Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Pennsylvania
by Tyler Castle
15.2 min read
If you’re considering a move to Pennsylvania, we get it — there are so many reasons why it’s a great state to live in. For starters, it recently ranked #10 for healthcare quality and #17 for opportunity in U.S. News’ Best States rankings. And that’s not all, the Keystone State also offers countless opportunities to explore our country’s rich history, enjoy the best of both city life and nature, and find the best places to grab a cheesesteak.
Think Pennsylvania might just be your new home? Keep reading for everything you need to know about moving there.
5 great things about moving to Pennsylvania
Top 9 places to live in Pennsylvania
A guide to Pennsylvania’s 3 major cities
Where to work when you move to Pennsylvania
Experience what puts Pennsylvania on the map!
3 tips for moving to Pennsylvania
Moving to Pennsylvania FAQs
5 great things about moving to Pennsylvania
We’ve already touched on some of the reasons why Pennsylvania is a top contender for your move, but here are a few more to make it official (just in case you needed more):
- The cost of living is below the national average, with housing and healthcare representing the biggest savings.
- Low income taxes — Pennsylvania has the lowest flat income tax rate in the nation (3.07%)! And, if you’re thinking about retiring, Pennsylvania doesn’t impose income taxes on Social Security benefits or pensions. Another bonus for those of retirement age? Income from 401ks and IRAs are exempt from taxes as well.
- There’s great higher education opportunities for you and your children thanks to no shortage of top colleges and universities — Carnegie Mellon, The University of Pennsylvania, Villanova, and Temple University all call Pennsylvania home
- The state offers the best of both city living (the 6th-largest city in the country, Philadelphia, is here) and small-town charm
- There are plenty of job opportunities, with 23 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here.
Top 9 places to live in Pennsylvania
Did you know that the country’s best place to live is in Pennsylvania? In a recent ranking of the nation’s top communities, Chesterbrook, PA took the top spot for the fourth year in a row.
Chesterbrook
In addition to being the country’s number-one place to live, this small community (population 5,610) offers ample opportunity to get up close to history. Situated on the south edge of Valley Forge National Historical Park, residents have one of the country’s most significant historical sites right in their backyard. The park (as well as nearby Wilson Farm Park) also offers opportunities to take in the outdoors with picnic areas and hiking trails.
There’s more to Pennsylvania than this idyllic community; a handful of other Pennsylvania towns joined Chesterbrook in cracking the top 100. They include:
Ardmore
This Philadelphia suburb is a small town at heart but enjoys the benefits of being close to a major city. Seasonal events such as the Clover Market in the spring and fall and Restaurant Week each July bring the community together. And for those times when residents want a taste of city life, this community is just a 20-minute public transit ride away from Philadelphia.
Penn Wynne
Sitting just outside of Philadelphia, this small suburb has easy access to all the sights and activities that Pennsylvania’s largest city has to offer. For instance, both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Zoo are within a 25-minute drive. Additionally, the community itself features two small parks — Wynnewood Valley Park and Penn Wynne Park.
Devon
A neighbor of Chesterbrook, Devon enjoys a similar proximity to Valley Forge. But what really sets this community apart are draws such as the Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, a 48-acre botanical garden that boasts one of the country’s most impressive collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, and the Devon Horse Show. This event is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition in the country and takes place in late May.
Swarthmore
Like its name suggests, this town is home to Swarthmore College and the campus sits on approximately one third of its land. In addition to the college, Swarthmore is home to two sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Ogden House and Benjamin West Birthplace). Other local attractions include Scott Arboretum and the Park Avenue Community Center, which hosts a variety of events and activities.
Aspinwall
This small town sits on the Allegheny River and is part of the Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan area. It’s a stone’s-throw away from the city, which makes this community perfect for those who want a taste of urban life and the benefits of a small town. Looking for ways to get outdoors, too? Aspinwall has quick access to public recreation spaces such as Allegheny River Trail Park and Aspinwall Recreational Area. While both feature childrens’ playgrounds, Allegheny River Trail Park is the place to go if walking trails, going to the dog park, or fishing (don’t forget your license!) are on the agenda. Head to Aspinwall Recreational Area for the baseball fields and basketball court.
Narberth
If you’re looking for a bustling town with history and a thriving local business community, Narberth may just be the place for you. Old Victorian homes are a common sight here and in 2003 the Narbrook Park Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the downtown area has many independently-owned shops and restaurants, many of which are members of the Narberth Business Association — a group that also sponsors community events such as the NarBarK Dog Parade and annual Narberth Dickens Festival.
Park Forest Village
Situated next door to State College, PA (home of the Penn State Nittany Lions), Park Forest Village gets all the perks of a college town — such as sporting events and access to top-tier education — and then some. The community’s additional draws include curving tree-lined streets, the Patton Woods Natural Recreation Area, Park Forest Community Pool (complete with two water slides and a splash pad), and the Circleville Disc Golf Course.
Rose Valley
Rose Valley was founded as an Arts and Crafts community in 1901, and even though the project may have only lasted nine years, it left an architectural mark on the town that can still be seen today. Eye-catching buildings aside, the town features an active community theater, museum, and multiple wildlife sanctuaries.
A guide to Pennsylvania’s 3 major cities
Looking for the thrill of big-city living? You can absolutely find it in Pennsylvania — the state is home to three major metropolitan centers: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. Each has a unique set of attractions and claims to fame. Here, we break down what each has to offer, including top eats, entertainment, and activities:
Philadelphia
The “City of Brotherly Love” is Pennsylvania’s largest (and the country’s 6th-most populated) city and is located across the Delaware River from New Jersey.
For sports fans
If you enjoy catching a game in your free time, Philadelphia won’t disappoint. The city is home to five major-league teams: The Phillies (baseball), Eagles (football), 76ers (basketball), Flyers (hockey), and Union (soccer), so you can root, root, root for the home team no matter which sport is your favorite.
And if that’s not enough, there’s a good chance you can catch your new favorite team vying for a championship, with the Eagles, 76ers, Phillies, and the Union all making appearances in the postseason within the last few years.
For culture seekers
Philadelphia is home to several cultural touchstones, including the “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well as the Liberty Bell and 16+ historical sites. The city also boasts more than 22 world-class museums that feature exhibits on everything from natural and American history to fine arts, archaeology, medicine, and more.
For foodies
A visit to Philadelphia isn’t complete until you’ve tried a cheesesteak. Competition is hot for the title of “best in town”, and the winner of that crown is likely dependent on who you ask. One thing’s for sure though, in the town this signature bite is named after, you’ll have countless opportunities to get a taste.
If hunting down the perfect cheesesteak isn’t on your list, other top spots to grab a bite include: Reading Terminal Market (one of the country’s largest public markets), High Street Philly, and John’s Water Ice.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania’s second-largest city and sits at the meeting place of three of the state’s longest rivers — the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio.
For sports fans
With three professional sports teams based in the city, Pittsburgh has options if you want to catch a big-league game — especially if you’re a baseball (Pirates), football (Steelers), or hockey (Penguins) fan. While the Pirates are more of a regular-season team in recent years, both the Steelers and the Penguins are frequent playoff contenders, offering even more opportunities to catch them in action.
But what about other sports? Fear not, basketball, soccer, and even ultimate frisbee fans, Pittsburgh has minor league teams for you to cheer on as well.
For culture seekers
With a wealth of museums, theaters, and galleries, Pittsburgh is home to a thriving cultural scene. For a look at priceless works of art, the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the eclectic Mattress Factory are all can’t-miss stops. Or if you’d prefer to catch a live performance — whether it’s a nationally-touring Broadway show, concert, or local production — reserve your seat at any of the city’s many venues.
For foodies
Pittsburgh is home to an up and coming food scene, and much of the fare includes bites that are unique to the city. Take the Pittsburgh salad for example, a garden salad that’s topped with french fries or the pepperoni roll, a staple that got its start as a snack for hungry coal miners in the 1900s.
Or if you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, check out the city’s 25 best as ranked by Pittsburgh Magazine.
Allentown
Allentown is Pennsylvania’s third-largest city by population, and was home to 125,890 people as of the 2020 census. It’s nestled in the Lehigh Valley along the river of the same name in the Eastern part of the state.
For sports fans
Even though Allentown isn’t home to any big-league sports teams (most residents pledge their allegiance to either New York- or Philadelphia-based teams), that doesn’t mean there aren’t any opportunities to go to a game. The city hosts the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple A team) and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (the development team for the Philadelphia Flyers).
For culture seekers
Allentown may be a smaller city, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on culture. The Allentown Art Museum, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, and Museum of Indian Culture all offer a unique look at the area’s unique history and art. While the Civic Theatre in the city’s West End acts as both a stage and independent foreign film house. Additionally, the Municipal Opera Company of Allentown (MunOpCo for short) has been putting on shows and concerts for almost 90 years.
For foodies
If there’s anywhere you should go for a bite to eat during your visit to Allentown, The Market is it. This foodhall-style eatery features a diverse range of cuisines — from Mediterranean to Thai — all under one roof. Other top area restaurants include local favorites such as Wert’s Cafe, Union and Finch, and Henry’s Salt of the Sea.
Where to work when you move to Pennsylvania
Thanks to the diverse landscape of industries that call Pennsylvania home, there are plenty of employment opportunities no matter your area of professional expertise. The chart below features some of the state’s most prominent sectors as well as the kinds of roles they support and top employers.
| Industry | Types of Roles Supported | Top Pennsylvania Employers |
| Advanced Manufacturing | Engineering and other STEM-related fields | |
| Food Processing & Manufacturing | Food and beverage production, agribusiness, and packaging | |
| Corporate Headquarters | Marketing, finance, insurance, and business executive positions | |
| Life Sciences & Medical Technology | BioTechnology, medical device manufacturing, and pharmaceutical | |
| Distribution & Logistics | Delivery services, warehouse distribution, and logistics management | |
| Plastics & Chemicals | Chemical engineering, plastics engineering, and laboratory sciences | |
| Robotics & A.I. | Software development, mechanical engineering, and machine learning |
Experience what puts Pennsylvania on the map!
Pennsylvania is a state of many attractions. From cultural hotspots to tasty treats, there are several reasons why the Keystone State stands out. Come for the:
- Opportunities to get up close to nature at Pennsylvania’s many state and national parks
- History — Pennsylvania is one of the 13 original colonies and you can step into the past at sites like Independence National Historical Park, Gettysburg, and Valley Forge.
- Regional bites such as cheese steaks and shoofly pie.
- Attractions such as Hershey Park, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Longwood Gardens, and Fallingwater, to name a few.
Whether you want to set out on a nature hike, eat like the locals (which now includes you), or journey back in time, Pennsylvania is filled with chances to do what you love. And who knows, you may just find a new favorite spot as you explore your new backyard.
3 tips for moving to Pennsylvania
You’ve considered all of your options and decided that Pennsylvania is where you want to be — congratulations on your decision! Now that you’ve settled on a location, it’s time to take action. But where do you start? Here are a few things to do before your upcoming relocation:
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- Visit before you move – Learning as much as you can about your new hometown before you pack up and move there is important, and that includes seeing it for yourself. If possible, try to visit for a week or two before you make anything official. Getting to know a place through online research only takes you so far. By spending time there, you can be sure that the location of your dreams is everything you imagined it to be.
- Get your utilities set up ahead of time – Moving is exhausting, and the last thing you want to do after you unpack is worry about getting the lights and heat turned on. That’s why we recommend choosing your new energy and gas company and taking care of these to-dos before you move in. At Santanna Energy Services, we have energy and gas solutions for your new home including fixed-rate and unlimited plans, as well as earth-friendly electricity and gas.
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- Make a moving checklist – You never realize it beforehand, but there’s a lot to keep track of during a move. When it comes to staying on top of everything that needs to get done, having a convenient checklist can make the process go much more smoothly. Keeping a record of all the tasks you need to complete — such as booking movers, figuring out what to do with items you don’t want to bring with you, and submitting a change of address with the post office — will help you stay cool, calm, and collected.
Moving to Pennsylvania FAQs
How does the cost of living compare to the rest of the country?
Overall, the cost of living in Pennsylvania is two percent lower than the national average. Specific areas that see the biggest savings when compared to the rest of the country are housing (for both renters and buyers) and healthcare, coming in at 13 percent and two percent lower respectively.
Expenses such as utilities, food, and transportation are all above average — though not by a significant figure — while goods and services remain at the national average.
What’s the job market like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s job market, like all others, didn’t escape the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the outlook has rebounded since that time, with an improved labor force participation rate, a higher number of job openings than during pre-pandemic times, and a drop in unemployment claims. As of December 2022 the unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent — the lowest rate in decades.
How’s the housing market?
If there’s anything that’s true about the housing market, it’s that it’s in constant flux — and Pennsylvania is no different. To check the most recent developments, we recommend taking a look at the Pennsylvania Housing Market Report, a monthly publication from the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors.
What are the top school districts?
As top school districts (which include local elementary, middle, and high schools) are often determined by test score results, the rankings can change from year to year. For 2023, the ten highest-rated in the state are:
School districts in the Greater Philadelphia area
School districts in the Greater Pittsburgh area
- Upper Saint Clair
- MT Lebanon
- Pine-Richland
- Hampton Township
- Peters Township
- North Allegheny
- Fox Chapel Area
For a more in-depth look at each district, check out this breakdown from the Public School Review.
How cold does it get in the winter?
While winter temperatures can occasionally dip down into the teens or even single digits, Pennsylvania winters are typically mild overall. The coldest month is January, which sees an average high of 34 degrees and low of 21 degrees.
What exactly is the Phillie Phanatic?
The Phillie Phanatic made its first appearance as the mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1978, and in the time since has won fans over with its unique appearance and sense of humor. But what exactly is this furry green creature supposed to be? According to its biography, the Phanatic hails from the Galapagos Islands, but other than that its species remains a mystery.
Welcome to Pennsylvania!
Finding a location for your next home is an important decision, and so is choosing your next energy provider. At Santanna Energy Services, we have multiple energy plans tailored to your lifestyle. Check a box off your moving checklist today: View plans in your new neighborhood.
Tyler is an experienced energy professional, having worked for Santanna Energy Services, for the past four years. He is passionate about renewable energy and believes that diversifying the energy grid is the key to a sustainable future. Tyler is dedicated to supplying consumers with the best possible energy solutions and works diligently to make sure that Santanna can deliver the highest quality service.
