Due to its size, Pennsylvania offers a unique variety in terms of geography and opportunities. On the eastern side, you can find the Delaware River and the bustling city of Philadelphia. However, if you travel westward, you’ll come across the Appalachian Mountains, quaint historic towns, and cities that resemble the Midwest.
This diverse landscape allows visitors to experience different aspects of United States history spanning the past two centuries. You can explore the political history in Philadelphia and visit towns filled with beautiful Victorian architecture, once home to wealthy industrialists.
As for residents, many of Pennsylvania’s top cities offer a balance between work and personal life, while the growing economies ensure stability without exorbitant expenses.
12. Pittsburgh
The city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania helps us understand the width of the state. Even though it is in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh has a strong personality that is more similar to the Midwest. The city has a population of over 300,000 people and is considered a thriving medium-sized city.
It has evolved beyond its reputation for steel mills and coal mines. The downtown area of Pittsburgh has impressive skyscrapers, a growing tech industry, and a surprising nightlife that locals cherish. Despite becoming more modern, Pittsburgh still maintains its identity as a city known for steel production.
The city is also known for its diverse population, made up of different subcultures that come together to create unique neighborhoods and also support the famous football team. For those considering a move, Pittsburgh offers the benefits of strong family incomes and comparatively lower housing costs.
11. Erie
Erie, a charming town located on the bank of Lake Erie in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, offers a variety of opportunities for both its residents and visitors. The people of Erie absolutely love the beautiful peninsula, spending summers enjoying the water, and going on hikes along the Presque Isle Bay.
During winter, the town is covered in a lovely blanket of snow, and nearby ski resorts become lively and bustling. Erie is known for having a young population, with a lower average age compared to other places. This youthful energy, combined with the abundance of outdoor activities, gives the town a lively and vibrant atmosphere all year round.
The downtown area is filled with a great selection of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options to cater to everyone’s tastes and keep them happy. For those who choose to stay in Erie, they can enjoy an excellent work-life balance.
10. Allentown
Residents and travelers in Allentown can agree that the city is filled with beautiful historic homes. In the past, Allentown was known for its factories, which brought prosperity to many. Although manufacturing has declined, the old industrial buildings, commercial enterprises, and homes still add to the city’s charm.
Allentown didn’t waste time adapting to change and quickly transformed old mills into modern living spaces. The city embraced a new era, welcoming a new economy as the old one faded away. Nowadays, Allentown is one of the three cities in the state with a population exceeding 100,000 people.
The city offers entertainment through minor league hockey and baseball, which also contribute to the growth of its dining and nightlife scene.
9. Lancaster
Lancaster is a city pronounced as “Lank-is-ter” and is famous for Amish tourism. However, it offers much more than just that. The city has around 60,000 residents who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and a diverse community, not limited to the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
One of the highlights of Lancaster is its beautiful and historically significant downtown area. Here, you can explore various options such as thrift shops, vibrant boutiques, and an area called Gallery Row, famous for its art galleries.
Due to its history, there are many German-style breweries and a wide range of dining options, including plenty of vegan restaurants. Regardless of where you go in the city, you’ll find your way to the renowned Chameleon Club, a well-known music venue.
People who decide to settle in Lancaster can benefit from low rent prices compared to other parts of the state, as well as a great outlet shopping scene.
8. Swarthmore
Swarthmore, located in Delaware County close to downtown Pennsylvania, is a peaceful college town that emphasizes knowledge, history, and culture rather than rowdy behavior. The community attracts families and recent graduates who appreciate the various activities available.
One can explore the expansive arboretum, attend frequent concerts, and visit the charming town center with its lively market, local stores, and delicious dining options. The town also boasts a well-regarded school district, making it an ideal place for families.
Furthermore, the easy commute to both Philadelphia and Delaware adds to the convenience of living in Swarthmore. During leisure time, residents can enjoy leisurely walks along Crum Creek or the Delaware River, which are home to a racetrack and casino.
7. York
When travelers arrive in York, they might be surprised by what they discover. York is located just a short distance from the Maryland border and less than an hour away from Baltimore. In the 18th century, York was actually the first national capital.
Nowadays, it serves as the headquarters for the Weightlifting Hall of Fame and is also home to the largest Harley-Davidson factory. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that York is one of only four Starbucks roasting facilities. These unique characteristics contribute to York’s identity.
Both residents and visitors can enjoy attractions like the York State Fair, which happens to be the oldest fair in the country, while also exploring the city’s deep connections to the American Revolution. There are also plenty of nearby attractions, such as Gettysburg, HersheyPark, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, for those seeking further adventures.
6. Harrisburg
Harrisburg is a great place for both locals and travelers to enjoy the outdoors. The city, which is the capital of Pennsylvania, has a population of nearly 50,000 people. Most of these residents love spending time at Riverfront Park, which runs alongside the beautiful Susquehanna River.
This park hosts regular festivals and community events that help create a lively city atmosphere. One of the great things about Harrisburg is its convenient location. It is situated right in the middle of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, making it easy for residents and tourists to visit these two cities.
Additionally, people can also go hiking on the famous Appalachian Trail. Another popular attraction near Harrisburg is HersheyPark, a thrilling amusement park, and Hershey Chocolate World. The downtown area of Harrisburg is busy and vibrant, with lively jazz clubs and cozy cocktail bars.
The city’s nightlife is currently undergoing a revitalization, which is exciting for both locals and visitors. Harrisburg also offers plenty of local parks, has a strong economy, and boasts good school districts. These factors make it a desirable place for many people to live.
5. Williamsport
Williamsport, also known as Willpo, is a city in the state of Pennsylvania that has a rich history. It is located in Lycoming County and sits on the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Williamsport offers a variety of attractions such as nature reserves, museums, universities, historic houses, and a thriving arts scene.During the 19th century, Williamsport was famous for its lumber industry and was referred to as the Lumber Capital of the World.
Despite the passing of time, many of the homes from that era still exist today and can be explored by taking a stroll along Millionaire’s Row.The city also takes pride in its public parks, with nearly a dozen of them available for people to enjoy.
Additionally, there are numerous hiking trails and music venues located throughout the charming downtown area.For those who have a passion for baseball, Williamsport is particularly special because it is the home of the renowned Little League World Series.
4. Reading
Reading is located about 90 minutes away from downtown Philadelphia. Despite having a population of around 90,000 people, the community in Reading has a close-knit feel and a relaxed atmosphere. The town is situated in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, offering a unique blend of urban conveniences and a small-town charm.
In addition to the city center, you can explore Mount Penn, where you’ll encounter a historic fire tower and a century-old pagoda that provides stunning views of the city.
If you’re interested in local attractions, you can also catch the Reading Fightin Phils, where you can witness upcoming talent aiming to become future stars of the Philadelphia Phillies.
3. Hershey
Hershey, located in Dauphin County, is widely known despite its small population of 15,000 residents. This is because it is the birthplace of America’s beloved chocolate brand. Consequently, tourism plays a significant role in Hershey’s daily life.
People from all corners of the world visit this town, known as the “town built on chocolate,” to explore its attractions like HersheyPark and Chocolate World. However, beyond its chocolate-related offerings, Hershey has a fascinating history of dairy farming and a vibrant nightlife scene that often goes unnoticed.
Both residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the town’s numerous museums, engage in enjoyable shopping experiences, and sample delicious cuisine at its restaurants. Moreover, Hershey offers excellent educational institutions, well-maintained parks, and affordable housing options, making it more than just a tourist destination.
2. Scranton
You might be familiar with Scranton because of the popular TV show, The Office, but did you know that many of the references in the show were based on real places? If you’ve seen the show, you have a basic understanding of Scranton’s overall feel.
It’s a city known for its blue-collar work ethic, just like Allentown below it, and they have successfully revitalized old industrial buildings to create a thriving downtown area. Scranton has a rich historical background, particularly related to its involvement with the railroads.
Nowadays, both locals and visitors can appreciate a mix of the city’s past while enjoying the modern atmosphere. The hospitality industry is flourishing in Scranton, particularly in the downtown area.
Additionally, there are also growing sectors in healthcare, technology, and finance, offering excellent job opportunities for residents without the high cost associated with bigger cities.
1. Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and has a population of over 1.5 million people. It is a unique city with a rich history. When tourists come to Philadelphia, they are usually interested in seeing the Liberty Bell and trying the famous cheesesteaks. However, for those who live here, Philadelphia is more than just a historical site.
The city is known as the City of Brotherly Love and has nearly 200 distinct neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own unique characteristics, which can be explored by spending time in parks, walking along colorful streets, and visiting the major hubs scattered throughout the city.
Despite its size, the cost of living in Philadelphia is higher than other parts of Pennsylvania, but still lower than the national average. Philadelphia is a popular place to live and visit because it offers high walkability and biking scores, as well as easy access to nearby cities.
