Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best places to live in Pennsylvania! Here, we’ll take a deep dive into the top cities and towns in Pennsylvania, exploring their unique cultures, amenities, and lifestyles. Whether you’re moving to Pennsylvania for work, school, or retirement, this guide will help you find the perfect place to call home.
The 10 best places to live in the state of Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh
- Philadelphia
- Erie
- Harrisburg
- Scranton
- Allentown
- Reading
- Bethlehem
- Lancaster
- Levittown
1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 1
- Population change: C
- Price: C
- Store: A
- School: A
- Healthcare: A
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: A
Pittsburgh is a vibrant and dynamic city that’s often ranked among the best places to live in the United States. Located in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is known for its thriving arts scene, excellent universities, and affordable cost of living. The city is home to major employers such as PNC Financial Services, UPMC, and the University of Pittsburgh, making it a great place to start or grow your career. The home of the Steelers NFL team, Pittsburgh is the second most populous city in Pennsylvania. The median rent in this beautiful city is $1,255 per month, slightly higher than in other cities, but the stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants are all top-notch. Pittsburgh is an excellent city for budding families to raise their kids or single professionals looking for a new home.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 2
- Population change: C
- Price: D
- Store: A
- School: A
- Healthcare: A
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: A
As the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a hub of culture, history, and commerce. The city is home to major universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, as well as major employers like Comcast, Independence Blue Cross, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a city with a little bit of everything, whether you love history, sports, or simply living in a picturesque city. Because it is such a popular place to live, rentals can be pricey. The median rent in this city is $1,450 per month. However, the sheer amount of places to visit, including the quality of health services and shopping, outweighs the cost of living expenses.
3. Erie, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 3
- Population change: F
- Price: A
- Store: B
- School: B
- Healthcare: B
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: C
Nestled on the southeastern shores of Lake Erie, the city of Erie is a hub for manufacturers and ranks third in the best places to live in Pennsylvania. While the population decreased over the past few years, it remains one of the largest grape-growing regions in the United States, home to appealing vineyards and wineries. Toned down prices match the lower population, with a median rent of $715 per month. This little city is excellent if you’re looking for a quiet, affordable, and scenic place to live.
4. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 4
- Population change: B
- Price: B
- Store: C
- School: C
- Healthcare: D
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: C
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is rich in history from museums and forts to riverboat rides on the Susquehanna River. The city is home to many museums and historic sites, such as the State Capitol and the National Civil War Museum. The median rent for Harrisburg clocks in at $1,044 per month, comparable to other Pennsylvanian cities. If you want an enriching place to raise a family, you won’t find many places better than Harrisburg.
5. Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 5
- Population change: D
- Price: B
- Store: D
- School: C
- Healthcare: D
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: D
Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton is a charming and historic city that’s often called the “Electric City.” The city is home to many museums and cultural events, such as the Scranton Fringe Festival and the Steamtown National Historic Site. And with a low cost of living and a strong local economy, Scranton is a great option for those who want to live in a small city with big opportunities. The quaint city of Scranton doesn’t get as fanfare as the state’s bigger cities, which makes for better prices. The median rent is $850 per month. A vibrant college culture surrounds the city’s five colleges, making it an excellent professional choice for education workers. The town presents unique sights like the historic Steamtown locomotives or The Office walking tour inspired by the television show.
6. Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 6
- Population change: B
- Price: D
- Store: B
- School: D
- Healthcare: C
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: B
Located in the Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a vibrant and growing city with a rich history and culture. The city is home to many museums and arts organizations, such as the Allentown Art Museum and the Civic Theatre of Allentown. And with a strong local economy and easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, Allentown is a great place for young professionals and families. Allentown, known as the hiding place of the Liberty Bell in the Revolutionary War, is the third-largest major city in Pennsylvania. This city also features Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, an exciting combination of an amusement and a water park. Due to Allentown’s popularity, rent is more expensive, with an average rent of $1,265, but the excellent restaurants and stores make the cost worthwhile.
7. Reading, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 7
- Population change: A
- Price: A
- Store: F
- School: F
- Healthcare: F
- Entertainment: F
- Restaurant: F
Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Reading is a historic city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to many museums and theaters, such as the Reading Public Museum and the Santander Performing Arts Center. And with a low cost of living and a strong local economy, Reading is a great option for those who want to live in a small city with big opportunities. Reading is the perfect city for those who like a slower-paced living environment. Prices are pretty affordable, with the median rent at $850 monthly. Lower prices come with marked inferiority in amenities and attractions like schools, stores, and entertainment. However, its location on the outskirts of Philadelphia means residents of Reading enjoy what it offers without feeling the rush of the big city.
8. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 8
- Population change: D
- Price: F
- Store: C
- School: B
- Healthcare: B
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: B
Nestled in the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is a picturesque city with a rich history and culture. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, such as the historic Moravian settlement and the Bethlehem Steel stacks. Bethlehem is also a great place for music lovers, with many outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year. And with a strong local economy and low cost of living, Bethlehem is a great place to start a business or raise a family. Known as Christmas City, the historic city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is full of festivals and fun for all ages. Its seasonal popularity makes it a pricey choice, with the median rent hanging around $1,695 per month. The city is worth the price tag if you can afford the rent. The tourism trade ensures a higher quality of shopping, food, and entertainment infused with cultural traditions.
9. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 9
- Population change: F
- Price: C
- Store: D
- School: D
- Healthcare: C
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: D
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Lancaster is a charming and historic city with a thriving arts scene. The city is known for its beautifully preserved architecture, such as the Fulton Theatre and the Central Market, as well as its vibrant arts community. Lancaster is also a great place for foodies, with a wide variety of farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries. The greatest draw to Lancaster is its surrounding Amish community. There are few things more conducive to a quiet and pastoral life. Prices are fairly average for Pennsylvania, with median rent at $1,047 per month. A downside to Lancaster is its population instability, but it makes up for that with decent healthcare and entertainment. All in all, Lancaster is a good place to live, work, and raise a family.
10. Levittown, Pennsylvania
- Overall rank: 10
- Population change: A
- Price: F
- Store: F
- School: F
- Healthcare: F
- Entertainment: F
- Restaurant: F
Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Levittown is a growing and family-friendly community that’s often ranked among the best places to live in the state. The city is known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, and affordable cost of living. And with easy access to major cities like Philadelphia and Trenton, Levittown is a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of small-town living without sacrificing big-city amenities. Levittown is one of the largest suburbs outside of Philadelphia that boasts a small-town feel. The suburb houses numerous neighborhoods with a stable population, but the median rent is high at $1,495 per month. Levittown needs to catch up on the quality of its features, but its proximity to the city means a visit to the metropolis is an easy way to spend an afternoon of shopping.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in Pennsylvania varies depending on the city, but overall, the state is known for being relatively affordable. Housing costs are generally lower than the national average, and utilities, transportation, and healthcare are also typically less expensive than in other parts of the country.
Pennsylvania is known for its strong healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors. Other top industries include finance, tourism, and agriculture.
Pennsylvania is home to many popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Hersheypark in Hershey, and the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg.
Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of cities, from bustling metropolises to quiet small towns, that offer something for everyone. The state is also known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, affordable cost of living, and rich history and culture.
Overall, Pennsylvania is a great place to live, with a diverse range of cities that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis or a quiet small town, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home in the Keystone State. So why not start your search today and discover all that Pennsylvania has to offer?
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