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Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a rare blend of Revolutionary history and modern tech. With a median home price of which is much lower than the national average, it is an affordable powerhouse. Whether you are eyeing Philly’s healthcare scene, top-tier schools for the kids, or a tax-free retirement on your pension, the Keystone State delivers. Here are the top places to build your future.

Last updated July 17, 2026

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$ 0

Median Home Price

Safety Score

$ 0

Median Home Rent

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Live MLS Data — Niche & U.S. News update once a year. We update daily.1,653,391 active homes tracked15 crimes/city, raw FBI data

Data Sources

MLS Houzeo FBI FBI Uniform Crime Reporting CENS U.S. Census Bureau BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics

Rankings

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Rankings: 10 Best Places in Pennsylvania

Lancaster, PA

Rate Lancaster

4.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Lancaster stands out as one of the oldest inland municipalities in the United States, tracing its roots back to the early colonial era. The city is famous for its deeply rooted heritage and its large, traditional Amish community. ...

46/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$364,950

Median Home Rent

$1,500

State College, PA

Rate State College

4.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

State College serves as a prime example of a community that appeals far beyond its traditional identity as a prominent university town. The area features peaceful, highly secure neighborhoods alongside public schools that regularl...

79/100

Safety Score

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

Median Home Price

$480,500

Median Home Rent

$1,760

Philadelphia, PA

Rate Philadelphia

5.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Philly functions as the largest urban center in the state and serves as a massive regional economic engine. The city proudly holds the distinction of hosting the first hospital and public library in the nation. Today, the metropol...

16/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$280,000

Median Home Rent

$1,600

Allentown, PA

Rate Allentown

3.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Allentown serves as a critical engine for industrial logistics and commercial growth within the Lehigh Valley. Major downtown revitalization efforts have created a diverse job market centered around modern healthcare networks and ...

42/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$298,050

Median Home Rent

$1,650

Harrisburg, PA

Rate Harrisburg

4.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Harrisburg sits gracefully along the banks of the Susquehanna River, offering a welcoming, small-city atmosphere backed by stable employment. The local economy is grounded by state government operations, regional retail centers, a...

13/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$268,000

Median Home Rent

$1,375

Pittsburgh, PA

Rate Pittsburgh

5.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Pittsburgh has successfully transformed its legacy as an industrial steel hub to become a global leader in robotics, software technology, and clinical medicine. The city is anchored by prestigious academic institutions like Carneg...

5/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$240,000

Median Home Rent

$1,525

Scranton, PA

Rate Scranton

3.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Scranton is a mid-sized city that pairs a proud industrial heritage with a comfortable, suburban atmosphere. Historically nicknamed the Electric City due to its early introduction of electric streetcars, the town now supports a mo...

51/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$226,000

Median Home Rent

$1,350

Reading, PA

Rate Reading

3.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Reading is characterized by its rich cultural diversity, vibrant community spirit, and a highly resilient manufacturing base. The city is exceptionally affordable and serves as a premier destination for outdoor sports lovers, earn...

39/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$185,000

Median Home Rent

$1,400

Erie, PA

Rate Erie

3.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Erie is proudly nicknamed the Flagship City due to its strategic position on the Great Lakes. The community offers a classic lakeside lifestyle defined by the sandy beaches, competitive boating, and excellent fishing found at Pres...

28/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$153,500

Median Home Rent

$1,098

#10

Bethlehem, PA

Rate Bethlehem

4.0/5

1 Review

Job Market

100%

Commute

100%

Good Schools

100%

Affordability

100%

Public Transit

100%

Future Growth

100%

Bethlehem is a captivating city located in the Lehigh Valley that is widely celebrated for its colonial heritage and industrial legacy. The community proudly carries the nickname of Christmas City due to its historic wintertime fo...

52/100

Safety Score

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%

Median Home Price

$377,500

Median Home Rent

$1,875

Explore the Best Neighborhoods of Cities in Pennsylvania

Top 3 Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

People retiring in Pennsylvania tend to look for the same things: reasonable living costs, strong healthcare options, and a sense of history woven into everyday life. The state delivers on all three, with respected medical centers, four full seasons that stay mild in certain regions, and cultural traditions that trace back to the earliest days of the country. Whether your idea of retirement involves a small town, a spot along the water, or a neighborhood full of galleries and live music, the following cities are worth a close look.

Harrisburg - Harrisburg draws retirees for its riverfront setting, walkable streets, and dependable healthcare. UPMC and Penn State Health both serve the area with quality senior care, and the Greenbelt Trail gives residents an easy way to stay active alongside regular community gatherings. Many retirees also point to the manageable cost of living and the convenience of getting around, whether by car or by Amtrak. For anyone hoping to downsize without giving up comfort, Harrisburg tend to offer that balance.
Lancaster - Lancaster has long been a favorite among retirees who want small-town warmth without sacrificing culture. The city pairs a lively arts scene with quiet countryside just minutes away. Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health provides solid care for seniors, and local centers run programs designed to keep people engaged well into retirement. Housing here tends to sit in calm, suburban pockets, which suits people looking for a slower pace of life.
Allentown - Allentown attracts retirees who want affordability alongside good healthcare and plenty of time outdoors. The Lehigh Valley Health Network is a reliable presence for senior care, and the city keeps residents busy with community programs and seasonal festivals throughout the year. Its park system is a real draw too, with Trexler Park and the Allentown Rose Garden offering peaceful places to spend an afternoon. Homes here are generally easy to maintain, which appeals to people entering a new chapter of life.

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
Bradford	$70,170	$950	16% lower	8.4/10
Altoona	$125,000	$950	11% lower	8.3/10
Johnstown	$58,500	$850	3% lower	8.2/10
Pottsville	$143,800	$1,200	16% lower	7.9/10
Oil City	$182,320	$900	2% lower	7.7/10

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.

Levittown

100/100

Score

Safest Safest

Macungie

99/100

Score

Safest Safest

Bellefonte

99/100

Score

Safest Safest

Malvern

98/100

Score

Safest Safest

Lititz

97/100

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 below the national median, 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.

What should first-time buyers know before purchasing a home in Pennsylvania?

Understanding how to buy a house in Pennsylvania matters because the market shifts quite a bit depending on where you look. Working with a local agent who knows the area well can make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming for someone buying their first home.

Transparent & data-driven

How we ranked these cities

Each city is scored against the state average on five weighted factors, normalized to control for regional cost differences and market size. Home prices, rents, and inventory come straight from Houzeo's live MLS feed; everything else is sourced from verified government datasets.

Scoring weights

Affordability30%
Median home price, price per sq ft & rent relative to local incomes vs. the state average.
Safety & crime25%
Violent and property crime rates per capita from FBI reporting vs. the state average.
Jobs & income20%
Median household income, employment levels & job stability vs. the state average.
Housing & inventory15%
Active listings, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.
Lifestyle & amenities10%
Schools, walkability, commute times & access to everyday amenities — the tiebreaker.

Read the full ranking methodology

Our data sources

MLSHouzeoUpdated dailyMedian prices, rents & active inventory FBIFBI Uniform Crime ReportingUpdated 2025Violent, property & community crime counts CENSU.S. Census BureauUpdated 2025Income, demographics & cost of living BLSBureau of Labor StatisticsUpdated 2025Employment levels & job stability

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.