8 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania, According to Real Estate Experts

Philadelphia

If you’re seeking a city lifestyle paired with affordability, look no further than Philadelphia. “The city is highly affordable compared to other cities, with a median home price of $270,000, making it a popular destination for those seeking reasonably priced housing,” Lublin says. Plus, he adds, “We are known as a city of neighborhoods, with over 150 communities offering unique flavors and experiences.”

But it’s not just the neighborhoods—Society Hill, Fishtown, Fairmount, Rittenhouse Square—that are dynamic; it’s the culture in general. “Philly is vibrant, with museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Philadelphia Art Museum (home of the famous Rocky Steps), The Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, and others. We are also the cradle of liberty, with sites like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center,” Lublin adds. Not to mention, the culinary and sports scenes are world-renowned. As a resident of the City of Brotherly Love, you’ll always have a team to root for throughout the year, whether it’s the Eagles, Flyers, Phillies, or Sixers.

Erie

At the opposite end of the state from Philadelphia sits Erie, a city where the cost of living is 13 percent lower than the national average. “This northwestern Pennsylvania city is located on Lake Erie, surrounded by beautiful wooded landscapes,” says Lublin, describing it as an “affordable location with a median home price of $189,975” and “vibrant arts scene.” In the warmer months, he says, you can expect “entertainment and dining options such as block parties, sunset concerts, and the annual CelebrateErie festival.” Erie residents also enjoy Presque Isle State Park’s beaches and lakefront vistas.

The Main Line

“If you want the best mix of neighborhood feel and access, the Main Line is hard to beat,” says Mike Severns, founder of Mike Severns Team. A group of affluent Philadelphia suburbs, the Main Line consists of towns like Ardmore, Haverford, Wayne, Villanova, Radnor, and Bryn Mawr. “You’ve got strong school districts, walkable downtown pockets, and a straight shot into Center City by train—plus resale tends to stay solid because demand is always there,” he says. Desirability, unsurprisingly, leads to higher home prices. Redfin describes the housing market as “very competitive,” and estimates the median sale price of a home in the Main Line at the end of 2025 was around $650,000.

Harrisburg and Lancaster

Two of Lublin’s top picks for places to live in Pennsylvania are within 40 miles of one another. “Harrisburg and Lancaster, in central Pennsylvania, are wonderful smaller cities with a lower cost of living and affordable housing markets,” he says. “They feature suburban living with a host of parks for outdoor recreation and many unique small businesses, and they’re only a short trip from larger metro areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.”

Lublin notes that Harrisburg, the state’s capital, is “one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, with a median home price of $269,000.” Lancaster, on the other hand, has a median home price in the mid-to-upper $300,000s. He also adds that Lancaster is “famous as the home of Pennsylvania Dutch culture in its county, providing down-home cooking, handmade pretzel-making demonstrations, beautiful family farms, and a relaxed pace of life.”

Chester County

“Chester County is one of my go-to recommendations for families and professionals who want a little more room and a high quality of life,” says Severns. Villages and communities include places like West Chester, Downingtown, Malvern, Saint Peter’s Village, Coatesville, Oxford, and the Great Valley. “Downtown West Chester has a real energy to it, and areas like Great Valley and Downingtown offer strong schools, solid commuting options, and neighborhoods that tend to appreciate well,” he says.

Chester County isn’t exactly affordable, though. A December 2025 report from the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee states: “The average median home price in Chester County ranges between $530,000 and $560,000, while the median household income sits at approximately $120,000.”

Pocono Mountains

According to Lublin, the Pocono Mountains region in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania has “natural beauty and endless year-round outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more,” so there’s “something for everyone.” While outdoor hobbies may be a priority for many, others may also need to consider how this location would impact their work—and their bank account. “The area is ideal for remote or hybrid work, with easy access to several metropolitan areas, including New York City,” Lublin says. “Homes are affordable and have a strong value with a median home price of $320,000, offering buyers more home for their money without compromising quality of life.”

Pittsburgh

Recently named the best U.S. city for young adults, Pittsburgh is a perennial favorite for those who wish to surround themselves with culture, river views, outdoor adventure, and relatively affordable real estate options. Redfin estimates the median home price in Pittsburgh is around $235,000, and Lublin shares that the city has “90 unique neighborhoods and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities for hikers and bikers.” He also describes the metro area as a “cultural hub with museums like the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Andy Warhol Museum, as well as attractions like Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the National Aviary.”

You could opt for life in one of the city’s suburbs, or go all in on downtown Pittsburgh, where Lublin says you’ll find “an emerging and diverse food and beverage scene filled with craft breweries and distilleries in areas like the Strip District.”

Bucks County

“Bucks is a favorite for people who want charm and space without feeling ‘too far out,’” says Severns. “You get great schools, a ton of parks and community events, and really nice housing variety—from historic borough living to newer neighborhoods with bigger lots.” All of the city amenities associated with Philadelphia are only about an hour away, depending on traffic.

If this sounds up your alley, start perusing housing listings or available rentals in Newtown, Yardley, or Doylestown. Just be warned that the cost of living in Bucks County is 19.7 percent above the U.S. average, and home prices are on the higher end. The average home values in Newtown, Yardley, and Doylestown, respectively, are around $715,000, $610,000, and $640,000.