From historic streets in Philadelphia to the scenic trails of Poconos, Keystone State mixes urban energy, small town charm and natural beauty. It’s a place where you can take a train to New York in the morning, hike through the state park in the afternoon, and enjoy cheesesteak and pierogi for dinner.
Are you thinking about buying a house in Harrisburg or renting an apartment in Pittsburgh? The 10 pros and cons of living in Pennsylvania can help you determine whether Pennsylvania is a good place to live for you.
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Quick facts about Pennsylvania
Population 13,002,700 Central Home Sale Prices Average Rent in Pennsylvania $306,000 $1,492 Largest cities in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live?
There are many things Pennsylvania, especially when it comes to city access and small town space. There are major metros like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and there is a solid job market, arts and food scene, but you don’t have to go far to find quiet suburbs and rural areas where living costs are low. It’s also well held up – you’re close to New York City, DC and other East Coast hubs. Nature is also a big draw. Think of it as littered with hiking trails, rolling hills and state parks. However, there are trade-offs. Some areas deal with aging infrastructure, and winters can feel long and heavy. Still, for many, it’s a good middle ground. It’s not too fast, it’s not too slow.
I live in Pennsylvania at a glance:
Diverse lifestyle options: Choose urban life in cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, or quiet country towns and suburbs. Central location: Easy access to New York City, Washington, DC and other East Coast hubs. Affordable housing (many regions): Median home prices are lower than the national average for major non-metros. Taxes and infrastructure vary. Property taxes can be high in some counties, and rural areas may not have modern infrastructure. Passionate Sports Culture: Sports is a big part of Pennsylvania’s culture, with loyal fans and fierce urban rivals.
1. Pro: Living costs are low
Compared to many other states in the northeast, Pennsylvania offers a relatively affordable cost of living. In particular, homeownership is more achievable for many, as home prices tend to be lower than the national average. In Pennsylvania, the median home sales are around $306,000, while the US home sales price is $438,000. Home prices don’t stop – even rental prices are low. Check out Harrisburg, one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania. A two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,400. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom apartment next to Newark, New Jersey averages $2,700. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are also still reasonable. This balance allows residents to enjoy good quality without the premium price tag associated with nearby metro areas such as New York and Boston.
2. CON: Property tax is higher than average
Pennsylvania home prices tend to be lower than the national average, but property taxes could quickly increase, especially in suburban counties near major cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The average effective property tax rate for the state is around 1.4%, and is located in high-tax states in the country. That number could rise significantly in strong school districts or places with higher housing values. Rural areas may offer some relief, but anyone who buys a home in Pennsylvania should consider property taxes as their long-term cost of living. It’s an important consideration, especially for first-time buyers and those relocating from lower rate states.
3. Pro: Pennsylvania has a diverse economy
Pennsylvania’s economy spans a wide range of industries that provide stability and opportunities for job seekers in a variety of fields. From healthcare and education to manufacturing, finance and technology, the state supports a strong combination of traditional and emerging sectors. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are hubs of medicine, higher education and innovation, and still play an important role in agriculture and energy.
4. CON: It’s long and cold in winter
Pennsylvania’s winters are long and cold, with temperatures immersed in freezing. The state is located in the northeastern part of the country and experiences colder weather than other parts of the United States. Snowfall is also heavy and difficult to avoid. If you don’t mind bundling them, you can enjoy some of Pennsylvania winter activities, such as sledge, skiing, and ice skating.
5. Pro: Foodies Will Love the Pennsylvania Cooking Scene
Pennsylvania has a rich local food culture that stretches far beyond cheesesteaks and tender pretzels. In Philadelphia, you can find everything from acclaimed fine dining to authentic international dining in a corner of your neighborhood. The Pittsburgh food scene is also attracting national attention as it is a mix of original new restaurants and beloved comfortable food. Outside of the metropolitan city, Pennsylvania is known for its heartfelt Pennsylvanian Dutch cuisine, farm-to-table dining and unique local markets, including Lancaster’s Central Market and Philadelphia’s Terminal Market. Whether it’s modern or traditional favorites, there’s always a new (or old fashioned) to try.
6. CON: There’s a lot of traffic throughout the state
Many parts of Pennsylvania, particularly Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and around the I-81 corridor, experience high traffic during peak hours. Commuters often face crowds on the highways and on the city centre, which can add time and stress to their daily trips. Public transport options exist, but demand cannot be completely relaxed, making cars essential for most residents.
7. Pro: Public transport is available statewide
In Pennsylvania’s largest city, travelling cars without a car is viable thanks to systems like the Philadelphia Septa and Pittsburgh Regional Transportation. Outside of major cities like Harrisburg and Scranton, there are also public transport systems (although not robust), but Pennsylvania is a good place to live without a car. But it’s not just local travel. Amtrak and local rail lines make it easy to get to trains to nearby states such as New York, New Jersey, DC and more.
8. CON: Beware of striped skunks
Pennsylvania’s large striped skunk population is a drawback for residents as it produces averaging one skunk per 10 acres of main habitat and 13.5 skunks per mile per square mile produce frequent and unpleasant odors. Skunks also pose a risk of infecting pets and humans with rabies and other diseases. Furthermore, their habit of digging holes can damage your lawn, gardens and property base.
9. Pro: Natural disasters are not common here
Pennsylvania is a comparatively low in natural disasters, making it an attractive place to live due to its general safety from extreme weather. Hurricanes rarely reach the nation. Pennsylvania has experienced very few earthquakes or tornadoes. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s inland locations and diverse topography, including mountains and valleys, helps protect it from the more severe effects of natural disasters.
10. CON: Aging infrastructure can cause delays and repairs
Much of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure (roads, bridges, and even water systems) was decades ago. That is, residents often deal with construction, detours and occasional service disruptions, especially in older cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Renewals are underway in some areas, but wear and tears can affect daily life and commutes.
Methodology: Population data is from the US Census Bureau, median home sales prices and average rental data are from Redfin data centers.
