Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

Overall
If you have been thinking about making a move to retire in Pennsylvania we can help you make an informed choice. This website will give you useful information about the best places to retire in Pennsylvania, including the top active adult retirement communities. Pennsylvania, the Keystone state, had just under 12.5 million people in 2008. It has two large cities, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia; many mid-sized cities like Erie and Lancaster; and many small towns and rural areas. The north central portions of Pennsylvania tend to be sparsely populated and offer excellent outdoor recreation. PA has 50 miles of coastline on Lake Erie. The Wikipedia entry for Pennsylvania has more facts.

Pennsylvania Climate
The Pennsylvania climate is called humid-continental. There are 4 seasons. Summers are hot and winters are cold with frequent snowstorms. The northwestern part of the state experiences lake-effect snowstorms from Lake Erie.

Economy & Home Prices
Pennsylvania's 2007 per capita income at $48,562 was slightly below than the United States average. Median home prices are usually much less expensive than in rest of the U.S. The median home in the Erie area sold for $86,000 vs. the national median of $169,000 in the first quarter of 2009.  In the Pittsburgh area the median home goes for $103,000 and the cost of living index is 85. Wealthy suburbs around Philadelphia are much more expensive, although the median price is $206,000.

Pennsylvania Taxes
Pennsylvania has much higher than average tax burden - at 10.2% it is the 11th highest in the nation. Oddly enough, it has one of the lowest income tax rates - a flat rate 3.07% (although in certain towns there are additional income taxes). Social security taxes are exempt. State sales tax is 6%. PA has one of the highest gasoline taxes. Property taxes are one reason why the state has a reputation as a high tax state.

Certified Retirement Communities
Pennsylvania does not have a certified retirement community program.

Best retirement communities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania can be a great state for active adults and people over 50. It has a very low cost of living and many livable cities and small towns. Some of the best places for retirement in Pennsylvania are its charming small college towns like Carlisle, Lewisburg, Meadville, Titusville, Lancaster, and Swarthmore. Located in State College is one of the newer phenomemons in retirement living, a university related retirement community, The Village at Penn State. Pittsburgh is not only a great bargain but it is a livable city that is enjoying a renaissance. It has been singled out as America's 8th most literate city. Philadelphia offers an excellent urban retirement with plenty to do and places to live.

Free eBook - Baby Boomers Guide to Selecting a Retirement Community - 16 Factors
Download this free eBook and use its fun exercises to help you find your perfect active adult retirement community.

Click on the Pennsylvania retirement town reviews on the right to find out more.