When you’re planning on transferring to Pennsylvania, add these cities to your checklist.
Pennsylvania is a splendidly various state, residence to historical past, pure splendor, and thriving business. Often called the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has lengthy been formed by its central position in U.S. historical past, business, and coverage. The metal and coal industries have been notably necessary to the state’s economic system and tradition, and manufacturing stays foundational to its id.
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 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 current surge in home costs and inhabitants development, as individuals spring to purchase properties they will afford. Curiosity has solely grown as nationwide housing prices proceed to rise, resulting in a statewide scarcity of properties. This, together with a concerted effort to modernize the state’s economic system, has turned some former Rust Belt cities, like Pittsburgh, into full of life hubs of neighborhood and innovation. However, which cities are the very best?
On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to dwell in Pennsylvania, rating them on qualities comparable to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
One of the best 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 Value:$235,000Median Lease Value:$1,475Average Commute Time:23.1 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.4%
Neglect what you’ve heard: Pittsburgh, the long-lasting “Steel City,” has utterly reworked over the previous few many years. What was as soon as a metropolis caught in a post-industrial previous has reworked right into a thriving heart of know-how, drugs, and innovation, all whereas holding on to its blue-collar spirit. And it’s not achieved rising, with a just lately authorised $600 million plan to revitalize its downtown underway.
Dwelling in Pittsburgh is a deal with. Historical past, pure splendor, and classy outlets collide with rusty remnants of the 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 will get round simply by gentle 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 most likely essentially 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 1000’s to each recreation.
A small, inexpensive, walkable metropolis with the facilities of a significant metropolis, plus loads of character, make Pittsburgh the very best place to dwell in Pennsylvania.
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2. Philadelphia, PA
Inhabitants:1,550,542Median Sale Value:$285,000Median Lease Value:$1,885Average Commute Time:32 minutesUnemployment Fee:5.4%
As Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis and one of many nation’s most historic, Philadelphia combines East Coast vitality with a down-to-earth vibe. Based in 1682, the 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 at all times 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 outlets in Fishtown in an hour. When you’ve got extra time, watch the town’s streets and row homes give technique to trendy skyscrapers in Heart 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 sturdy subway and bus techniques (SEPTA).
Philadelphia’s tradition units it other than most different cities. The humanities are fashionable, headlined by the traditional Walnut Avenue Theatre and loads of arts colleges, and music is woven into the 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 – 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 Value:$180,000Median Lease Value:$920Average Commute Time:18.6 minutesUnemployment 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 business. Residents love Erie’s mid-sized really feel; not too huge to create site 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 the town it’s right this moment. Its skyline nonetheless displays its industrial previous but in addition seems to be ahead, just like the 120-year previous Mercantile Constructing turning right into a slick workplace area.
There are a number of downsides, although. Winters might 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 automotive to get to. On the brilliant facet, commerce jobs are considerable, there are many inexpensive sporting occasions, and the 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 Value:$218,000Median Lease Value:$1,250Average Commute Time:19.5 minutesUnemployment Fee:2.9%
A Nineteenth-century industrial mecca, Scranton right this moment is best recognized for its close-knit neighborhood, affordability, and old-town really feel. The promise of jobs drew 1000’s of immigrants to the world to mine anthracite coal and iron and work on railroads and in textile mills – a hard-working perspective that’s celebrated right this moment. You possibly can 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 at all times beneath enchancment.
Nature-wise, Scranton is top-notch. Nay Aug Park options waterfalls, mountain climbing 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 mountain climbing 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 kinds, highlighted by the well-known “Old Forge Pizza” model, which is served in cuts slightly than slices. Alfredo’s, Mama Mia’s, and Sabellini’s are prime locations to expertise the very best pizza on the town, however locals could have a favourite spot.
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5. Allentown, PA
Inhabitants:124,880Median Sale Value:$335,000Median Lease Value:$1,425Average Commute Time:24.8 minutesUnemployment 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 be able to study on the Liberty Bell Museum, however has loads extra to brag about, too. The outside are at all times shut by within the Blue Mountains, which affords ski resorts and loads of trails. You may as well 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 reveals its age in some deserted warehouses and previous buildings, however a number of have become artists’ lofts and classy outlets. In truth, the 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 model, head north on MacArthur Highway for all the things 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 growing America’s early business, particularly as soon as the Lehigh Canal was inbuilt 1829, which you’ll be able to tour right this moment. The area sees chilly winters and heat, humid summers.
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6. Harrisburg, PA
Inhabitants:50,012Median Sale Value:$274,000Median Lease Value:$1,190Average Commute Time:20.6 minutesUnemployment 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 attraction and trendy facilities, all at an inexpensive value. Schools, historic theaters, trendy skyscrapers, and the dazzling Capitol Constructing line the historic downtown’s slim streets, earlier than opening as much as tree-lined boulevards with colonial-style homes. It’s not exhausting to imagine that it’s the most effective locations to dwell in Pennsylvania.
The outside are simple to succeed in by foot and satisfying to discover. Working 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 probably encounter a competition or occasion or see one occurring at close by Metropolis Island – a well-liked 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 succeed in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Trains run all the way in which to New York, too, and buses take you to necessary stops within the metropolis and neighborhood.
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7. Studying, PA
Inhabitants:94,903Median Sale Value:$269,000Median Lease Value:$1,230Average Commute Time:23.6 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 have a good time centuries of business historical past. A really low value of residing, simple tempo of life, and beautiful surroundings are prime 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 improvement, just like the Schuylkill and Union Canals within the 1800s, and even housed important iron manufacturing through the Revolutionary Struggle. However financial decline sometimes adopted as society advanced and wishes shifted. Manufacturing is alive and properly right this moment, however there may be proof of disrepair all through the area.
Nonetheless, the 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.
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 outstanding. As such, quite a lot of eating places and outlets dot the town’s grid, which bleeds into neighboring suburbs Wyomissing, Laureldale, and Mt. Penn.
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8. Lancaster, PA
Inhabitants:57,153Median Sale Value:$330,000Median Lease Value:$1,450Average Commute Time:23.4 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 significant railroad and constructed the Conestoga Steam Mills. Farming and business grew ever fashionable and stay cornerstones of Lancaster right this moment, celebrated at occasions year-round.
Inside only a few miles, you’ll be able to go to picturesque farms, manicured suburbs, and classy eateries, lots 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 attraction and livability.
Farmland and tree groves outline the panorama nearly instantly after leaving the 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 regularly waft into the 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 difficulty round processing crops outdoors the town.
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9. Bethlehem, PA
Inhabitants:78,300Median Sale Value:$271,000Median Lease Value:$1,650Average Commute Time:22.4 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.3%
Simply east of Allentown within the stunning 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 right this moment is a quaint metropolis with a youthful vitality. It’s each cosmopolitan and intimate, offering quiet respites and a downtown with all of the digs. An inexpensive value of residing doesn’t harm, both.
The area’s Moravian historical past makes Bethlehem a reasonably fashionable vacationer vacation spot. Certainly one of 4 Moravian Church Settlements, all UNESCO World Heritage Websites, is positioned 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’ll nonetheless discover locations of worship all through the town. German festivals like Oktoberfest, Musikfest, and the comfy Christkindlmarkt are fashionable 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 Resort Bethlehem, on the location of the town’s first home, is a must-see and best choice amongst guests. Glad hour hotspots, fashionable 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:50,903Median Sale Value:$425,000Median Lease Value:$1,520Average Commute Time:28.9 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.2%
Sitting between Trenton and Philadelphia, Levittown rounds out our checklist of the very best locations to dwell in Pennsylvania. Levittown boasts a low value of residing, 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 Earnings Tax.
Levittown, PA is the second of many deliberate communities constructed by Levitt & Sons within the years following World Struggle 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.
Houses in these communities had 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 incorporates barely greater than 17,300 properties, cut up between six completely different fashions. The homes had been pretty naked bones by right this moment’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 out of doors recreation is considerable. A number of the hottest issues to do close by embrace visiting the Bristol Wharf, exploring the Silver Lake Nature Heart, or studying about farming at Snipes Farm & Schooling Heart.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist residence searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to dwell. To try 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 out of doors area, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or higher had been thought of for our Pennsylvania checklist. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
