10 Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

From buzzy cities to quiet towns, these are the best places for retirees in Pennsylvania.

Choosing where to retire can be a tough decision. You’ll need to consider housing costs, healthcare, climate, and proximity to recreational activities.

Pennsylvania is a popular state for retirees. It offers four distinct seasons, a relatively low cost of living, access to both big cities and small towns, and plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

One thing that makes Pennsylvania uniquely suitable for retirees is the state lottery: It’s the only one in the country that dedicates all of its proceeds to programs benefiting older adults. This money provides assistance through the state’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) for things like senior centers, in-home services, delivered meals, and health programs. Another program that benefits from lottery funding is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR) which provides tax breaks for seniors living in Pennsylvania.

So, which cities and towns are your best options? Let’s explore some of the best places to retire in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is the second-biggest city in Pennsylvania by population and one of the best places in the state for retirees. “Pittsburgh is home to one of the highest populations of seniors in the country,” said Jerad Bachar, president and chief executive officer of Visit Pittsburgh. “While our city bustles with eclectic arts, a diverse culinary scene, and champion sports, we also offer a world-class healthcare system, affordable housing, and low-cost transportation.”

This combination of arts, culture, and entertainment with affordability offers a high quality of life for Pittsburgh retirees. With an average home price of just $233,000, this mid-sized city is one where retirees can plant roots without breaking the bank.

Residents will enjoy activities and events throughout the city’s four distinct seasons. There are sports (favorites include the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates), museums like the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Andy Warhol Museum, and live entertainment at venues including the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities, parks, and walking trails. Plus, Pittsburg is part of the AARP Age-Friendly Network and has recently taken on projects to improve sidewalks, roadways, and crosswalks for pedestrians, bikers, and people with disabilities.

Related: Three-Day Weekend in Pittsburgh

West Chester

West Chester is located just an hour outside of Philadelphia, so it offers residents a small-town feel with easy access to big-city amenities. Plus, it’s a great spot for retirees looking for a 55+ community. "If you’re considering retiring in Pennsylvania, you’ve got some fantastic options depending on what you’re after,” said Chad Walker, vice president of sales and real estate operations at 55places.com, an online resource connecting retirees to 55+ communities across the country. “Communities like Hershey’s Mill put you close to all the action,” said Walker. Indeed, amenities at Hershey’s Mill include a private golf course, a heated outdoor pool, a sports complex with tennis, pickleball, bocce, and paddleball, a community center, a community garden, and so much more.

West Chester embraces both the past and the future. Downtown West Chester is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Home to West Chester University, it’s also a college town with a lively vibe.

Residents will love dining and shopping at independent businesses downtown and getting outdoors at one of the area’s many parks and recreational spaces. Natural Land’s Stroud Preserve has hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, and hunting, and there’s golf at numerous courses, including Broad Run Golfer's Club, West Chester Golf & Country Club, and Penn Oaks Golf Club.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, was recently named the best place to retire in the U.S. for 2024. Located on the Susquehanna River about two hours west of Philadelphia, this thriving city maintains 25 playgrounds and parks, including Italian Lake and City Island, a 63-acre island in the middle of the Susquehanna River.

According to Zillow, the average home value in Harrisburg is just $248,400, which is well below the national average of over $360,000. The city also boasts six senior centers and a robust healthcare system that includes UPMC Harrisburg, Hamilton Health Center, and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Lancaster

Lancaster is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania according to real estate experts. Located in the heart of Amish Country, this city offers both rural landscapes and arts, culture, shopping, and dining. Residents enjoy a robust calendar of activities that includes live theater, music, and festivals.

The average home price in Lancaster is currently around $355,000, which is just under the national average, according to Zillow.

As a member of AARP’s Age-Friendly Network, Lancaster is committed to increasing its livability for seniors. In 2023, the Clean, Green, and Safe project was launched to make it easier for seniors to walk to the Marin Senior Center by adding shade trees, benches, and safety cameras to the area.

Philadelphia

Retirees who want a metropolitan feel with easy access to entertainment, world-class dining, and transportation should look to Philadelphia. This city, known as America’s birthplace, was the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. It offers an endless list of things to do, including museums, historical sites (including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell), dining, and live entertainment.

Philadelphia is the perfect spot for retirees who love to travel because Philadelphia International Airport is located less than 20 minutes from the city center. This airport offers nonstop flights to 123 destinations around the world, with an average of 442 departures per day. If you’re a retiree who prefers cruising, you’re in luck; Norwegian Cruise Line will begin sailing from Philadelphia in 2026.

Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania, is known as “The Electric City” for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, but it may be more widely known as the home of the popular TV series, The Office.

Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, it offers a small-town vibe, a low cost of living, and a vibrant downtown.

According to Zillow, the average home price is around $175,000, and the cost of living is eight percent below the national average. The Scranton Senior Community Center offers educational, fitness, social, and recreational activities in partnership with United Neighborhood Centers of Northern Pennsylvania, while the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging offers assistance and programming designed for older adults and their caregivers.

Allentown

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is the third-biggest city in the state by population and a great choice for retirees.

Lehigh County, which includes Allentown, is a member of AARP’s Age-Friendly Network. The city also offers senior services designed to support the safety and well-being of older residents, like in-home safety surveys that assess risks. It also provides essentials like smoke detectors, anti-slip mats, pill containers, and flashlights. Educational programs include vehicle safety and Matter of Balance, an eight-week series to increase activity, balance, and strength.

Allentown isn’t just for retirees looking for a slower pace of life. It’s also for those who enjoy easy access to big-city amenities. Residents can drive to Philadelphia in 1 hour 15 minutes, to New York City in 1 hour 45 minutes, and to Baltimore in 2.5 hours.

Camp Hill

Camp Hill was named one of the best small towns for retirees in the U.S. in a study by Go Banking Rates and as a perfect retirement town in the Northern U.S. by World Atlas.

This small Pennsylvania town offers residents a quiet suburban feel with a big emphasis on community; many family-friendly events are held throughout the year.

It boasts five parks; some feature amenities including a pool, pickleball courts, and public tennis courts. There’s even a grandparent pool plan, perfect for visiting grandkids. The Maurice K. Goddard Trail offers residents a scenic walking and biking trail that winds through town, passing multiple parks and the library.

With housing costs below the national average, a vibrant downtown full of local shops, restaurants, and events, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why Camp Hill is a top spot for retirees.

Swarthmore

Swarthmore is a small town that embraces both its younger and older residents: It’s home to Swarthmore College and is also part of AARP’s Age-Friendly Network. Located just 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, it offers residents a small-town atmosphere with big-city perks nearby. The Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association provides resources, social interaction, travel opportunities, physical fitness, and education to members.

The average home value in Swarthmore is about $435,000, which is higher than the national average, but retirees looking for a thriving community with easy access to Philadelphia may find it’s worth it.

Stroudsburg

For retirees looking for a community feel with access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities, there’s Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of the Poconos Mountains, this town boasts an artsy and walkable downtown filled with galleries, local shops, live music, public art, and dining. Annual family-friendly events like StroudFest, WinterFest, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade attract locals and visitors alike.

With the Poconos Mountains at their doorstep, Stroudsburg retirees can enjoy many outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, skiing, kayaking, and boating. There is also a casino and multiple wineries nearby.

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