The best places to live in Pennsylvania aren’t always the ones you hear about—some are hidden in plain sight. If you’re planning a move to the Keystone State, this guide will help you choose the perfect place to call home.
More people are checking out Pennsylvania cities as they look for better schools, safer streets, and a slower pace of life. This state has it all—small towns with heart, big cities with buzz, and plenty of outdoor space in between. According to the Census Bureau, more than 12.9 million residents call it home.
In this post, you’ll find the most ideal place to live in the state. Whether you picture yourself in a cozy house near Lake Erie, a family-friendly community outside Lancaster, or a walkable neighborhood in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, we’ll help you figure out where to go. These places offer lower unemployment rates, strong schools, and a sense of home.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Choosing where to live in Pennsylvania isn’t easy—there are a lot of great places to choose from. In this guide, you’ll learn:
Where to find the safest, most affordable, and most welcoming places to live in Pennsylvania today
How each location stacks up for families, young professionals, or retirees, with key lifestyle details like schools, jobs, and healthcare
What you need to know about the cost of living, housing options, and how easy it is to get around in each city or town
Overview
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, State College, and Erie are considered some of the most popular places to live in Pennsylvania. Each offers unique advantages, from vibrant urban life to affordable small-town charm, appealing to different lifestyles and priorities such as cost, safety, education, and job access.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Major City Life
Large cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer diverse economies with jobs in sectors like education, healthcare, and technology, along with access to extensive cultural attractions, entertainment, and public transportation.
Small Town Affordability and Charm
Towns like Lancaster and Erie provide a lower cost of living, strong community ties, and a more relaxed pace, along with historic charm, local markets, and access to natural settings.
University Town Environment
State College, as a university town, boasts excellent schools and healthcare, a low crime rate, and a vibrant community centered around Penn State University.
Other Notable Considerations
Population Growth Trends: Lancaster is noted as one of the fastest-growing towns, alongside suburban areas near Philadelphia, indicating areas of economic opportunity and development.
Quality of Life Factors: Pennsylvania offers a high quality of life overall, with a balance of affordability, access to nature, and cultural experiences, along with varying safety levels in different communities.
What Makes a City One of the Best Places to Live in This State
Where you live affects everything—your money, mood, and mornings. It’s not just about picking a city with a good reputation. It’s about finding a place that fits your life, goals, and day-to-day routine.
Pennsylvania has a lot to offer, but not every “best place” is right for everyone. A town perfect for a young professional might not work for a family with two kids, or a couple planning for retirement. That’s why this guide helps you figure out what you need and where to find it.
Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania
Choosing the right place to live in the Keystone State means looking beyond a map. With more than 2,500 cities, towns, and boroughs—each with unique charm and economic opportunity—Pennsylvania offers something for everyone.
This guide explores top-rated communities that rank high in safety, affordability, education, and quality of life, based on Census Bureau estimates, housing data, and local lifestyle insights.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the largest city in the state, remains a top choice for those who thrive on urban energy. With a population topping 1.6 million, it ranks among the most populous cities in the country. This iconic city played a central role in Pennsylvania’s history and is home to landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
As a major business hub, Philadelphia’s economy is fueled by sectors such as education, law, healthcare, and finance. The city hosts world-class institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, and Temple. Though its unemployment rate is higher than average, the vast job market offers opportunities across industries.
You’ll find a mix of properties, including modern downtown apartments and row houses in the west and northeast, all connected by the SEPTA transit network. The city also offers quick access to Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
Best For:
• Young professionals and graduate students
• Entrepreneurs and career-focused residents
• History buffs and art lovers
What Makes It Great:
• Deep historical roots and cultural assets
• Major hospitals, universities, and regional connectivity
• Diverse communities and vibrant nightlifeDownsides:
• Higher cost of living
• Congestion and noise in busy districts
• Uneven school performance in some counties
Pittsburgh
Once the symbol of American industry, Pittsburgh has reinvented itself into a rising star among Pennsylvania cities. This western metro, once lined with steel mills, is now a leader in technology, education, and healthcare.
With a population of more than 300,000, Pittsburgh balances small-town friendliness with big-city infrastructure. It’s home to top institutions like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh. The Census Bureau highlights its low unemployment rate and favorable cost of living.
Surrounded by three rivers, Pittsburgh offers natural beauty and countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the warmer months and colorful fall season.
Best For:
• Tech workers and medical professionals
• Families seeking affordable living with reputable schools
• Retirees looking for a walkable city with culture
What Makes It Great:
• A revitalized downtown and investment in green spaces
• Easy access to hiking, biking, and parks
• Lower housing costs than other populous citiesDownsides:
• Older infrastructure in some neighborhoods
• Hilly terrain can challenge accessibility
• Public transit limited outside the center
Lancaster
Located in southeastern PA, Lancaster is one of the most balanced places to live in Pennsylvania, merging pastoral landscapes with artistic energy. The town is known for its Amish farms, historic buildings, and a walkable downtown that continues to attract creative professionals.
With a population of around 58,000, Lancaster’s mix of affordability and culture appeals to locals and newcomers. Local data shows a strong economy powered by agriculture, tourism, and health services.
Between the capital city of Harrisburg and the rising suburbs of York and Delaware County, Lancaster is well positioned for commuting or regional travel.
Best For:
• Families who value safety and affordability
• Artists, freelancers, and remote workers
• Empty-nesters looking for culture without chaos
What Makes It Great:
• Strong sense of community and local pride
• Farmer’s markets, galleries, and historic homes
• Close to nature, with rural and urban balanceDownsides:
• Limited access to public transportation
• Fewer high-paying jobs in tech and finance
State College
Nestled in central Pennsylvania, State College is a thriving university town best known as the home of Penn State. With a relatively small population of about 40,500 as per recent data, the town punches above its weight in cultural events, healthcare, and economic stability.
The town’s age distribution leans young due to student residents, yet its low crime, high walkability, and strong school system make it one of the greatest places to live in Pennsylvania for all. Its location also offers quick access to the forests and mountains of central counties.
Best For:
• University staff and students
• Retirees wanting a safe, vibrant haven
• Families who prioritize education and security
What Makes It Great:
• Excellent schools and healthcare
• Active outdoor scene with mountain biking and parks
• Low unemployment rate and quality infrastructureDownsides:
• Higher housing costs due to student demand
• Local job market heavily dependent on the university
Erie
Erie sits on the shores of Lake Erie. As one of the most affordable Pennsylvania cities, it provides a laid-back lifestyle and access to stunning water views.
Erie’s economy was once reliant on manufacturing, but today it is diversifying into tourism, healthcare, and service industries. Its location near Ohio and New York makes it a crossroads of culture and commerce in the northwest region of the state.
For those seeking access to nature, Presque Isle State Park and miles of shoreline offer abundant outdoor recreation.
Best For:
• First-time buyers looking for budget-friendly homes
• Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers
• Retirees wanting peace near the water
What Makes It Great:
• Affordable real estate and a low cost of living
• Beautiful lake views and beach access
• Proximity to major routes and interstate travelDownsides:
• Cold winters and heavy snowfall
• Slower economic growth than other cities
Moving to Pennsylvania?
Once you’ve found the best place to live in Pennsylvania, there’s still one big task left—getting your vehicle there safely, on time, and stress-free. That’s where AmeriFreight Car Shipping comes in.
We specialize in reliable, affordable auto transport throughout the continental U.S. You can spend less energy worrying about your vehicle’s journey—and more on settling into your new Pennsylvania home.
Curious about what it’s like to ship your car to the Keystone State? Start with our Pennsylvania car shipping guide to learn what to expect and how to prepare. Still have questions? Browse our vehicle shipping FAQs for clear answers from our expert team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania growing or shrinking?
As of 2025, Pennsylvania's population is experiencing modest growth, though it lags behind many other states. Between 2020 and 2024, the state's population increased by approximately 0.64%, adding around 82,600 residents.
This growth is primarily concentrated in urban and suburban areas, particularly in the southeastern region of the state. Counties such as Chester, Montgomery, and Cumberland have seen notable increases, collectively adding about 63,400 residents from 2020 to 2024.
What is the fastest growing town in PA?
As of the latest data, Kennett Square in Chester County is among the fastest-growing towns in Pennsylvania. Between 2020 and 2023, Kennett Square's population increased by 9.86%, growing from 5,936 to 6,521 residents.
What is the quality of life in Pennsylvania?
Overall, the quality of life in Pennsylvania ranks high thanks to its balance of affordability, access to nature, and cultural richness. Many Pennsylvania cities offer good schools, reasonable commute times, and close-knit communities. The state also experiences four seasons, with beautiful fall foliage and pleasant, warmer months for outdoor activities.
What is the safest place to live in Pennsylvania?
While safety can vary by county and neighborhood, Upper St. Clair consistently ranks as the safest place to live in Pennsylvania. This suburban township southwest of Pittsburgh reports some of the state’s lowest crime rates—just 0.63 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and an overall crime rate of 16.49 per 1,000.
