Choosing where to live is a big deal, and in Pennsylvania, the options feel as wide open as the state’s countryside.
Whether it’s the bustling streets of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh’s thriving arts and tech scene, or Scranton’s revitalized downtown, there’s a spot that suits every kind of lifestyle.
This guide dives into the neighborhoods, cities, and small towns across Pennsylvania that are worth a closer look.
From family-friendly communities to places that offer the perfect work-life balance, we’re breaking it down with real insights to help you find a place that fits.
So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s figure out where in Pennsylvania you might want to write your next chapter.
Philadelphia
Population: 1.58 million
Median Home Price: $252,786
Median Rent: $1,309
Philadelphia offers a mixed bag of history and modern convenience that’s hard to beat.
Picture ivy-covered 18th-century buildings sitting alongside vibrant murals, bustling markets, and trendy cafes.
Philly simplifies city living without sacrificing charm––a place that caters to anyone looking for culture, convenience, and affordability, so there’s no doubt it’s one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania.
There’s a neighborhood for everyone, for every kind of lifestyle, so finding your fit will be a walk in the park.
Why Philly Stands Out
- Neighborhoods Tailored to Every Lifestyle:
- Fishtown: A hub for young professionals; you’ll find things such as street art and a mix of indie shops and music venues.
- Old City: Rich in history and close to major attractions, it isa match if you want culture and convenience.
- Manayunk & Roxborough: Family-friendly areas offering spacious homes, great schools, and access to parks and green spaces.
- Graduate Hospital: A quiet, walkable area ideal for young families and professionals seeking a suburban feel within the city.
- Cultural Landmarks: The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art bring centuries of history and creativity to life.
- Affordable Urban Living: Compared to nearby cities like New York or D.C., Philly offers reasonably priced housing in historic rowhouses or modern condos.
Things to Do in Philadelphia
- Iconic Food Scene: Indulge in cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, and fine dining at places like Zahav, all while exploring the city’s food truck festivals and farmers’ markets.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy Fairmount Park’s wooded trails, the Schuylkill River Trail for cycling, or picnics at Spruce Street Harbor Park during summer.
- Sports Galore: Passionate fans fill Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and the Wells Fargo Center to cheer on the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Take the kids to the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Zoo, or Adventure Aquarium, which is just across the river in Camden.
Who Should Consider Philly?
- Young Couples & Professionals: Philadelphia is the perfect place for you if you want an urban environment with culture at every turn.
- History Buffs: Few places let you walk the same streets as America’s founding fathers.
- Families: With parks, good schools, and community-focused neighborhoods, Philly is family-friendly without losing its edge.
Pittsburgh
Population: 300,286
Median Home Price: $243,355
Median Rent: $1,201
Pittsburgh, now easily one of the best places to live in PA, has quietly transformed from its gritty steel town roots into a dynamic, affordable city. Similar to Philly, you’ll find history mixed into modern living.
Not to mention, it’s where you can cheer for the Steelers on Sunday, explore world-class museums on Monday, and hike a scenic riverfront trail whenever you need to escape a little.
But affordable housing, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong job market make Pittsburgh a city you might just want to call home.
Why Pittsburgh Stands Out
- Affordable Housing Options: Pittsburgh’s housing market is one of the most budget-friendly among major cities. Whether you’re eyeing a charming brick-row home in Squirrel Hill or a modern apartment in the Strip District, you’ll get more bang for your buck here.
- Strong Job Market: Tech, healthcare, and education are booming in the area, thanks to companies like Google and UPMC calling Pittsburgh home.
- Diverse Neighborhoods:
- For Families: Squirrel Hill and Shadyside offer excellent schools, safe streets, and plenty of green space.
- For Young Professionals: Lawrenceville and East Liberty are packed with trendy coffee shops, coworking spaces, and nightlife.
- For Naturists: Highland Park and Point Breeze are havens for quiet living and access to outdoor spaces like Frick Park and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Things to Do in Pittsburgh
- Cheer on Local Teams: Pittsburghers take their sports seriously, so whether it’s a Steelers game at Acrisure Stadium or a Penguins showdown at PPG Paints Arena, you’ll feel the energy everywhere.
- Immerse Yourself in Culture: Explore the Andy Warhol Museum or the Carnegie Museums, or stroll through the Strip District for a little food, shopping, and local history.
- Get Outdoors: With 2,000 acres of parks, riverfront trails, and iconic spots like the Duquesne Incline, Pittsburgh makes it easy to escape into nature without leaving the city.
Bonus: Don’t think we weren’t going to let you know about the best restaurants in Pittsburgh; we’ve done the hard work for you; all you have to do is pick one.
Who Should Consider Pittsburgh?
- First-Time Homebuyers: Affordable housing paired with a stable job market makes this city ideal if you’re entering the housing market.
- Families: With its abundance of parks, museums, and family-friendly neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh caters to parents and kids.
- Career Climbers: Young professionals will thrive in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, where opportunity meets a lively social scene.
Lancaster
Population: 62,000
Median Home Price: $201,285
Median Rent: $1,167
In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is a city where picturesque farmlands, vibrant downtown culture, and affordability speak to a wide range of lifestyles.
With a rich Amish heritage alongside modern amenities, it’s no wonder Lancaster is considered one of the best places to live in PA.
Why Lancaster Stands Out
- Farm-to-Table Culture: Lancaster embraces its agricultural roots with a thriving farm-to-table dining scene. The city’s Central Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the U.S., connects residents with local produce, meats, and artisanal goods year-round.
- Affordable Living: With median home prices just over $200,000 and the cost of living below the national average, Lancaster provides value for families, young professionals, and retirees.
- Neighborhood Appeal:
- For Families: Suburbs like East Petersburg and Manheim Township offer spacious homes, great schools, and family-oriented neighborhoods.
- For Young Professionals: The downtown area has coworking spaces, indie cafes, and trendy eateries. There’s no better option for an urban vibe without the big-city price tag.
- For Outdoor Types: Rural communities like Lititz provide proximity to parks, trails, and green spaces for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Things to Do in Lancaster
- Cultural Experiences: Start your day at the Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the U.S., where you’ll find everything from Amish baked goods to fresh produce.
- Outdoor Adventures: You can take a peaceful stroll through Long’s Park, with its trails and summer concerts, or tackle the seasonal corn mazes at Susquehannock State Park.
- Year-Round Events: On the first Friday of every month, First Friday Lancaster turns downtown into a buzzing arts scene with galleries, live music, and food. And for a true taste of Lancaster’s culture, don’t miss the annual Amish Mud Sales, where you can bid on quilts, antiques, and more.
Who Should Consider Lancaster?
- Families: With excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of activities for kids, Lancaster offers an ideal environment for raising children.
- Remote Workers and Creatives: The affordable housing, walkable downtown, and arts scene mean it’s great for professionals seeking balance.
- Nature Lovers: Surrounded by green spaces and parks, Lancaster is for anyone who wants to escape the urban grind.
Allentown
Population: 129,524
Median Home Price: $172,716
Median Rent: $1,245
Allentown, in the Lehigh Valley, has transformed from its industrial past into a city buzzing with opportunity, and you can really feel it when you’re there.
Honestly, Allentown can suit so many different lifestyles, so it has to be one of the best towns to live in Pennsylvania.
Why Allentown Stands Out
- Proximity to Big Cities Without the Hassle: Sitting in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown offers the perks of suburban living with easy access to major cities like New York and Philadelphia.
- Neighborhood Highlights:
- West End Theatre District: A haven for culture lovers, this district is packed with art galleries, cozy theaters, and local eateries.
- Seventh Street Business District: You’ll find mom-and-pop shops, unique restaurants, and a lively community vibe; residents say they can’t get enough of the feel here.
- Outdoor Escapes: Whether it’s skiing on Blue Mountain, hiking along South Mountain, or wandering through the stunning Allentown Rose Garden, nature is always close by.
Things to Do in Allentown
- For Sports Fans: Cheer on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park or catch a hockey game with the Phantoms at the PPL Center.
- Family Adventures: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a local gem, while spots like the Da Vinci Science Center and America on Wheels Museum keep kids (and adults) entertained.
- Local Favorites: Annual events like the Allentown Fair and seasonal farmers markets bring the community together, and it’s these kinds of things that will make you feel at home.
Who Should Consider Allentown?
- Families: Affordable housing, parks galore, and a ton of kid-friendly activities make it a favorite among the whole family.
- Anyone Who Loves Culture: With its theaters, museums, and historic downtown, Allentown is where you can get lost in history and entertainment.
- Commuters: Just two hours from NYC and Philly, Allentown offers a more than sweet balance since you get small-town living, and the big cities are only down the road.
Scranton
Population: 76,000
Median Home Price: $131,916
Median Rent: $958
Scranton might not top every “must-visit” list, but it’s a hidden gem for those looking for an affordable and welcoming place to call home.
Known as “The Electric City,” Scranton’s history, tight-knit neighborhoods, and local charm make it one of the best cities to live in Pennsylvania, especially if you’re looking for a slower pace with a touch of character.
Why Scranton Stands Out
- Unbeatable Affordability: Housing in Scranton comes with prices that won’t make you wince—perfect for first-time buyers or anyone tired of skyrocketing rents in bigger cities. The lower cost of living stretches across the board, from utilities to groceries.
- Community-Centered Vibes: Scranton’s neighborhoods all have their own highlights:
- Green Ridge: A family-friendly area with tree-lined streets and a quiet vibe.
- Hill Section: Popular with University of Scranton students, and you could say the area brings a youthful energy to the city.
- Downtown Scranton: The cultural heart of the city with trendy restaurants, galleries, and historic landmarks.
- Community Spirit: Scranton has a tight-knit vibe you won’t find in bigger cities. Whether it’s First Friday art walks or summer jazz festivals, locals know how to come together and celebrate.
Things to Do in Scranton
- So, So, Much History: The Steamtown National Historic Site and Electric City Trolley Museum are your go-to’s for a day full of history. You can also check out the city’s mining past with a Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
- Festival Central: Scranton knows how to throw a party. La Festa Italiana brings Italian cuisine and live music to Courthouse Square, while the Scranton Jazz Festival keeps the summer nights swinging.
- Outdoor Adventures: From McDade Park’s picnic spots to Nay Aug’s gorge trails, Scranton’s parks offer endless opportunities for days out among nature, and that’s a big deal for most people.
Who Should Consider Scranton?
- First-Time Buyers: Stretch your budget here, where homes are affordable, and your money goes further than most Northeastern cities.
- Festival Goers: If you enjoy a calendar full of community events like art walks, jazz festivals, and cultural celebrations, Scranton is somewhere you should have your eye on.
- Small-Town Seekers with Big-City Access: Looking for charm without total isolation? Scranton’s two-hour drive to NYC or Philly keeps weekend trips on the table while offering a slower pace at home.
Deciding on the Best Places to Live in PA
Pennsylvania offers a bit of everything, and where you settle depends on what you value most.
Let’s have a little recap.
Philadelphia is the pick for young professionals and families who seek diverse, homely neighborhoods, a modern way of living, and affordable housing costs for a city, alongside all the history you could want.
With its tech boom, affordable housing, and family-friendly communities, Pittsburgh is a dream for first-time homebuyers, career-driven individuals, and anyone who loves a city with a heart for sports and green spaces.
Lancaster, on the other hand, is the ideal choice for families, retirees, and anyone looking for affordable living with a side of Amish country charm.
This is where people live to be among nature, and lovers of local markets will feel right at home.
Finally, Scranton is ideal for those who value community and a more laid-back lifestyle; you have comfort perks like local festivals and scenic parks.
And you’ll find a slower pace there––that’s why people love it.
As we’ve seen, each city has its unique flair, and the best places to live in PA depend on your priorities—whether it’s affordability, culture, nature, or career opportunities.
So, take a look; you’re bound to find a place that feels like home.
