When you’re planning on transferring to Pennsylvania, add these cities to your record.
Pennsylvania is a splendidly numerous state, house to historical past, pure splendor, and thriving business. Referred to as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has lengthy been formed by its central position in U.S. historical past, business, and coverage. The metal and coal industries have been significantly vital to the state’s economic system and tradition, and manufacturing stays foundational to its identification.
Pennsylvania has six distinct geographic areas, together with plains, mountains, valleys, and plateaus, every with their very own distinctive cultures and histories. The state is pretty delicate and sees between 34 and 52 inches of precipitation yearly. Snow is frequent each winter, although a majority falls close to Lake Erie and within the Appalachian Mountains. Nor’easters, thunderstorms, and tropical storms could cause flooding close to rivers.
Largely due to their affordability, many main cities in Pennsylvania have seen a latest surge in home costs and inhabitants development, as folks spring to purchase properties they will afford. Curiosity has solely grown as nationwide housing prices proceed to rise, resulting in a statewide scarcity of properties. This, together with a concerted effort to modernize the state’s economic system, has turned some former Rust Belt cities, like Pittsburgh, into energetic hubs of neighborhood and innovation. However, which cities are one of the best?
On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to stay in Pennsylvania, rating them on qualities reminiscent of affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
1. Pittsburgh, PA
Inhabitants:
303,255
Median Sale Worth:
$245,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,599
Common Commute Time:
24.2 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
3.4%
Overlook what you’ve heard: Pittsburgh, the enduring “Steel City,” has utterly reworked over the previous few many years. What was as soon as a metropolis caught in a post-industrial previous has reworked right into a thriving heart of know-how, drugs, and innovation, all whereas holding on to its blue-collar spirit. And it’s not performed rising, with a lately permitted $600 million plan to revitalize its downtown underway.
Dwelling in Pittsburgh is a deal with. Historical past, pure splendor, and stylish retailers collide with rusty remnants of the town’s previous, making a metropolis that feels alive. Well-known sights just like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Strip District’s Markets, and Duquesne Incline (one of many final inclines within the nation) are must-sees. Inexperienced area is considerable and enjoyable to discover, like at Level State Park or the Three Rivers Heritage Path. You will get round simply by gentle rail.
Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain is outlined by three rivers – the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio – creating dramatic views and distinctive neighborhoods related by a whopping 446 bridges. The Three Sisters Bridges are in all probability essentially the most well-known, all named after native legends. One of many three, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, turns into a pedestrian-only walkway on Pirates (MLB) sport days. Unsurprisingly, sports activities are integral to locals. Together with the Pirates, The Steelers (NFL), Penguins (NHL), and Pitt Panthers draw tens of 1000’s to each sport.
A small, reasonably priced, walkable metropolis with the facilities of a serious metropolis, plus loads of character, make Pittsburgh one of the best place to stay in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh properties on the market | PIttsburgh homes for hire | Pittsburgh flats for hire
2. Philadelphia, PA
Inhabitants:
1.55 million
Median Sale Worth:
$250,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,901
Common Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
5.4%
As Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis and one of many nation’s most historic, Philadelphia combines East Coast power with a down-to-earth vibe. Based in 1682, the town is very well-known for its many firsts: the primary library, hospital, college, artwork museum, zoo, and extra. Different landmarks embody Independence Corridor, the Liberty Bell, and Philadelphia Museum of Artwork. Whereas it’s outdated, it’s at all times evolving and stays one of many nation’s premier cities.
You’ll by no means tire of exploring Philly. You may simply see the outdated and densely packed buildings of Rittenhouse Sq. and peruse hip retailers in Fishtown in an hour. When you have extra time, watch the town’s streets and row homes give technique to fashionable skyscrapers in Heart Metropolis and Fairmount, the place you’ll discover museums, parks, and the expansive Schuylkill River Path – excellent for biking and working. Philadelphia is definitely fairly compact, with dozens of neighborhoods that every have a novel vibe. Getting round is made straightforward by way of strong subway and bus programs (SEPTA).
Philadelphia’s tradition units it aside from most different cities. The humanities are common, headlined by the traditional Walnut Avenue Theatre and loads of arts faculties, and music is woven into the town’s bones. Immigrants have performed a vital position within the arts for the reason that metropolis’s founding.
In fact, you may’t miss the meals. Cheesesteaks reign supreme – attempt Pat’s, Geno’s, or one of many numerous neighborhood spots – however they’re solely the start. Choices additionally embody roast pork sandwiches, tender pretzels, water ice, and a rising roster of worldwide eateries, craft breweries, and famend BYOB eating places.
Philadelphia properties on the market | Philadelphia homes for hire | Philadelphia flats for hire
3. Erie, PA
Inhabitants:
92,957
Median Sale Worth:
$127,500
Median Lease Worth:
$1,100
Common Commute Time:
18 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.8%
One of many snowiest cities within the nation, Erie is Pennsylvania’s lakeside hub. It was nicknamed “Gem City” for its pristine pure harbor, which nonetheless boasts a thriving maritime business. Residents love Erie’s mid-sized really feel; not too large to create site visitors or really feel claustrophobic, however with loads of facilities all through its historic streets.
Pesque Isle State Park is a must-see, whereas the Erie Maritime Museum particulars the area’s intertwined historical past with the lake. Lake transport, metalworking, and manufacturing had been important industries that helped develop Erie into the town it’s immediately. Its skyline nonetheless displays its industrial previous but additionally seems to be ahead, just like the 120-year outdated Mercantile Constructing turning right into a slick workplace area.
There are a number of downsides, although. Winters might be lengthy and snowy, with particularly heavy snow throughout lake-effect storms. Homes additionally run on the older aspect, and nightlife is restricted and would require a automotive to get to. On the brilliant aspect, commerce jobs are considerable, there are many reasonably priced sporting occasions, and the town continues to develop. Catch the Erie Otters play Minor League Hockey on the Erie Insurance coverage Enviornment, or watch the Erie Seawolves play Minor League ball.
Erie properties on the market | Erie homes for hire | Erie flats for hire
4. Scranton, PA
Inhabitants:
75,805
Median Sale Worth:
$195,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,480
Common Commute Time:
20 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
2.9%
A Nineteenth-century industrial mecca, Scranton immediately is healthier identified for its close-knit neighborhood, affordability, and old-town really feel. The promise of jobs drew 1000’s of immigrants to the realm to mine anthracite coal and iron and work on railroads and in textile mills – a hard-working angle that’s celebrated immediately. You may be taught extra concerning the area’s mining historical past on the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum or the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
Scranton is a small metropolis that punches above its weight. Boutiques, galleries, eating places, and retailers fill the compact downtown core, often in brick or stone buildings. Cracked roads and run-down buildings are a reasonably frequent sight, however the metropolis is at all times underneath enchancment.
Nature-wise, Scranton is top-notch. Nay Aug Park options waterfalls, climbing trails, and a treehouse, whereas McDade Park has trails, an arboretum, and a pool. You’re additionally nestled between mountains on both aspect, offering nice views and climbing spots year-round. Montage Mountain Resorts even has snowboarding within the winter.
If you must select one factor to do, although, it ought to be to take the Pizza Path. Scranton has distinctive pizza of all types, highlighted by the well-known “Old Forge Pizza” type, which is served in cuts slightly than slices. Alfredo’s, Mama Mia’s, and Sabellini’s are prime locations to expertise one of the best pizza on the town, however locals may have a favourite spot.
Scranton properties on the market | Scranton homes for hire | Scranton flats for hire
5. Allentown, PA
Inhabitants:
124,880
Median Sale Worth:
$230,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,484
Common Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
6.4%
Allentown was based in 1762 and hasn’t skipped a beat since. It’s particularly well-known for its position in early American historical past, which you’ll be able to study on the Liberty Bell Museum, however has a lot extra to brag about, too. The outside are at all times shut by within the Blue Mountains, which presents ski resorts and loads of trails. You may as well cheer on the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park, or take a fast jaunt to Philadelphia and NYC for big-city enjoyable. Museums and historic landmarks are different professionals, just like the well-known Zion’s United Church of Christ.
All through city, you’ll discover every part from century-old industrial buildings and historic homes, to fashionable bars and eating places. Allentown reveals its age in some deserted warehouses and outdated buildings, however a number of have become artists’ lofts and stylish retailers. In reality, the town has undergone a serious revamp over the previous decade, and its downtown continues to develop. But when chains and mall procuring are extra your type, head north on MacArthur Street for every part you possibly can need.
Allentown is the third-biggest metropolis in Pennsylvania and the biggest of three interconnected cities within the Lehigh Valley, the opposite two being Bethlehem and Easton. The area is stuffed with pure magnificence and was pivotal in growing America’s early business, particularly as soon as the Lehigh Canal was inbuilt 1829, which you’ll be able to tour immediately. The area sees chilly winters and heat, humid summers.
Allentown properties on the market | Allentown homes for hire | Allentown flats for hire
6. Harrisburg, PA
Inhabitants:
50,012
Median Sale Worth:
$190,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,207
Common Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
5.7%
The state capital, Harrisburg is a quaint and historic metropolis within the coronary heart of Pennsylvania. It has an interesting mixture of small-town attraction and fashionable facilities, all at an reasonably priced worth. Schools, historic theaters, fashionable skyscrapers, and the dazzling Capitol Constructing line the historic downtown’s slender streets, earlier than opening as much as tree-lined boulevards with colonial-style homes. It’s not exhausting to consider that it’s probably the greatest locations to stay in Pennsylvania.
The outside are straightforward to achieve by foot and satisfying to discover. Working and biking alongside Riverfront Park and the traditional Susquehanna River is a deal with. You may even circle the whole metropolis (almost 21 miles) by way of the Capital Space Greenbelt. When you’re out, you’ll possible encounter a competition or occasion or see one taking place at close by Metropolis Island – a well-liked 63 acre park. The Kipona Pageant, celebrating Native peoples, is a must-see that occurs round Labor Day.
Getting round is simple. Amusement-filled Hershey is 20 minutes away, and it’s simply a few hours alongside the PA Turnpike to achieve Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Trains run all the best way to New York, too, and buses take you to vital stops within the metropolis and neighborhood.
Harrisburg properties on the market | Harrisburg homes for hire | Harrisburg flats for hire
7. Studying, PA
Inhabitants:
94,903
Median Sale Worth:
$205,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,038
Common Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
6.9%
Studying (pronounced “Redding”) is an icon of American business within the Pennsylvania heartland. Downtown, rows of outdated brick buildings home fashionable conveniences, and commemorative plaques rejoice centuries of commercial historical past. A really low value of residing, straightforward tempo of life, and beautiful surroundings are prime attracts.
As a quintessential Rust Belt metropolis, Studying’s economic system has often been in a continuing state of transition. It was lengthy on the epicenter of main growth, just like the Schuylkill and Union Canals within the 1800s, and even housed important iron manufacturing throughout the Revolutionary Battle. However financial decline usually adopted as society developed and desires shifted. Manufacturing is alive and effectively immediately, however there’s proof of disrepair all through the area.
Nonetheless, the town homes an enormous variety of industrial-era landmarks. You may go to the real-life Studying Railroad from Monopoly, the Nineteenth-century Allegheny Aqueduct, and dozens of outdated hosiery crops, of which there have been as soon as 77.
Folks from everywhere in the world have been drawn to Studying’s promise of labor over the centuries, with a big Pennsylvania Dutch inhabitants nonetheless distinguished. As such, quite a lot of eating places and retailers dot the town’s grid, which bleeds into neighboring suburbs Wyomissing, Laureldale, and Mt. Penn.
Studying properties on the market | Studying homes for hire | Studying flats for hire
8. Lancaster, PA
Inhabitants:
57,153
Median Sale Worth:
$242,500
Median Lease Worth:
$1,258
Common Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.3%
Lancaster, is the eight-best place to stay in Pennsylvania. Providing a fantastic steadiness of pure magnificence and a bustling downtown, Lancaster has a novel historical past. The town has performed host to societal adjustments for hundreds of years, significantly throughout the Industrial Revolution, when it gained a serious railroad and constructed the Conestoga Steam Mills. Farming and business grew ever common and stay cornerstones of Lancaster immediately, celebrated at occasions year-round.
Inside just some miles, you may go to picturesque farms, manicured suburbs, and stylish eateries, a lot of that are walkable. Native farmers and crafters promote their bounties three days per week on the 18th-century Lancaster Central Market, housed in an iconic brick constructing downtown. Massive parks, Victorian-era buildings, and an old-world really feel add attraction and livability.
Farmland and tree groves outline the panorama nearly instantly after leaving the town. East of Lancaster are main Amish and Mennonite communities, with some providing excursions of their farms. Journey two hours additional east or south and also you’ll find yourself in Philadelphia and Baltimore – excellent for a day journey.
Vital to notice: the miles of farmland close by produce quite a lot of disagreeable smells, which frequently waft into the town. Kellogg’s and Mars Chocolate have factories to the north that may add a candy twist into the aroma, too. You’ll get used to the smells after some time, however it could take time to regulate. Air high quality may also be a difficulty round processing crops exterior the town.
Lancaster properties on the market | Lancaster homes for hire | Lancaster flats for hire
9. Bethlehem, PA
Inhabitants:
78,300
Median Sale Worth:
$274,900
Median Lease Worth:
$1,775
Common Commute Time:
23.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
3.3%
Simply east of Allentown within the lovely Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem packs so much into its centuries-old bones. The town was based in 1741 by Moravian settlers, was a steel-production powerhouse, and immediately is a quaint metropolis with a youthful power. It’s each cosmopolitan and intimate, offering quiet respites and a downtown with all of the digs. An reasonably priced value of residing doesn’t harm, both.
The area’s Moravian historical past makes Bethlehem a reasonably common vacationer vacation spot. One among 4 Moravian Church Settlements, all UNESCO World Heritage Websites, is positioned on the town, as is the Historic Moravian Bethlehem Nationwide Historic Landmark District, which features a museum. Faith performed a serious position in Moravian life, and you may nonetheless discover locations of worship all through the town. German festivals like Oktoberfest, Musikfest, and the comfortable Christkindlmarkt are common annual traditions.
Maybe Bethlehem’s highest quality is its small however energetic downtown; it has every part you want in a walkable format. The historic Lodge Bethlehem, on the location of the town’s first home, is a must-see and best choice amongst guests. Pleased hour hotspots, stylish retailers, and Victorian townhomes line the historic streets, and there are even rooftop bars and a speakeasy. Plus, you’re minutes from Sand Island Park and the 140-mile lengthy D&L Path. Nightlife is a bit missing in comparison with bigger cities, although.
Bethlehem properties on the market | Bethlehem homes for hire | Bethlehem flats for hire
10. Levittown, PA
Inhabitants:
50,804
Median Sale Worth:
$400,000
Median Lease Worth:
$2,100
Common Commute Time:
28.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
3.2%
Sitting between Trenton and Philadelphia, Levittown rounds out our record of one of the best locations to stay in Pennsylvania. Levittown boasts a low value of residing, loads of facilities, and pockets of inexperienced area unfold all through. The town is break up between three townships: Bristol, Falls, and Middletown. Importantly, every have their very own tax codes to concentrate on, with Middletown having an Earned Earnings Tax.
Levittown, PA is the second of many deliberate communities constructed by Levitt & Sons within the years following World Battle II. They rapidly turned the typified American suburb, with a garden and white picket fence. And notably, they had been deliberately exclusionary to non-white folks.
Houses in these communities had been inbuilt a manner akin to an meeting line, manufactured in 26 steps over a day or two. Levittown, PA was constructed over the course of six years and comprises barely greater than 17,300 properties, break up between six completely different fashions. The homes had been pretty naked bones by immediately’s requirements, missing central air and basements. Some have been reworked since, however most are authentic.
Levittown borders the Delaware River to the south and isn‘t removed from the Atlantic Coast, that means outside recreation is considerable. A few of the hottest issues to do close by embody visiting the Bristol Wharf, exploring the Silver Lake Nature Heart, or studying about farming at Snipes Farm & Schooling Heart.
Levittown properties on the market | Levittown homes for hire | Levittown flats for hire
Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to stay. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open outside area, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or better had been thought-about for our Pennsylvania record. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
