Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania

While often known as a college town, State College offers a high quality of life that appeals to more than just students. It features safe neighborhoods and top-rated public schools. The presence of a major research university drives a stable economy and a constant stream of cultural events. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it perfect for those who love hiking and the outdoors.

Lancaster was founded in the 1720s and is one of the oldest inland cities in the country. It is famous for its rich history and its massive Amish community. The economy stays strong thanks to healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Residents love the historic Central Market, which has been running since the 1730s. It offers a low cost of living and easy access to major East Coast hubs.

Bethlehem is a charming city in the Lehigh Valley famous for its colonial and industrial history. It is nicknamed "Christmas City" for its 1741 founding and its festive holiday markets. The economy is well-rounded, spanning education, advanced manufacturing, and arts. With walkable historic districts and a lively culture anchored by Lehigh University, it is an inviting place to call home.

Allentown is a hub for industry and growth in the Lehigh Valley. The city has undergone a major revitalization and offers a diverse economy focused on logistics and healthcare. One of its best perks is having more parkland per capita than most cities its size. With a competitive cost of living and a modern downtown, it provides a highly livable environment for families and professionals.

The state capital sits right along the Susquehanna River. Its economy is anchored by stable government jobs, retail, and healthcare. Harrisburg offers a welcoming, small-city atmosphere with affordable housing and plenty of outdoor recreation. It is an excellent spot for anyone looking for economic stability and a central location that makes traveling to other major cities easy.

Philly is the largest city in the state and acts as a massive economic engine. It is the site of the nation’s first hospital and library. Today, it thrives in sectors like education, healthcare, and finance. You get big-city amenities and Fortune 500 job opportunities without the massive price tag of NYC or Boston. It is a city of diverse neighborhoods with a legendary food and arts scene.

Once the "Steel City," Pittsburgh is now a leader in robotics, tech, and healthcare. It is home to prestigious universities like Carnegie Mellon and the massive UPMC health system. Known as the "City of Bridges," the city features 446 bridges and beautiful riverfront access. It combines urban innovation with green spaces, offering a high quality of life and very affordable housing.

Reading is known for its vibrant Hispanic and Latino community and a strong manufacturing base. It is incredibly affordable and a dream for outdoor lovers. The city has earned international status for its 125 miles of mountain biking trails. Families often look to the nearby suburbs of Wyomissing and Exeter for their schools while enjoying an easy commute via Route 422.

Scranton is a mid-sized city with a proud industrial heritage and a suburban feel. It was a pioneer in urban electrification, earning it the nickname "Electric City." Today, the workforce is largely professional and administrative. Its low operating costs attract financial firms, while residents enjoy one of the lowest costs of living and home values in the entire state.

Erie is known as the "Flagship City" because of its location on the Great Lakes. It offers a lakeside lifestyle with beaches, boating, and fishing at Presque Isle State Park. The economy is supported by healthcare and Erie Insurance, a Fortune 500 company. With median home values often under $200,000, it stands out as one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the United States.