Thinking about moving to Pennsylvania in 2025? You are not alone—over 237,000 people relocated here in 2024. The state boasts a robust economy, powered by Fortune 500 giants like Comcast, Hershey, and U.S. Steel.
Additionally, Pennsylvania plans to add more than 368,000 jobs across diverse industries by 2030. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, this guide is packed with practical advice to make your relocation to Pennsylvania smooth, smart, and stress-free.
👉 Pennsylvania Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in PA today!
AT A GLANCE:
- The state has a $1 trillion economy and 23 Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast and Hershey.
- By 2030, PA plans to add over 368,000 new jobs in tech, healthcare, logistics, and more.
- It ranks 5th in the U.S. for public education and is home to schools like Penn State and Carnegie Mellon.
- Housing is about 10% more affordable than the national average, with a median home price of around $282K.
- You’ll get all four seasons—snow in winter, warm, humid summers, and 179 sunny days a year.
4 Reasons to Move to Pennsylvania
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Pennsylvania, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Robust Economy
Home to 23 Fortune 500 companies, Pennsylvania is the 6th largest economy in the country. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh serve as economic hubs. Major employers in the state include Comcast, PNC Financial, UPMC, AmerisourceBergen, and Hershey.
Additionally, the state supports businesses with tax incentives like Keystone Opportunity Zones, R&D credits, and low-interest financing. Plus, its prime East Coast location and competitive costs make it a smart base for business growth.
2. Education and Schools
Pennsylvania ranked 5th for public education nationwide. The state serves over 1.7 million students across 500 school districts. Top school districts include Tredyffrin-Easttown and Lower Merion, known for strong programs in arts and STEM.
For higher education, the state is home to several world-renowned institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, and Penn State University. Additionally, state-funded programs like PA State Grant and FosterEd make education more accessible.
3. Affordable Housing
Housing in Pennsylvania is around 10% cheaper than the country average. This is way more affordable as compared to New York and California, where housing is 30% and 59% more expensive than the U.S. average.
The median housing price in Pennsylvania is around $282K. Cities like Bradford and Pottsville offer family-friendly communities, urban amenities, and short commutes, all with housing costs well below national averages.
4. Climate in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a mild climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. The average temperature in summer ranges between 66°F to 90°F, while in winter it is 9°F to 40°F, depending on your location. On average, the state gets about 179 sunny days a year.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Pennsylvania
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to PA:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Housing is 10% cheaper than the national average. | 1. Pennsylvania levies a 1.19% property tax, which is higher than most states in the country. |
| 2. The state has plenty of job opportunities, especially in healthcare, tech, and education. | 2. Local income tax systems can be confusing, especially for newcomers. |
| 3. You get all four seasons with snow in winters, and warm, humid summers. | 3. Big cities have a smog issue. Air quality in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia is often not good. |
| 4. Healthcare in the state is way cheaper than in other states. | 4. Transportation outside of big cities is not easily available. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Pennsylvania ✅
Before entering the Pennsylvania housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: After relocating to Pennsylvania, you have to register your vehicle and obtain a driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency.
- Firearm Carrying Laws: The state allows open carry without a permit, except in cities like Philadelphia. Concealed carry requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF), which is easy to obtain.
- Laws for Pet Owners: Dogs and cats over 3 months old must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed every year. Other common pets like ferrets and birds usually don’t need any special permits.
- Moving Truck Rules: If you’re moving to a city like Philadelphia, you may need a permit to park a moving truck. In some neighborhoods, temporary ‘No Parking’ signs are required to reserve a spot for loading and unloading.
- Snow Removal Laws: In most towns, homeowners and renters are legally responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall. Failing to do so may result in fines or liability if someone slips and gets injured.
Cost of Living in Pennsylvania 💲
The average cost of living in Pennsylvania is 2% below the national average, meaning you pay less for your daily expenses, like healthcare and transportation. This simply means you have more disposable income to save and spend on your lifestyle.
Additionally, the housing is 10% cheaper than the national average, which makes it one of the most preferred states for people trying to relocate on a budget.
How to Move to Pennsylvania?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Pennsylvania seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re going all-in with professional movers, you can expect to pay around $129 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity and Gas: The state has deregulated electricity and gas services. You can compare and choose your electricity and natural gas suppliers. Major energy providers in the state include PECO, PPL Electric, and Duquesne Light.
- Water & Sewer: Water services are typically managed at the municipal level. Visit your city’s official website to find your local provider and request activation or transfer of service.
- Internet and Cable: Popular internet providers in Pennsylvania include Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Windstream. The availability of the service depends on your location.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 for the first grade. You’ll need proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and a registration form for enrollment.
- For Older Students: In addition to the above, you may also need transcripts from the previous school, standardized test scores, and possibly placement tests.
- Transfer & Special Cases: If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or comes from a different state, contact the district’s special education department early to ensure a smooth transition.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you are someone who works remotely, contact your employers for state-specific tax and employment rules. Pennsylvania has local income taxes in many municipalities.
- Find a New Job: Pennsylvania has a growing job market in sectors like healthcare, education, logistics, and technology. Use local job boards like PA CareerLink or national sites like Indeed and LinkedIn to find a local job opportunity.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown, the average rent ranges from $450 – $21,000[2], depending on the neighborhoods and nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a city, on average, homes for sale in Philadelphia cost around $233K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Williamsport and Altoona offer affordable options with median housing costs of $203K[2] and $138K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Pennsylvania?
Yes, you should definitely move to Pennsylvania. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Pennsylvania isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Pennsylvania’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Pennsylvania is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Pennsylvania, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Pennsylvania
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Pennsylvania, long before the moving boxes are packed.
