Places to Live in Pennsylvania: There are many wonderful communities in Pennsylvania that are suited for families, and the one that is most suitable for yours will be the one that best matches your individual preferences and priorities.
When searching for a new location to call home in Pennsylvania, it is important to take into account a variety of aspects, such as the total cost of living, the standard of schools in the area, the level of community safety, the proximity of desirable facilities and cultural landmarks, and so on.
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The following are some Places to Live in Pennsylvania that are possible candidates for families to take into consideration:
Lancaster:
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is a family-friendly city with a rich history and a thriving arts scene.
It has a low crime rate and a range of excellent schools, making it a great place to raise children.
Bryn Mawr:
This affluent suburb of Philadelphia is home to many top-rated schools and a wide range of recreational and cultural amenities.
It is known for its spacious, tree-lined streets and its attractive housing stock.
Pittsburgh:
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania and is known for its strong economy and affordable cost of living.
It is home to a range of family-friendly neighborhoods, including Squirrel Hill and Shadyside, which offer excellent schools and a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Chester County:
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Chester County is a desirable place to live for families due to its excellent schools, low crime rate, and access to a range of cultural and recreational activities.
Lehigh Valley:
The Lehigh Valley is a region in eastern Pennsylvania that includes the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. It is known for its low cost of living, excellent schools, and access to a range of recreational and cultural amenities.
The advantages Of Living in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has a lot to offer residents, and there are many benefits to living in the state.
Some of the advantages of living in Pennsylvania include:
- Rich history and cultural attractions: Pennsylvania is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Gettysburg National Military Park, and the Amish Country in Lancaster County.
- Access to major cities: Pennsylvania is home to several major cities, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown, which offer a wide range of employment, entertainment, and cultural opportunities.
- Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Pennsylvania is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live for families and individuals.
- Excellent schools: Pennsylvania is home to many excellent public and private schools, including several highly ranked universities and colleges.
- Outdoor recreation: Pennsylvania has a diverse landscape, with mountains in the north, rolling hills in the central part of the state, and a coastal plain in the south. This offers residents a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and boating.
- Strong economy: Pennsylvania has a diverse economy with a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. This helps to provide job opportunities for residents.
The disadvantages Of Living In Pennsylvania.
Like any state, Pennsylvania has its own set of challenges and drawbacks.
Some of the potential disadvantages of living in Pennsylvania include:
- Cold winters: Pennsylvania can have cold, snowy winters, which can be challenging for people who don’t enjoy cold weather or who have difficulty driving in snowy conditions.
- Traffic and congestion: Some areas of Pennsylvania, particularly the cities, can have heavy traffic and congestion, which can be frustrating for commuters and make it more difficult to get around.
- Higher taxes: Pennsylvania has relatively high taxes compared to some other states, which can be a disadvantage for residents.
- Limited public transportation: While there are public transportation options in some areas of Pennsylvania, such as the SEPTA system in Philadelphia, the state does not have a comprehensive public transportation network like some other states. This can be a challenge for people who rely on public transportation to get around.
- Limited job opportunities: Depending on where you live in Pennsylvania, there may be limited job opportunities in certain industries or sectors.
Costs associated with living in Pennsylvania
There are various expenses that come along with residing in any location, and Pennsylvania is not an exception to this rule. When assessing the overall cost of living in Pennsylvania, some of the costs that should be taken into consideration include the following:
- Housing: Housing costs in Pennsylvania can vary widely depending on the location and type of housing. According to Zillow, the median home value in Pennsylvania as of December 2022 was $195,000, and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,045.
- Transportation: Transportation costs can include the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle, as well as the cost of public transportation if it is available in your area. The average cost of gas in Pennsylvania as of January 2022 was $2.57 per gallon.
- Groceries: The cost of groceries in Pennsylvania will depend on where you shop and what you buy. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the overall cost of groceries in Pennsylvania as of December 2022 was about 8% below the national average.
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Pennsylvania can vary depending on your insurance coverage and the specific services you need. It is a good idea to research the healthcare options in your area and compare the costs of different plans to find the best fit for your needs.
- Taxes: Pennsylvania has relatively high taxes compared to some other states. The state has a flat income tax rate of 3.07% and a sales tax rate of 6%. In addition, local municipalities may impose additional taxes.
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in Pennsylvania, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet, will depend on your usage and the specific provider you choose. It is a good idea to shop around and compare prices to find the best rates.
What is there to do with families?
Depending on your hobbies and the ages of your children, Pennsylvania is home to a wide variety of activities that are suitable for families to enjoy together.
Here are a few ideas:
Visit a theme park:
Pennsylvania is home to several theme parks, including Hershey Park and Kenny wood, which offer a range of rides and attractions for kids of all ages.
Explore a museum:
There are a number of museums in Pennsylvania that are geared toward families, such as the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, which is an interactive children’s museum, and the Philadelphia Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals.
There are also a number of other museums in Pennsylvania that cater to families.
Go hiking or camping:
Pennsylvania has a diverse landscape, with mountains in the north, rolling hills in the central part of the state, and a coastal plain in the south. This offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Visit a farm or go apple picking:
Pennsylvania is home to a number of working farms and orchards, many of which offer activities like apple picking and hayrides for families.
Check out a sporting event:
Pennsylvania is home to several professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles (football), the Philadelphia Phillies (baseball), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (football), as well as minor league and college teams.
Go to the beach:
Pennsylvania has a number of beaches along its lakes and rivers, as well as the Atlantic Ocean coastline in the south. These offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
Where To Get More Information On Housing
There are many resources available to help you find housing that is suitable for families in Pennsylvania.
Here are a few places to start:
- Real estate agents: Working with a real estate agent can be a helpful way to find a home that meets your needs. A real estate agent can help you search for homes that are for sale in your desired location, provide information about the local housing market, and assist with the negotiation and closing process.
- Online real estate listings: There are many websites that list homes for sale in Pennsylvania, such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. These sites can be a useful way to search for homes and get an idea of the prices and features of homes in different areas.
- Housing assistance programs: If you are having difficulty finding affordable housing, you may be eligible for assistance through a government or non-profit program. Programs that may be available in Pennsylvania include the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance to low-income families, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps families with their energy bills.
- Local housing agencies: There are also local housing agencies and non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania that may be able to provide information and assistance with finding housing. It is a good idea to contact these organizations to find out about the resources and services they offer.