Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania in 2026

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Rankings: 10 Best Places in Pennsylvania

State College, PA

How do you rate State College?

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 dri...

79/100

Safety Score

Why is State College safe?

Personal Safety : 70

Personal Safety: 70/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

30.23%

Robbery

50%

Aggravated Assault

48.72%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 73

Property Safety: 73/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

21.43%

Larceny

455

13.47%

Motor Vehicle Theft

81.82%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 100

Community Safety: 100/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in State College

$480,500

Median Home Rent

$1,760

Homes for Sale in State College Link

(View 328 homes)

Bethlehem, PA

How do you rate Bethlehem?

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 educat...

52/100

Safety Score

Why is Bethlehem safe?

Personal Safety : 65

Personal Safety: 65/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

11.76%

Robbery

30.43%

Aggravated Assault

17.76%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 47

Property Safety: 47/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

8.96%

Larceny

822

11.9%

Motor Vehicle Theft

15.52%

Arson

42.86%

Theft From Building

147

10.91%

Community Safety : 23

Community Safety: 23/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,111

3.73%

Stolen Property Offenses

73.33%

Vandalism

377

3.86%

Weapon Law Violations

12.9%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

476

10.44%

Home Prices in Bethlehem

$425,000

Median Home Rent

$1,875

Homes for Sale in Bethlehem Link

(View 406 homes)

Lancaster, PA

How do you rate Lancaster?

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...

46/100

Safety Score

Why is Lancaster safe?

Personal Safety : 59

Personal Safety: 59/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

10.53%

Robbery

25%

Aggravated Assault

175

23.25%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 38

Property Safety: 38/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

6.56%

Larceny

668

1.62%

Motor Vehicle Theft

20.65%

Arson

250%

Theft From Building

47.9%

Community Safety : 11

Community Safety: 11/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

649

10.75%

Stolen Property Offenses

14.71%

Vandalism

322

5.92%

Weapon Law Violations

8.45%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

459

13.9%

Home Prices in Lancaster

$345,000

Median Home Rent

$1,500

Homes for Sale in Lancaster Link

(View 2,385 homes)

Allentown, PA

How do you rate Allentown?

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 cap...

42/100

Safety Score

Why is Allentown safe?

Personal Safety : 47

Personal Safety: 47/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

25%

Rape

45.45%

Robbery

19.44%

Aggravated Assault

176

23.81%

Kidnapping / Abduction

40%

Property Safety : 45

Property Safety: 45/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

121

20.92%

Larceny

1,339

14.88%

Motor Vehicle Theft

184

25.2%

Arson

45.45%

Theft From Building

387

17.63%

Community Safety : 22

Community Safety: 22/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

951

41.94%

Stolen Property Offenses

70.37%

Vandalism

709

20.78%

Weapon Law Violations

131

3.97%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

685

1.63%

Home Prices in Allentown

$305,000

Median Home Rent

$1,650

Homes for Sale in Allentown Link

(View 563 homes)

Philadelphia, PA

How do you rate Philadelphia?

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 ameni...

16/100

Safety Score

Why is Philadelphia safe?

Personal Safety : 21

Personal Safety: 21/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

205

22.93%

Rape

615

18%

Robbery

3,444

19.1%

Aggravated Assault

8,232

7.72%

Kidnapping / Abduction

17.5%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

4,544

8.52%

Larceny

46,003

8.24%

Motor Vehicle Theft

15,882

1.53%

Arson

572

20.99%

Theft From Building

2,631

7.16%

Community Safety : 28

Community Safety: 28/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

14,642

0.75%

Stolen Property Offenses

224

15.79%

Vandalism

22,292

12.11%

Weapon Law Violations

5,645

17.28%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

2,930

12.25%

Home Prices in Philadelphia

$280,000

Median Home Rent

$1,600

Homes for Sale in Philadelphia Link

(View 11,589 homes)

Harrisburg, PA

How do you rate Harrisburg?

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 outdoo...

13/100

Safety Score

Why is Harrisburg safe?

Personal Safety : 8

Personal Safety: 8/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

33.33%

Rape

10.34%

Robbery

109

32.93%

Aggravated Assault

158

39.23%

Kidnapping / Abduction

150%

Property Safety : 11

Property Safety: 11/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

131

21.56%

Larceny

563

4.25%

Motor Vehicle Theft

146

39.92%

Arson

133.33%

Theft From Building

31.51%

Community Safety : 4

Community Safety: 4/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

439

12.28%

Stolen Property Offenses

10.91%

Vandalism

456

30.7%

Weapon Law Violations

130

14.47%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

613

9.86%

Home Prices in Harrisburg

$274,900

Median Home Rent

$1,375

Homes for Sale in Harrisburg Link

(View 1,117 homes)

Pittsburgh, PA

How do you rate Pittsburgh?

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...

5/100

Safety Score

Why is Pittsburgh safe?

Personal Safety : 4

Personal Safety: 4/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

21.05%

Rape

171

Robbery

395

1.99%

Aggravated Assault

853

11.07%

Kidnapping / Abduction

107

50.7%

Property Safety : 4

Property Safety: 4/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

675

8.66%

Larceny

5,415

0.44%

Motor Vehicle Theft

939

13.93%

Arson

6.76%

Theft From Building

1,174

17.9%

Community Safety : 9

Community Safety: 9/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

2,482

2.65%

Stolen Property Offenses

276

4.15%

Vandalism

2,435

9.04%

Weapon Law Violations

487

19.36%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

1,274

38.48%

Home Prices in Pittsburgh

$240,000

Median Home Rent

$1,525

Homes for Sale in Pittsburgh Link

(View 2,171 homes)

Scranton, PA

How do you rate Scranton?

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...

51/100

Safety Score

Why is Scranton safe?

Personal Safety : 56

Personal Safety: 56/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

85.71%

Rape

6.85%

Robbery

8.33%

Aggravated Assault

126

11.5%

Kidnapping / Abduction

50%

Property Safety : 58

Property Safety: 58/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

130

10.96%

Larceny

693

11.61%

Motor Vehicle Theft

12.12%

Arson

46.15%

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 25

Community Safety: 25/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

543

14.76%

Stolen Property Offenses

44.64%

Vandalism

373

11.4%

Weapon Law Violations

46.94%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

413

48.7%

Home Prices in Scranton

$226,000

Median Home Rent

$1,350

Homes for Sale in Scranton Link

(View 41 homes)

Reading, PA

How do you rate Reading?

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 bik...

39/100

Safety Score

Why is Reading safe?

Personal Safety : 36

Personal Safety: 36/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

57.14%

Rape

58.82%

Robbery

18.37%

Aggravated Assault

151

21.35%

Kidnapping / Abduction

20%

Property Safety : 53

Property Safety: 53/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

206

9.65%

Larceny

862

9.45%

Motor Vehicle Theft

200

10.31%

Arson

58.33%

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 24

Community Safety: 24/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,140

4.3%

Stolen Property Offenses

10.71%

Vandalism

677

14.41%

Weapon Law Violations

7.53%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

341

4.21%

Home Prices in Reading

$185,000

Median Home Rent

$1,400

Homes for Sale in Reading Link

(View 1,045 homes)

#10

Erie, PA

How do you rate Erie?

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 Insuran...

28/100

Safety Score

Why is Erie safe?

Personal Safety : 39

Personal Safety: 39/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

20%

Rape

2.56%

Robbery

34.92%

Aggravated Assault

205

15.29%

Kidnapping / Abduction

200%

Property Safety : 21

Property Safety: 21/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

159

12.64%

Larceny

1,590

3.52%

Motor Vehicle Theft

106

1.85%

Arson

10%

Theft From Building

133

7.26%

Community Safety : 6

Community Safety: 6/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,068

1.75%

Stolen Property Offenses

105%

Vandalism

712

14.11%

Weapon Law Violations

161

35.29%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

461

10.02%

Home Prices in Erie

$153,500

Median Home Rent

$1,098

Homes for Sale in Erie Link

(View 11 homes)

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Pennsylvania

Top 3 Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

Top 3 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania for Families

Top 3 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania for Young Adults

Best Affordable Places to Live in Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for Pennsylvania cities that offer lower home prices and a manageable cost of living, these communities are a great place to begin. They provide steady access to jobs, everyday essentials, and housing options that work for a variety of budgets. For more choices, explore our complete list of the most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania.

City	Median Home Price	Median Rent	Cost of Living Vs. State Avg.	Affordability Score
Altoona	$125,000	$950	11% lower	8.3/10
Johnstown	$58,500	$850	3% lower	8.2/10
Williamsport	$174,900	$2,500	3% higher	7.4/10
Reading	$194,500	$1,400	6% higher	5.9/10
Lancaster	$280,000	$1,499	2% higher	4.9/10

Safest Places to Live in Pennsylvania

Safety is a major priority for people relocating within Pennsylvania. These cities rank among the safest in the state, based on the latest FBI crime data, reporting lower rates of both violent and property crime compared to the state average. You can find the full rankings in our guide to the safest places to live in Pennsylvania.

East Marlborough

99/100

Score

Safest Safest

Swarthmore

99/100

Score

Safest Safest

Buckingham

98/100

Score

Safest Safest

State College

79/100

Score

Safest Safest

Shaler Township

78/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pennsylvania a good place to live?

Yes. Pennsylvania offers a high quality of life with affordable housing, diverse job opportunities, and a balance of vibrant cities and peaceful suburbs. Key industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. The state’s median household income is around $67,000, with living costs below the national average, making it accessible for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

What are the major cities in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia offers a fast-paced lifestyle with strong job opportunities and rich culture, while Pittsburgh is more affordable with a growing tech scene and vibrant arts. Allentown and Bethlehem blend historic charm with job access, and Harrisburg adds government roles with a walkable downtown. Lancaster and Reading provide lower costs and a small-town feel, while Erie stands out for lakeside living and a steady, industry-driven economy.

Is it expensive to live in Pennsylvania?

No. Cities like Erie and Lancaster have median home values around $170,000 to $197,000, below the national median (~$420,000), while larger metros like Philadelphia are pricier but competitive with other major US cities.

What are the benefits of living in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania residents enjoy affordable housing, quality schools, outdoor recreation opportunities, and strong employment in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance. Cultural events and historic sites enhance quality of life across the state.

Is Pennsylvania a good place to retire?

Yes. With low living costs, high-quality healthcare, and tax exemptions on retirement income, communities like Erie, Lancaster, and Mechanicsburg are ideal retirement options.

What are the best places to raise a family in Pennsylvania?

Mechanicsburg and West Chester stand out for their safe neighborhoods, top-performing schools, parks, and other family-friendly amenities. Bethlehem has cultural attractions and community activities, offering a well-rounded environment to raise children.

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Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.