Pennsylvania’s width gives it an interesting personality and offers many opportunities. The Delaware River is located in its eastern portion, as well as Philadelphia. You can also find historic towns and small cities in the Appalachian Mountains if you head west.
This gives visitors the opportunity to see all that the United States has been through for over 200 years. It is possible to explore the history of Philly’s politics and the Victorian architecture found in towns where wealthy barons used to reside at the peak of huge industries.
Residents will find that many great cities in Pennsylvania offer a balance between life and work, with growing economies that allow them to have security at a fraction of the cost.
12. Williamsport
Williamsport, also known simply as Willpo is an historic town in central Pennsylvania. Williamsport is located in Lycoming County on the banks the West Branch the Susquehanna River. You will find protected areas, museums and higher education here, as well as historic houses and an exploding arts scene.
Williamsport, the Lumber Capital of the World in the 19th Century was Williamsport. Many of these homes can still be seen today, and you can explore them by taking a stroll down Millionaire’s Row. Nearly a dozen parks and miles of trails can be found throughout this wonderful city. There is also a few music venues.
Williamsport hosts the Little League World Series, which is a great place to enjoy baseball.
11. Erie
c) ShutterstockErie lies on the banks of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania’s northwestern corner. It is an idyllic town offering many opportunities to both locals and tourists. Erie is known for its vast peninsula and summers at the shore. It also offers hiking trails along Presque Isle Bay. The snowfalls in winter bring the nearby ski areas to life.
Erie has a younger population than the average. This, along with the many outdoor activities that the area offers, gives Erie a lively atmosphere and an extra boost of energy throughout the year. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options in the downtown area to satisfy everyone. People who stay put can enjoy an excellent work/life balance.
10. Philadelphia
(c) ShutterstockPhiladelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania. It’s home to more than 1.5 million residents. This city has a fascinating history and is something that many visitors will not see. Philadelphia is a city where you will find the Liberty Bell, as well as the famous cheesesteaks. For those that live in Philadelphia, Philadelphia is much more than the Birthplace of America.
Nearly 200 communities make up the City of Brotherly Love. Each neighborhood is as unique as its neighbor. You can appreciate the differences by staying around and exploring the many parks and colorful streets that run through the city.
The cost of living in this large city is higher than elsewhere in Pennsylvania but still lower than the national average. It’s easy to get to other cities by bike and walking, making it a great place to visit and live.
9. Hershey
DreamstimeDauphin County is home to Hershey, a town of just 15,000 people. America’s favourite chocolate brand was founded right here, and tourism is an important part of Hershey.
Tourists travel from around the world to visit “The Town Built on Chocolate”. HersheyPark, the Chocolate World and a wealth of history in dairy farming are just a few highlights. There’s also an underrated nightlife.
Visitors and residents alike can enjoy Hershey’s many museums and great shopping, as well as delicious local restaurants. Hershey is more than a tourist destination. It has a great school system and beautiful parks.
8. Reading
DreamstimeReading, located approximately 90 minutes away from Philadelphia’s downtown area, is a large town with close knit communities. Although Reading may be home to around 90,000. The laid-back community makes it a totally different place.
Residents and visitors can find a mix of big-city conveniences, as well as quaint, small-town charm, nestled among the Appalachian Mountains. There is plenty to do, including plenty of outdoor activities. If you don’t feel like exploring the city’s center, you can hike to Mount Penn and see a historical fire tower as well as a 100-year old pagoda that offers memorable views of the city.
You can catch the Philadelphia Phillies future stars at work with the Reading Fightin Phils for local spot opportunities
7. Scranton
DreamstimeScranton is a character you may be familiar with from The Office. But did you also know many references to actual places? Scranton is a city that has a unique vibe. They’re transforming old buildings from the industrial sector into modern downtowns, just like Allentown.
Scranton’s history is long, particularly in connection to railroads. Visitors and residents can now enjoy the best of both the old and the modern. Downtown has been redeveloped by a vibrant hospitality sector. Residents have great opportunities for employment in the growing tech, healthcare and finance sectors.
6. Allentown
DreamstimeAllentown’s many historical homes are something that both residents and visitors can agree upon. Allentown has been a center for manufacturing, which brought many years of prosperity. Although manufacturing may not have been as successful, the more than 100-year-old buildings and commercial businesses that still exist in Allentown are part of the landscape and do not make it look bad.
Allentown was quick to move into the new age. The old mills became beautiful living spaces, and the new economy was born. Allentown, with its population exceeding 100,000 residents, is one of only three major cities in Pennsylvania. Entertainment is provided by minor league baseball and hockey, which help to drive an expanding dining and nightlife scene.
5. Swarthmore
(c) DreamstimeSwarthmore, located in Delaware County just minutes from Philadelphia, is a historic college town. However, it’s not dominated by college students.
Swarthmore is loved by families and graduates for the many activities it offers. You’ll find a large arboretum and many concerts. There is also a lively market and local shops, as well as great food.
Family members can take advantage of the highly-rated schools, and the commute from Philadelphia to Delaware is easy. You can also enjoy a stroll along Crum Creek and the Delaware River, which are home to both a casino and a racetrack.
4. York
(c) DreamstimeYork is a city that may surprise travelers. York is located just minutes away from Baltimore’s Maryland border. York was the nation’s first capital in 18th-century America. York is now home to the Weightlifting Hall of Fame headquarters and the largest Harley-Davidson manufacturing plant. One of four Starbucks coffee roasting plants is located in the area.
York’s unique characteristics are what make it special. Visitors and residents alike will enjoy the oldest fair in the country, the York State Fair. They can also learn about York’s rich connections with the American Revolution. Harrisburg, Lancaster and HersheyPark are all nearby.
3. Lancaster
(c) ShutterstockLancaster is known as “Lankis-ter”, which is pronounced “Lanki-ter”. It is a major hub for Amish tourism. It’s more than just a hub for Amish tourism, as visitors will quickly discover. Lancaster’s 60,000 inhabitants enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, as well as a vibrant community.
Lancaster’s historic and beautiful downtown is available to all. Here you will find colorful boutiques and thrift shops, as well as galleries on Gallery Row. Due to the city’s past, it has a wide variety of German-style beer breweries as well as a large dining scene that includes many vegan restaurants. All roads lead to Chameleon Club which is an emblematic music venue.
Residents who choose to settle in the area will have the best rent and the most extensive outlet shopping.
2. Pittsburgh
DreamstimePittsburgh is the best example of Pennsylvania’s width. The city is located in Pennsylvania’s Keystone State but retains strong Midwest roots. Pittsburgh, home to more than 300,000. It is a vibrant medium-sized metropolis that transcends the coal mines and steel mills that once put it on the map.
The city’s central area features shining skyscrapers and an expanding tech industry. It also has a vibrant nightlife that is sure to delight travelers but which locals love. The city’s Steel Curtain identity is still strong despite the modernization.
Pittsburgh is home to a large and diverse population. These subcultures all come together to form unique communities that support the Pittsburgh Steelers. People looking to relocate can benefit from strong family incomes, lower housing costs and all of this.
1. Harrisburg
c) ShutterstockHarrisburg offers wonderful outdoor experiences to both locals as well as tourists. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital, is home to almost 50,000 people. Harrisburg also boasts the Riverfront Park, which runs along the picturesque Susquehanna River. Regular festivals and other community events are held here to maintain a vibrant city culture.
Harrisburg is halfway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which makes it an attractive location. Residents and visitors can also visit those cities, as well as hiking the famed Appalachian Trail.
There are many bars and clubs that offer jazz music in the busy central area. The city is also experiencing a revitalization of its nightlife. Harrisburg is a popular choice for many people who want to live here. It has a great economy, good schools, and local parks.
View a Map of Pennsylvania Cities to Visit and Live in
Faqs
– Johnstown. Fall colors in Johnstown.
– Lititz. Erb’s Mill covered bridge, Lititz.
– Jim Thorpe. Historic Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
– Gettysburg. Gettysburg National Military Park.
– Bloomsburg. Bloomsburg Town Hall | wagon16 / photo modified.
– Milford.
– Lancaster.
– Lawrenceville.
– Allegheny National Forest – one of the most stunning places to explore in Pennsylvania.
– Presque Isle State Park – Pennsylvania’s most-loved seashore destination.
– Philadelphia – a fun and vibrant city and one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania.
– Lancaster County. Located in Pennsylvania’s southeastern corner, Lancaster County is known as Amish Country.
– Tioga County.
– Columbia County.
– Bucks County.
– Adams County.
– Carbon County.
– Sullivan County.
– Chester County.
Chester is the oldest City in Pennsylvania. In 1681, William Penn acquired the colonial settlement as a safe haven for Quakers. One year later he landed on the ship Welcome and renamed the settlement Chester, after the city in England.
– Worlds End State Park. Forksville.
– Bushkill Falls. Poconos.
– The Pinnacle Trail. Berks County.
– Ohiopyle State Park. Ohiopyle.
– Presque Isle State Park. Erie.
– Cook Forest/Clarion River. Cooksburg.
– Cherry Springs State Park. Coudersport.
– Kinzua Bridge. McKean County.