The low cost of living is one of the best things about living in Pennsylvania. There are jobs, amenities, and a great quality of life in general in the Keystone State.

Pennsylvania is the fifth most populated state in the country, but more than half of this northeastern state is covered in trees. This means you are conveniently located among natural wonders including national parks, lakes, waterfalls, lakes rivers, and mountains.

What are the best places in Pennsylvania to live?

There are museums and other places that try to keep the state’s history alive. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh aren’t on this list because their housing costs are much higher than the cities below.

This makes Philadelphia and Pittsburgh great places to build a house in Pennsylvania. So, keep reading to find out more about charming Pennsylvania towns that aren’t as well-known but can be just as nice places to live.

1. Sherry

Sharon is a cute town with only about 13,000 people living there. This city is at the top of the list because it has the lowest ratio of housing costs to income. This helps keep the cost of living in this city low. Sharon South, Sharon Northwest, and the City Center are three of the most populated areas in Sharon. Sharon has 26 hospitals, which is strange for a town of its size.

2. The town of Johnstown

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a great option if you’re seeking for a multicultural, tranquil metropolis in the Keystone State. Johnstown is 56 miles east of Pittsburgh and has about 19,500 residents. It is a very conservative city. The town is easygoing and has all the comforts of a city without the noise, pollution, and crime. Some of the most well-known suburbs are Loretto, Southmont, and Geistown.

3. York

York is a safe, family-friendly town with about 44,000 people. It is close to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Hershey, all of which can be reached by car in a short amount of time. People go to Bonham House, Colonial Complex, and Harley-Davidson factory tours in the city. At the end of summer, there is also the 10-day York Fair, which is a great time for RV travelers and day visitors.

4. Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Scranton and Wilkes-Barre are both in northeastern Pennsylvania. It takes about 30 minutes to drive between the two cities. Both cities are about the same size and have liberal leanings. They are both in a beautiful valley surrounded by coal-rich mountains. This area is safer from tornadoes because of its geography.

People from Ireland, Italy, and Poland live in Scranton, and the number of Hispanics and people from the Middle East is growing. Housing is available and not too expensive for people who want to start a family. The average price of a home is $75,100. Education is also highly regarded. In 2022, the University of Scranton was ranked fifth as the best regional college in the north, and the community colleges are just as competitive.

5. Poconos

The Pocono Mountains, also called the Poconos, are a great place for people who like to be active. It is a magical town of about 10,000 people in northeastern Pennsylvania that is surrounded by several ski resorts. Mount Pocono is also a safe place to raise children and spend your golden years. Schools like Buhkill Elementary School serve the city, and Cranberry Township, North Huntingdon, and Murrysvilleare the most popular places to live.

6. Altoona

Altoona is a city of about 44,000 people that is friendly and modest. All the things you need are on one strip, and it’s easy to drive to the most important places. Most people who live in Fairview, East End, and Dutch Hill are very conservative and like where they live.

People who live there say that the city is “clean, cheap, and a good place to raise kids.” There are a lot of different things to do. You can swim or bowl at Canoe Creek, or you can go to the Jaffa Shrine Center to see things like the circus. It is easy to make friends and have good times there.