying are extra your fashion, head north on MacArthur Street for all the things you can need.
Allentown is the third-biggest metropolis in Pennsylvania and the most important of three interconnected cities within the Lehigh Valley, the opposite two being Bethlehem and Easton. The area is filled with pure magnificence and was pivotal in growing America’s early business, particularly as soon as the Lehigh Canal was inbuilt 1829, which you’ll be able to tour in the present day. The area sees chilly winters and heat, humid summers.
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6. Harrisburg, PA
Inhabitants:50,012Median Sale Worth:$274,000Median Hire Worth:$1,190Average Commute Time:20.6 minutesUnemployment Price: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 appeal and trendy facilities, all at an reasonably priced value. Faculties, historic theaters, trendy 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 laborious to imagine that it’s among the best locations to dwell 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 possibly can even circle the complete metropolis (practically 21 miles) by way of the Capital Space Greenbelt. Whilst you’re out, you’ll seemingly come across a competition or occasion or see one taking place at close by Metropolis Island – a well-liked 63 acre park. The Kipona Pageant, 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 way in which to New York, too, and buses take you to essential stops within the metropolis and neighborhood.
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7. Studying, PA
Inhabitants:94,903Median Sale Worth:$269,000Median Hire Worth:$1,230Average Commute Time:23.6 minutesUnemployment Price:6.9%
Studying (pronounced “Redding”) is an icon of American business within the Pennsylvania heartland. Downtown, rows of previous brick buildings home trendy conveniences, and commemorative plaques rejoice centuries of business historical past. A really low price of dwelling, simple tempo of life, and beautiful surroundings are prime attracts.
As a quintessential Rust Belt metropolis, Studying’s financial system has normally been in a relentless state of transition. It was lengthy on the epicenter of main improvement, just like the Schuylkill and Union Canals within the 1800s, and even housed important iron manufacturing through the Revolutionary Warfare. However financial decline sometimes adopted as society developed and desires shifted. Manufacturing is alive and nicely in the present day, however there’s proof of disrepair all through the area.
Nonetheless, town homes an enormous variety of industrial-era landmarks. You possibly can go to the real-life Studying Railroad from Monopoly, the Nineteenth-century Allegheny Aqueduct, and dozens of previous hosiery crops, of which there have been as soon as 77.
Folks from everywhere in the world have been drawn to Studying’s promise of labor over the centuries, with a big Pennsylvania Dutch inhabitants nonetheless outstanding. As such, quite a lot of eating places and retailers dot town’s grid, which bleeds into neighboring suburbs Wyomissing, Laureldale, and Mt. Penn.
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8. Lancaster, PA
Inhabitants:57,153Median Sale Worth:$330,000Median Hire Worth:$1,450Average Commute Time:23.4 minutesUnemployment Price:4.3%
Lancaster, is the eight-best place to dwell in Pennsylvania. Providing a fantastic stability of pure magnificence and a bustling downtown, Lancaster has a singular historical past. The town has performed host to societal modifications for hundreds of years, notably through the Industrial Revolution, when it gained a serious railroad and constructed the Conestoga Steam Mills. Farming and business grew ever in style and stay cornerstones of Lancaster in the present day, celebrated at occasions year-round.
Inside just some miles, you’ll be able to go to picturesque farms, manicured suburbs, and classy 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. Massive parks, Victorian-era buildings, and an old-world really feel add appeal and livability.
Farmland and tree groves outline the panorama virtually 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 – good for a day journey.
Essential to notice: the miles of farmland close by produce quite a lot of disagreeable smells, which frequently 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 can be a problem round processing crops exterior town.
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9. Bethlehem, PA
Inhabitants:78,300Median Sale Worth:$271,000Median Hire Worth:$1,650Average Commute Time:22.4 minutesUnemployment Price: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 in the present day 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 price of dwelling doesn’t damage, both.
The area’s Moravian historical past makes Bethlehem a reasonably in style 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 serious function in Moravian life, and you may nonetheless discover locations of worship all through town. German festivals like Oktoberfest, Musikfest, and the comfortable Christkindlmarkt are in style annual traditions.
Maybe Bethlehem’s very best quality is its small however full of life downtown; it has all the things you want in a walkable format. The historic Lodge Bethlehem, on the positioning of town’s first home, is a must-see and best choice amongst guests. Blissful hour hotspots, fashionable retailers, 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:50,903Median Sale Worth:$425,000Median Hire Worth:$1,520Average Commute Time:28.9 minutesUnemployment Price:3.2%
Sitting between Trenton and Philadelphia, Levittown rounds out our listing of the perfect locations to dwell in Pennsylvania. Levittown boasts a low price of dwelling, loads of facilities, and pockets of inexperienced area 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 Revenue Tax.
Levittown, PA is the second of many deliberate communities constructed by Levitt & Sons within the years following World Warfare II. They rapidly grew to become the typified American suburb, with a garden and white picket fence. And notably, they have been deliberately exclusionary to non-white individuals.
Properties in these communities have been inbuilt a method 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 completely different fashions. The homes have been pretty naked bones by in the present day’s requirements, missing central air and basements. Some have been transformed since, however most are unique.
Levittown borders the Delaware River to the south and isn‘t removed from the Atlantic Coast, which means outside recreation is considerable. A number of the hottest issues to do close by embrace visiting the Bristol Wharf, exploring the Silver Lake Nature Middle, or studying about farming at Snipes Farm & Schooling Middle.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to dwell. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open outside area, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or larger have been thought of for our Pennsylvania listing. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
