16 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania for 55 and Older

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Pennsylvania is the 23^rd most economical state in the US in terms of cost of living as of 2022. The overall cost of living in the state is 1.8% less than the national average. One of the main contributors to this is the lower housing cost in Pennsylvania, which is 11.9% less than the national average. Additionally, the state has a great healthcare system, with highly-regarded hospitals and medical centres that can provide excellent care for older adults. Pennsylvania has a significant population of older adults, with about 15.4% of its residents being 65 years old or older. Additionally, the state has a substantial veteran population, with over 870,000 veterans residing there. Lebanon County in Pennsylvania is home to the VA Medical Center, which is known to be one of the top veterans’ healthcare facilities in the country. Furthermore, Pennsylvania offers various retirement communities, with a total of 249 communities available for retirees to choose from.

Retirees in Pennsylvania can enjoy a tax-friendly climate, as the state does not impose taxes on retirement income. This makes Pennsylvania the only state on the East Coast, and one of only two states in the country, to fully exempt pension income from taxation. In addition, Pennsylvania boasts the lowest flat tax rate in the United States, at 3.07%. While federal income taxes cannot be avoided, retirees may benefit from relocating to Pennsylvania and taking advantage of the state’s low-income tax rate, potentially reducing their overall tax burden. Furthermore, Pennsylvania offers a relatively low state sales tax rate of only 6%, which is among the lowest in the country. Furthermore, state sales tax is not applicable to food and clothing purchases. Local taxes are only added in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania has a special sales tax exemption on all prescription and non-prescription drugs, which can be particularly helpful for seniors who may have higher medical costs. With the cost of medication tending to rise with age, this exemption can make a significant difference in the finances of older adults. Overall, the state ranks at the 35^th position in terms of state and local tax burden of 10.4%, according to the Tax Foundation.

Furthermore, the Keystone State offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for people of all ages, making it a great place to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The state is also home to many cultural attractions, including museums, theatres, and art galleries. Many of Pennsylvania’s communities are known for being friendly and welcoming to newcomers, which can make it easier for older adults to make new friends and feel connected to their community. Pennsylvania also has a thriving business sector with some well-known multinationals such as Viatris Inc (NASDAQ:VTRS), Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), and PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) operating within the state and contributing to the economy by creating job opportunities and boosting economic growth.

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Our Methodology

We used a consensus opinion-based approach to shortlist the 16 best places to live in Pennsylvania for people aged 55 and above. Our rankings are based on nine different factors that we believe are essential for a comfortable old-age experience. These factors include the cost of living, climate, population density, average household income, commute time, crime rate, average home value, health insurance coverage, and recreational opportunities. To ensure the reliability of our rankings, we consulted ten reputable online sources, including Senior Living Guide, Retirable, Seniorly and Niche. Each factor was assigned a score of 10, resulting in a maximum aggregate score of 90. These places have been ranked in ascending order of their total score.

Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania for 55 and Older

16. Johnstown

Total Score: 18

Johnstown is a city located in western Pennsylvania, approximately 70 miles east of Pittsburgh. It has a population of around 20,000 and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Allegheny Mountains and the nearby Conemaugh River. One of the advantages of retiring in Johnstown is its relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of the country. Housing is relatively affordable in the area, which can especially benefit retirees on a fixed income. Furthermore, there are also several retirement communities and assisted living facilities in and around Johnstown.

15. Camp Hill

Total Score: 19

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, is a popular place for retirees and older adults to live, as it offers a variety of benefits and facilities that can improve their life. Camp Hill and the surrounding areas have several active adult and retirement communities that cater specifically to the interests of older adults. Camp Hill is home to several top-rated healthcare facilities, including the Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital. These hospitals offer a range of medical services, including specialized care for older adults.

14. Perkasie

Total Score: 20

Perkasie is a small borough located in Bucks County. The community has a rich history and offers a range of benefits and amenities that can enhance the quality of life for older adults. Perkasie is located near several major medical centres, including Doylestown Hospital, St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital, and Grand View Health, which can provide quality medical care to older adults. Furthermore, Perkasie is located near several beautiful parks and nature reserves, including Lake Nockamixon State Park and the Perkiomen Trail, a scenic 20-mile walking and biking trail.

13. Erie

Total Score: 21

Erie, located in the northwest corner of the state, is a mid-sized city that offers a range of services for older adults. Erie has several top-rated healthcare facilities, including UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital, which offer various healthcare solutions. On the shores of Lake Erie, the city provides numerous options for outdoor recreation, with the popular Presque Isle State Park located just outside the city. Additionally, Erie has a rich cultural scene that includes the Erie Art Museum, the Warner Theatre, and the Erie Philharmonic, which hosts various exhibits and performances throughout the year.

12. West Chester

Total Score: 22

West Chester is a vibrant community with a variety of attractions, amenities, and resources that make it a great place to live for individuals aged 55 and older. West Chester is located just 25 miles west of Philadelphia, providing easy access to the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings. West Chester is home to several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities, including Chester County Hospital and Brandywine Hospital. West Chester has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, with many historic buildings and landmarks, museums, and cultural events that celebrate the town’s heritage.

11. Collegeville

Total Score: 23

Collegeville is a small town located in Montgomery County. The town is 27 miles northwest of Philadelphia and close to several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities, including Phoenixville Hospital, Lankenau Medical Center, and Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. Collegeville has many scenic parks and outdoor spaces, including Evansburg State Park, Perkiomen Trail, and the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Collegeville is home to Ursinus College, a nationally recognized liberal arts college, providing residents with access to higher education opportunities.

10. Hershey

Total Score: 27

Hershey is located just 12 miles east of Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, providing easy access to the city’s entertainment offerings. Additionally, Hershey is located close to major highways, making it easy to travel to other parts of Pennsylvania or beyond. Hershey is also known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth” and is home to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is nationally recognized for its outstanding healthcare services, research, and education. The centre provides exceptional care in several areas, including cancer, cardiology, and neurology.

9. Penn Wynne

Total Score: 28

8. York

Total Score: 36

York is a historic city located in the south-central region of the state. The town has several higher education institutions, including York College of Pennsylvania and Penn State York. Some of the attractions in the city include the York County Heritage Trust, the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, and the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center. Some of the outdoor attractions include the Codorus State Park and the Susquehanna River. The town is close to several hospitals and medical facilities, including WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Memorial, and to major highways, like the I-83 and US-30.

7. Scranton

Total Score: 45

Scranton is a city located in Lackawanna County in the northeastern region of the state. The city is known for its connection to the popular television show “The Office,” which was set in Scranton. Scranton is known for its deep historical roots and cultural attractions, including the Steamtown National Historic Site, the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, and the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art. Additionally, Scranton is located near several scenic outdoor areas, including the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the Lackawanna State Park.

6. Harrisburg

Total Score: 46

Harrisburg is the capital city of the state and is located along the banks of the Susquehanna River. The city is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-81 and I-83, making it easy to travel to other parts of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg has several quality healthcare facilities, including PinnacleHealth System, UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic, and Harrisburg Hospital. Harrisburg offers access to cultural and recreational activities like the Susquehanna Art Museum, the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, and City Island Park.

In addition to its convenient location and various healthcare facilities, Harrisburg also benefits from the presence of several multinational corporations in Pennsylvania, such as Viatris Inc, Comcast Corporation, and PPG Industries, Inc.. These companies contribute to the state’s thriving economy and provide numerous employment opportunities for residents.