Pennsylvania’s cost of living is 4% below the national average. With a low 3.4% unemployment rate, it is a great place to move to in 2024. Besides its rich cultural heritage, it is also renowned for its beautiful landscapes.
From Philadelphia’s historic sites to the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania appeals to all age groups. It’s no wonder that 12,210 people moved to the Keystone State in July 2024 alone. So don’t delay – browse property listings in the best places to live in Pennsylvania and find your dream home today!
Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top places to live in Pennsylvania. We’ve considered the population of the cities, median home price, monthly expenses, and the community well-being score.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lancaster | 57,153 | $255,000 | $8,778 | 59/100 |
| 2. | State College | 40,687 | $467,500 | $9,367 | 57/100 |
| 3. | Philadelphia | 1,550,542 | $275,000 | $9,332 | 67/100 |
| 4. | Allentown | 124,880 | $253,000 | $8,631 | 60/100 |
| 5. | Harrisburg | 50,012 | $150,000 | $8,762 | 62/100 |
| 6. | Pittsburgh | 303,255 | $250,000 | $8,123 | 61/100 |
| 7. | Scranton | 75,805 | $181,000 | $7,726 | 55/100 |
| 8. | Reading | 94,903 | $195,000 | $8,387 | 57/100 |
| 9. | Erie | 92,957 | $188,450 | $7,552 | 52/100 |
| 10. | Bethlehem | 58,349 | $295,000 | $8,631 | 60/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Keystone State:
#1 Lancaster
- Median Home Price: $255,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Lancaster: $61,014[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Lancaster, PA: 17603 | 17601 | 17602
Lancaster is famous for its farmlands and Amish culture. Besides this, the city houses major employers, like Lancaster General Health, Armstrong World Industries, and Kellogg’s. Key sectors that provide employment include healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Also, the nearby Susquehanna River and its surroundings offer outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Moreover, the Red Rose City has a minor league baseball team that sports enthusiasts enjoy.
» Lancaster Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the nicest places in Pennsylvania.
#2 State College
- Median Home Price: $467,500[2]
- Median Household Income in State College: $43,459[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 57/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the State College, PA: 16801 | 16803 | 16081
Known as ‘Happy Valley’, State College is home to Penn State University. It is one of the major employers and attracts students across the nation. This makes State College one of the best towns to live in PA. Moreover, it is 7.6% more affordable than countrywide.
You can enjoy a lively social scene and year-round events, like the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. You can also explore the Rothrock State Forest and Black Moshannon State Park. Both offer activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.
» State College Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this college town.
#3 Philadelphia
- Median Home Price: $275,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Philadelphia: $57,537[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 67/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Philadelphia, PA: 19121 | 19146 | 19134
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and a vital economic center. It offers affordable housing, which makes it an ideal place for home buyers. In addition, the city’s rich history is marked by iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Philadelphia has over 25 neighborhoods. They offer diverse cultural experiences that range from the historic charm of Old City to the artistic flair of Fishtown. The City of Brotherly Love also values music and art with over 4,000 murals painted across the city.
» Philadelphia Homes for Sale: Find your perfect home in this historic city.
#4 Allentown
- Median Home Price: $253,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Allentown: $52,449[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Allentown, PA: 18104 | 18103 | 18102
Allentown serves as the county seat of Lehigh County. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Pennsylvania. The city is also part of a larger metro area that includes Bethlehem and Easton.
Healthcare costs are also 6% lower than nationwide. The city is home to businesses like Air Products and Norfolk Southern Railway, which provides numerous employment opportunities. The Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, and the PPL Center are popular tourist attractions.
» Allentown Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in one of the best cities in PA.
#5 Harrisburg
- Median Home Price: $150,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Harrisburg: $46,654[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Harrisburg, PA: 17112 | 17110 | 17111
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. It was a training center during the Civil War and is home to the National Civil War Museum. Besides this, utilities cost 6% less than the state average.
Located on the Susquehanna River, the city offers recreational activities like walking and biking along the riverfront. It also has a great music culture, and live shows are frequent at local coffeehouses and bookstores.
» Harrisburg Homes for Sale: View homes in one of the best places in PA to live.
#6 Pittsburgh
- Median Home Price: $250,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Pittsburgh: $60,187[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Pittsburgh, PA: 15112 | 15206 | 15208
Pittsburgh is the second most populous city in the State. It has a slow-paced life with ample green spaces. It is also one of the best areas to live in Pennsylvania. Housing and healthcare costs are 6-7% lower than the national average.
Major tech giants, like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, have offices in the city and are the top employers. Besides this, Pittsburgh has a passionate sports culture with big teams like the NFL’s Steelers, the NHL’s Penguins, and the MLB’s Pirates.
» Pittsburgh Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the Steel City.
#7 Scranton
- Median Home Price: $181,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Scranton: $48,776[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Scranton, PA: 18509 | 18510 | 18503
Scranton, ‘The Electric City’, was the first in the nation to have electric streetcars. It is home to landmarks like the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Electric City Trolley Museum. These reflect its rich architectural heritage.
In addition, the city’s cultural scene is boosted by annual events such as La Festa Italiana, a celebration of Italian heritage. Employers like the Geisinger Health System and the Scranton School District contribute heavily to Scranton’s economic growth.
» Scranton Homes for Sale: Find your home in one of the best areas in Pennsylvania to live.
#8 Reading
- Median Home Price: $195,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Reading: $42,852[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 57/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Reading, PA: 19606 | 19601 | 19605
Reading has a unique mix of history and beautiful architecture. It houses iconic spots like the Reading Pagoda and the Reading Public Museum. The city also has a strong arts scene and is home to the Reading Symphony Orchestra.
Healthcare costs in the city are 6% higher than the national average. Additionally, the Nolde Forest and Blue Marsh Lake are ideal spots for outdoor activities. The local economy is diverse with key sectors being manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
» Reading Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in this historic city.
#9 Erie
- Median Home Price: $188,450[2]
- Median Household Income in Erie: $43,135[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 52/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Erie, PA: 16503 | 16501 | 16502
Erie, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The living costs in Erie are 13% lower than the national average.
Residents can also access the Presque Isle State Park. It has miles of beaches, hiking trails, and spots for boating and fishing. Moreover, Erie has a growing job market in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. These factors make it one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania.
» Erie Homes for Sale: Explore affordable properties in this budget-friendly city.
#10 Bethlehem
- Median Home Price: $295,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Bethlehem: $62,072[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Bethlehem, PA: 18015 | 18018 | 18017
Bethlehem, also known as the ‘Christmas City’, offers historic charm alongside a rich culture. It hosts Musikfest, the largest free music festival in the US, which draws visitors from across the nation.
The city also has a strong industrial history, highlighted by the SteelStacks arts and culture campus. Moreover, the job market in Bethlehem is expected to grow by 16.5%.
» Bethlehem Homes for Sale: View properties in this lively town.
Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Upper St. Clair | Chesterbrook | Devon |
| Young Professionals | Exton | Bellevue | Trexlertown |
| Retirees | Pittsburgh | Lancaster | Allentown |
Is Pennsylvania the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Pennsylvania is one of the best places to live in the US due to its low cost of living, culture, and history. It’s close to other metro areas, such as NYC, Boston, etc.
One of the most tax-friendly states for retirees is Pennsylvania, where retirement income is exempt from taxes. Even if you’re not a retiree, the tax is flat at 3.07%, which means you will have more disposable income.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Pennsylvania. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania
We considered different parameters to rank the best places in Pennsylvania. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Pennsylvania and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Pennsylvania Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Pennsylvania for varying demographics. These include the best places for families, young adults, and retirees to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Yes, the Keystone State is a good place to live. It has a low 3.4% unemployment rate and a rich cultural heritage. Lancaster, State College, and Philadelphia are some of the best places in Pennsylvania.
What is the best city to live in Pennsylvania?
Lancaster is the best city to live in Pennsylvania. It is famous for its farmlands and Amish culture. Key sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
What are the nicest parts of Pennsylvania to live in?
The best parts to live in Pennsylvania are the Southeastern and Central regions. They include cities like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, State College, and more.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Pennsylvania?
With a cost of living 19.2% below the national average, Erie is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania.
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