Jump Ahead To:
Moving to Pennsylvania? Here’s what you need to know
Relocating can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to narrowing down places to live. Don’t worry, this post will help you decide if Pennsylvania is your next big adventure!
Besides being extraordinarily tricky to spell, Pennsylvania is also a tricky state to describe properly. What’s true for one part of the state can be decidedly different just an hour’s drive away. Our advice: embrace the contradictions, enjoy the characters you’ll meet, and figure out something fun to do with all the money you’ll save (the cost of living is relatively low here).
We’re not going to claim we can tell you everything you’d ever need to know about living in Pennsylvania – but with the help of our local team members we are going to share the most important things that we know about moving and living here. By the way, we’re Bellhop Movers, – we make the whole experience of moving much easier. We can help you relocate to and from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and pretty much everywhere else too.
First A Little History. One Great Reason to Move to Pennsylvania.
The state was founded by William Penn, a member of the Quaker sect that believed in religious freedom. Back then most states had a strong religious affiliation with a different form of Christianity (protestant or puritan or mainstream with a ‘go-to-church and believe like us’ requirement). Penn said ‘pray as you wish.’ This tolerance attracted free-thinkers who just wanted to make money, like Benjamin Franklin who invented the lending library, public fire brigades, bifocals, an efficient stove, and frugally favored beer over wine and vegetables over beef.
Philadelphia served as the nation’s first capital; its revolutionary war population of 38,000 dwarfed New York (25,000) and Boston (16,000). If you love American history, you will love Philly’s brick-lined streets, famous Federal Period historical buildings and now thriving urban vibe.
The state was one of the first to push ‘westward ho’ and arriving immigrants took advantage of Penn’s generous land offers. The state’s geography and large free-flowing rivers spawned a 350+ mile canal system that reached to Pittsburgh, creating it’s fame as a regional powerhouse. So, it deserves its nick name as the ‘Keystone State’ (that weird-shaped stone the Romans made famous in the arches).
The state suffered declines as rust-belt manufacturing declined. Happily, it’s bouncing back with a new and diversified economy.
Fun Facts about Pennsylvania
It’s technically not a state. Pennsylvania is actually one of the four “commonwealths” in the U.S. (The others are Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Virginia.) In the greater scheme of things, this means absolutely nothing regarding daily life; it dates back to political thinking that was popular in the 18th century.
Pennsylvania prides itself on being the first to achieve many wonderful things. It was one of the first states to be founded on religious freedom, the first to protest against slavery and it was the first to pass an abolition law in the United States. The first American flag, stock market, computer, automobile service station, daily newspaper, zoological garden, toll road, art museum, hospital, radio broadcast, little league baseball game, first LGBT protest demonstration, and the country’s first commercial pretzel factory … it all happened – first – here.
Fun Facts about Pennsylvania
It’s technically not a state. Pennsylvania is actually one of the four “commonwealths” in the continental U.S. (The others are Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Virginia.) In the greater scheme of things, this means absolutely nothing regarding daily life, it dates back to political thinking that was popular in the 18th century. Despite calling itself a commonwealth, Pennsylvania’s nickname is “The Keystone State,” in reference to its central role in the founding of the nation.
Pennsylvania prides itself on being the first to achieve many wonderful things. It was the first state to protest against slavery and it was the first to pass an abolition law in the United States. The first American flag, stock market, computer, automobile service station, daily newspaper, zoological garden, toll road, art museum, hospital, radio broadcast, little league baseball game and the country’s first commercial pretzel factory … it all happened – first – here.
What are the pros and cons of moving to Pennsylvania?
Like anywhere else, there are some really great things about living in Pennsylvania and there are some not-so-great things to contend with too. We’re going to get those pesky cons out of the way first.
Cons of Living in Pennsylvania
(These ‘cons’ are really meant for people moving from the ‘always sunny west’ or the ‘always hot and humid south.’ Most folks who are coming from the northeast or central states may feel right at home.)
Weather. The state is 283-miles long with very different weather at the borders. Closer to the Great Lakes, one can get lots of cold and snow (Erie, PA, for example). Philly is more temperate and experiences more humid days. August can be a brutal month, and many prefer to vacation then. Are we being picky? Truthfully, it’s not much different than any other state in the mid-Atlantic. We encourage both snow suits and air-conditioning to handle the varied climate.
Driving can be exciting. Infrastructure was built over a city designed for walking and carriages. Highway on-ramps seem random, some are super-short and dump you right into traffic fast, others allow you time to gently merge. Some even have a stop sign at the end of the ramp. And then there’s the infamous “Pittsburgh Left” which can occur when two drivers meet at an intersection that lacks a left turn lane or arrow. When confronted with this situation, the driver going straight lets the driver who wants to go left go ahead to avoid a traffic buildup. The agreement is made by pointing, waving or a fast flash of headlights.
Like most eastern states, the infrastructure can be a little creaky. A significant number of roads and bridges need to be repaired, which can add to driving detours. In the summer of 2023, Philly showed how to do fix this when a key highway bridge collapsed and it was rebuilt in record time. So, yes, there is a focus and a solution.
Liquor sales are different than in most states. The state still exerts control (since Prohibition). Outlets are limited for anything beyond ‘basic’ wine, beer, and spirits. Foreign wine imports and hand-crafted artisan spirits have a hard time making it through the bureaucracy, so your choices are limited and exotics can be expensive.
The Pros of Living in Pennsylvania
Cost of living is relatively low here, roughly 2% less than the national average (according to RentCafe) and much more in the central and more rural parts of the state. You save on housing, which is 13% lower than the national average, but utilities are 8% higher. Overall, the state is considered more affordable than 30 other states. Housing can be significantly cheaper than in neighboring states.
Taxes are low and easy to calculate too. The state income tax rate is a flat 3.07 percent for everyone, with a modest 6% sales tax. And while Pennsylvania may not be the first place you think of when you consider where to retire, perhaps it should be. Retirement income (such as 401(k)s, Social Security, pensions, and IRAs) are exempt from state tax in Pennsylvania.
It’s beautiful. The forests, mountains, waterfalls, rock formations, those rolling farmlands … the state even has its own Grand Canyon (also known as Pine Creek Gorge). Philly sits on the Delaware River which affords lots of recreational opportunities in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. And if you want the full-on four distinct seasons experience, you’ll definitely find it here in Pennsylvania.
Eastern PA is close to ‘cooler,’ more expensive places. Philly is the butt of undeserved jokes from folks in NYC and DC. Drive times, buses and Amtrak make it affordable to visit them, pocket the difference in living costs and have the last laugh.
Pennsylvania Economy and Employment
Pennsylvania ranks 6th in terms of share of the U.S. economy, pretty good as it transitions from a traditional base of steel and manufacturing. Today it’s economy is broadly diversified as finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing sectors account for nearly one-fifth of its economy. Healthcare and education are a big deal too. It’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average.
Why Moving to Pennsylvania Offers Opportunity, Financial Growth, and a High Quality of Life.
Pennsylvania is complicated when it comes to determining the level of opportunity, financial growth, and quality of life the state offers. Rural areas are, frankly, rural. Yet these are within fairly easy driving distance to more urban choices we mention here. So you can pick the lifestyle and cost of living that suits you.
Between being home to some of the best universities in the world, high-ranking health institutions, rich history and four beautiful seasons … Pennsylvania offers all the essentials for a high-quality of life.
If you remember, earlier we mentioned that Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone state for its central location. This has also gifted the state with miles and miles of stunning landscape that include mountain trails, rivers and stunning forests. And on many summer weekends in August, it seems like half of Philly is swimming at New Jersey beaches.
So, if you want to get outdoors, it won’t be a problem in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s Best Cities
Before we dive in, we want to clarify that “Best” is whatever fits your idea of a great life. If you’re looking to farm, or just escape city life, our top picks are going to seem absurd to you. We’re focusing on larger, urban or suburban areas for the most part. But there plenty of options, and you’re sure to find the right place for you in Pennsylvania.
Eastern Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the state and offers all the urban amenities you could ever want, in a city that is human-sized. William Penn designed the city for walkers with many small parks anchoring surrounding homes. It’s a great mix of old and new with plenty to keep you busy: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Museum, the science-focused Franklin Institute, edgy South Street, and Constitution Hall, along with outstanding restaurants, theater, and shopping. If sports are your thing, it’s got all the major sports teams too.
Ten of the country’s largest law firms and twelve Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast and Crown Holdings, have their headquarters in the Philadelphia area. The federal government also has a large presence there, with the East Coast operations of the U.S. Mint and a division of the Federal Reserve Bank located nearby. The city is also known as one of the largest health education and research centers in the U.S. Understandably, the cost of living is higher here than in the rest of the state, yet for out-of-state folks considering a move, it can be surprisingly affordable
The city is the most diverse in the state with strongly rooted Black and Italian heritages. The city is proud of its 200+ year openness that extends to today’s LGBTQ+ culture. History is everywhere in the city, and we encourage you to wander and learn about its role in our Revolutionary War, Continental Congress, and its most famous resident: B. Franklin. Visit the 9th Street Italian Market in South Philly where Rocky trained, and find your fave, famous Philly cheesesteak. Still hungry? Bring cash to Angelo’s Pizzeria where people line up before they open.
We know several young west coast college graduates who moved to Philly and are as happy as clams. They like the bike-friendly community, public transit and affordably priced housing.
For more information on moving to Philadelphia, check out our city guide.
Allentown is Pennsylvania’s third largest metro area, and is home to the Allentown Symphony Hall, the Da Vinci Science Center for kids, and Lehigh Canal Park. You’ll find a mix of historic homes (average home value $267,000), and many of the older industrial mills and manufacturing centers are being transformed into apartments and lofts. It’s an easy 1-hour plus drive to Philly and slightly less than two-hours NYC.
Reading, located near Bear Creek Mountain, is smaller and much quieter than its two eastern siblings. Its cost of living slightly higher than the national average, but housing is cheaper ($227,000), a lot cheaper than comparable homes in greater Philly. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to shop wisely as Reading is known as the “Outlet Capital of the World.”
Central Pennsylvania
The cost of living in this region is below the national average, and life is conducted at a delightfully slower pace. Lancaster-Ephrata is home to the country’s largest Amish population. Gettysburg and Harrisburg offer historic attractions like Gettysburg National Military Park, preserving the historic battlefield that changed the Civil War.
Harrisburg is the state capital which anchors a steady economy. Its diverse population of 50,000 and average home price of $229,552 may be your cup of tea. Or if you want the added culture of a small university town with an active and passionate football following consider State College, the home of Penn State, with affordable homes averaging $327,000.
It’s all about nature in central Pennsylvania … and festivals. Don’t miss the Selinsgrove Market Street Festival, Beaver Community Fair, celebrating country living, or the 9-day Bloomsburg Fair, just to name a few. The gently rolling hills make for great road trips, bicycling, and roadside picnics.
Western Pennsylvania
During Covid young professionals began migrating to Pittsburgh in droves because of the bustling startup scene, strong industry, and a reasonable cost of living in comparison to much larger east coast cities. Carnegie-Mellon University’s reputation as a tech-savvy institution (favored by big tech like IBM and Microsoft) has created a thriving start-up culture. Affordable housing compared to the Bay Area and Austin, TX mean home sales there go further here. The average home price in Pittsburgh is $216,662 (compared to the U.S. $410,000 average and Austin’s $525,000), according to Zillow.
Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in the state, is right at the junction of the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers. Its water location made it big and important early in our history as a barge-transport gateway to the Mississippi and far-away New Orleans. Now Steel City is known for its bustling, walkable downtown area. Businesses here include Facebook and Google, Kraft/Heinz, PPG, Alcoa.
The city has an especially strong cultural scene, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the Andy Warhol Museum (the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist). Other art galleries plus a lively club/music scene will keep you busy. Its population is welcomingly diverse, thanks in part to its many universities: Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Duquesne University.
The cost of living used to be a bargain. Now it’s about the same as the national average with the run-up in home values. Still, housing is 7% cheaper than the U.S. average.
Pittsburgh has a great mix of living areas. Neighborhoods worth exploring include Squirrel Hill for families (ranked as the most expensive neighborhood at $691,000 by Zillow), Lawrenceville for professional couples ($316,766), and up-and-coming East Liberty ($248,549). South Slope offers views and value (average home price of $141,000). Check out the homes and views from Mount Washington Park. Suburbs worth exploring include Mount Lebanon, Fox Chapel, and Sewickley.
Want recreation? Camping, hiking, and canoeing galore surround the city. Stroll to Point State Park where the three rivers merge, first stopping and grabbing a Primanti Bros sandwich, world famous for its fillings of cole slaw and french fries. Or wander around the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, dedicated to the interpretation and promotion of the region’s steel-making heritage.
For more information on moving to Pittsburgh, check out our city guide here.
Our Final Sell on Pennsylvania
We have one final sell on Pennsylvania. It’s our trump card of sorts that we’ve been holding onto until now because it’s just that sweet. Are you ready? Are you sitting down? We think you’re gonna like this.
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.
Whether they were chocolate Kisses, Almond Joys, or Mr. Goodbars, we imagine you’ve had your fair share of Hershey’s chocolate over the years. We know we have. Pennsylvania is home to the sweetest place in the United States… Hershey. When Milton S. Hershey started the beloved Hershey Chocolate Company it was right here in Hershey, Pennsylvania and in our opinion… that alone may just make it worth moving here. Come take a tour of the factory and decide.
Our final sell on Pennsylvania?
We have one final sell on Pennsylvania. It’s our trump card of sorts that we’ve been holding onto until now because it’s just that sweet. Are you ready? Are you sitting down? We think you’re gonna like this.
9. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.
Whether they were chocolate kisses, Almond Joys or Mr. Goodbars… we imagine you’ve your fair share of Hershey’s chocolate over the years. We know we have. Well, it just so happens that Pennsylvania is home to the sweetest place in the United States… Hershey. When Milton S. Hershey started the beloved Hershey Chocolate Company it was right here in Pennsylvania and in our opinion… that alone may just make it worth moving here.
Making the Move to Pennsylvania
To summarize, there’s a lot to like about moving to Pennsylvania: an affordable cost of living, the beauty of the state, four ‘bearable’ seasons of weather, and great cities like Pittsburgh and Philly offering loads of opportunity. We can’t think of any good reason for you not to move to Pennsylvania. Can you?
When you’re ready to relocate, we’re here to help. Our Pittsburgh movers and Philadelphia movers focus on making your move as simple and affordable as possible. Check us out today to find out more.
- The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Saint Louis (Updated 2024) - March 15, 2024
- Is Moving to Pennsylvania Right for You? A 2024 Guide. - March 4, 2024
- The Best Neighborhoods in Cleveland (Updated 2024) - February 15, 2024
