If you’re planning on moving to Pennsylvania, add these cities to your list.
Pennsylvania is a wonderfully diverse state, home to history, natural splendor, and thriving industry. Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has long been shaped by its central role in U.S. history, industry, and policy. The steel and coal industries have been particularly important to the state’s economy and culture, and manufacturing remains foundational to its identity.
Pennsylvania has six distinct geographic regions, including plains, mountains, valleys, and plateaus, each with their own unique cultures and histories. The state is fairly mild and sees between 34 and 52 inches of precipitation annually. Snow is common every winter, though a majority falls near Lake Erie and in the Appalachian Mountains. Nor’easters, thunderstorms, and tropical storms can cause flooding near rivers.
In large part because of their affordability, many major cities in Pennsylvania have seen a recent surge in house prices and population growth, as people spring to buy homes they can afford. Interest has only grown as national housing costs continue to rise, leading to a statewide shortage of homes. This, along with a concerted effort to modernize the state’s economy, has turned some former Rust Belt cities, like Pittsburgh, into lively hubs of community and innovation. But, which cities are the best?
In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in Pennsylvania, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.
The best places to live in Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Erie, PA
- Scranton, PA
- Allentown, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
- Reading, PA
- Lancaster, PA
- Bethlehem, PA
- Levittown, PA
1. Pittsburgh, PA
| Population: | 303,255 |
| Median Sale Price: | $235,000 |
| Median Rent Price: |