The 10 Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania For 2024


The best places to live in Pennsylvania for 2024 are Camp Hill, Collegeville, and Swarthmore. Find out where your city or town ranks.

The best place to live in Pennsylvania, you ask?

Why, that’s easy.

It’s either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, you’d say.

Right?

Wrong. At least according to the most recent data from the Census, Zillow, and FBI. We used Saturday Night Science to compare the 174 cities in Pennsylvania larger than 5,000 people. We looked at factors including home prices, incomes, crime, and quality of life.

So “Youse” and “Yinz” can put aside the cross-state rivalry for a minute, pick up a Yuengling, and cozy up with some scrapple as we break down the best places to live in Pennsylvania.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary


What’s the best place to live in Pennsylvania? According to Census, FBI, and Zillow data, the best place to live in Pennsylvania for 2024 is Camp Hill.

We weren’t surprised to see Camp Hill here after the results last year, but it is funny, with all the hype around the two biggest cities, that the best place to live is a suburb of Harrisburg.

For more reading, check out:

The 10 Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania For 2024

Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania Map

Camp Hill, PA

Source: Wikipedia User Jeremiah Orr | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Camp Hill Pennsylvania
Population 8,133 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $291,977 $256,703
Median Income $104,959 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 2.6% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0095 0.0200

More on Camp Hill: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

We begin our tour of the best places to call home in Pennsylvania with Camp Hill, a small city located just across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg. Although homes are slightly pricey at a median cost of $291,977, Camp Hill residents pull in the 7th highest salaries in the state, with a median household income of $104,959/year. That gives Camp Hill the overall lowest cost of living of any of the cities we’ll be covering here.

On top of being affordable, Camp Hill is also extremely safe. In fact, Camp Hill has the 13th lowest rate of violent crime in the state, and a total crime rate about 70% below the national average. Add to that SnackAbility scores of 8.5/10 for both housing and jobs, and you’ve got a recipe for a stellar place to call home.

In addition to the statistical advantages Camp Hill enjoys, it’s also just a great location. In ten minutes, you can find yourself wandering down the riverfront on your way to the grand Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex. While you’re there, stop at the State Museum to put a perfect cap on your day out.

Collegeville, PA

Source: Public domain
Stat Collegeville Pennsylvania
Population 5,172 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 0
Median Home Value $512,844 $256,703
Median Income $99,271 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 7.2% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0043 0.0200

More on Collegeville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Welcome to Collegeville, a borough of 5,172 people and our 2nd best place to live in Pennsylvania. As the name might imply, Collegeville is hip, young place to call home. With a median age of just 24, it’s the youngest spot on this list by a wide margin. These kids really know how to manage a town, though, because Collegeville enjoys a poverty rate of just 5.1%, the 19th lowest in Pennsylvania. Collegeville also has the 4th lowest rate of violent crime in the state and a total crime rate about 70% below the national average.

In terms of economics, Collegeville is one of the richest places in PA, with a median household income of $99,271/year, the 8th highest in the state. Luckily, those tax dollars find their way to the right places, because GreatSchools gave Collegeville’s public education system an 8/10 average.

Swarthmore, PA

Source: Public domain
Stat Swarthmore Pennsylvania
Population 6,507 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $405,622 $256,703
Median Income $138,679 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 11.1% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0057 0.0200

More on Swarthmore: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

We’re heading to the greater Philadelphia area to arrive at the 3rd best place to live in Pennsylvania, Swarthmore. As the home of the prestigious Swarthmore College, it’s unsurprising that Swarthmore’s median age is 34, the second youngest you’ll see on this list. Evidently, having a world-class educational institution has helped instill a love of learning in Swarthmore, because a whopping 45%+ of residents here have a master’s degree or higher.

All those degrees really pay off for the local populace, because at $138,679/year, Swarthmore has the 3rd best-paid residents in PA. Which is kind of necessary, seeing as homes in Swarthmore are the 13th priciest in the state. The good news is that nobody in Swarthmore gets left out of the economic success, because at 4.2%, it has the 14th lowest poverty level in Pennsylvania.

Clarks Summit, PA

Source: Public domain
Stat Clarks Summit Pennsylvania
Population 5,091 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $305,379 $256,703
Median Income $87,102 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 2.0% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0234 0.0200

More on Clarks Summit: Data | Real Estate

Clarks Summit, located in Lackawanna County, is undoubtedly one of Pennsylvania’s best places to live. This borough is known for its low cost of living and attractive median home price, making it one of the best places to settle down. With a population of 5,091, Clarks Summit offers a peaceful and tight-knit community for residents to enjoy.

Clarks Summit boasts a variety of things to do and see. You can explore nearby Lackawanna State Park or the cultural experience of the nearby city of Scranton, located just northwest of Clarks Summit. Furthermore, Clarks Summit’s convenient location within the state allows for easy access to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City.

Wyomissing, PA

Source: Wikipedia User Shuvaev | CC BY-SA 4.0
Stat Wyomissing Pennsylvania
Population 11,067 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $339,512 $256,703
Median Income $86,786 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 3.6% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0230 0.0200

More on Wyomissing: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Finishing off our list of best places to call home in Pennsylvania is Wyomissing, a suburb of Reading. Wyomissing’s proximity to a major city helps cut down on commute times, and residents are lucky to have the second shortest commute on this list at just 20 minutes. And with unemployment and poverty rates at 3.6% and 4.7%, plenty of residents are making that commute every day.

Wyomissing residents enjoy the 17th highest household income in the state at about $86,786/year. And with high incomes comes solid health insurance, because 98.5% of residents here are covered, the 5th highest rate in Pennsylvania.

If you’re new in town and trying to get the lay of the land, the Pagoda atop Mt. Penn in Reading offers awesome vistas of the surrounding region.

Canonsburg, PA

Source: Public domain
Stat Canonsburg Pennsylvania
Population 9,672 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 9
Median Home Value $328,096 $256,703
Median Income $76,597 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 6.4% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0045 0.0200

More on Canonsburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Canonsburg, in Washington County, ranks as the 6th best place to live in Pennsylvania. It is close to Pittsburgh and has a median home value of $328,096 and a median income of 76,597. The town’s strategic location near Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 19 ensures an easy 24 minute commute.

Canonsburg hosts the state’s second-largest Fourth of July parade and annual Oktoberfest.

Phoenixville, PA

Source: Wikipedia User | CC-BY-SA-3.0
Stat Phoenixville Pennsylvania
Population 18,723 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 13
Median Home Value $466,022 $256,703
Median Income $91,593 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 3.5% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0056 0.0200

More on Phoenixville: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Rising out of the rankings to the #7 top place to live in Pennsylvania is Phoenixville.

Phoenixville, located outside of Philly, has transitioned from an industrial hub centered around Phoenix Iron Works to a vibrant borough. It offers a median income of 91,593 and enjoys a low unemployment rate at 32nd.

The borough, home to 18,723 people, is known for its recreational spots near the Schuylkill River and French Creek and Blobfest at the Colonial Theatre. The housing market is attractive with a median home value of $466,022 and a median rent of $1,501, making Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, the place to be.

Mechanicsburg, PA

Source: Wikipedia User Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States | CC BY-SA 2.0
Stat Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania
Population 9,402 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 8
Median Home Value $356,612 $256,703
Median Income $75,806 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 2.8% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0196 0.0200

More on Mechanicsburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Mechanicsburg, located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic place to live for numerous reasons. The median home value in Mechanicsburg is $356,612, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down.

Situated eight miles west of Harrisburg, it offers easy access to the capital city and all its amenities. The borough is also surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, including the Cumberland Valley and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

Ridley Park, PA

Source: Public domain
Stat Ridley Park Pennsylvania
Population 7,152 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $282,363 $256,703
Median Income $90,842 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 5.5% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0088 0.0200

More on Ridley Park: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Ridley Park is a Philadelphia suburb of 7,152. Homes in Ridley Park go for around $282,363 and residents earn a median household income of $90,842/year. That combination of stats actually gives Ridley Park the second lowest cost of living you’ll see on this list. And with sub-4% unemployment, all of Ridley Park’s residents can enjoy this affordable borough.

Being so close to the City of Brotherly Love allows for easy access to iconic photo spots. Like pulling a Rocky Balboa and jogging up the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Just be sure to wait until after the run before diving into a Philly cheesesteak, or you might regret it.

Economy, PA

Source: Public domain
Stat Economy Pennsylvania
Population 9,063 12,989,208
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $265,781 $256,703
Median Income $86,983 $73,170
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 5.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0030 0.0200

More on Economy: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Economy, Pennsylvania, lives up to its name. Its 9,063 residents enjoy high incomes and a competitive housing market. That, and its prime location near a major metropolitan center, make it one of the best places to live in the state.

Built near the Ohio River in the western part of the state, Economy sits just outside of Pittsburgh. (A half-hour drive will take you to the city center.) This proximity to one of the region’s main urban centers bolsters the local economy. The median income comes in at $86,983, the 16th highest mark in the state.

Homes in the region represent an excellent investment. The median home value sits at $265,781. The cost of living holds near the national average.

Economy provides other benefits as well. The crime rate sits about 60% below the U.S. norm. The community has significant amenities as well, from Economy Park to multiple local golf courses, including the Allegheny Country Club.

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Pennsylvania

Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania Size Requirement

Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Pennsylvania, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Harrisburg, with a population of 50,055, against places with a population of 18?

We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.

So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:

  • Cities — Populations over 5,000
  • Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
  • Small Towns — Populations below 1,000

This filter left 174 cities, 690 towns, and 733 small towns.

We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Pennsylvania have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’

Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Pennsylvania

Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.

We ranked each place in Pennsylvania across a number of criteria from one to 174, with one being the best.

We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Pennsylvania.”

The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:

  • Median Home Values
  • Median Income
  • Population Density (Higher is better)
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Commute Time
  • Crime
  • Education Levels
  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Poverty rates

Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking Pennsylvania’s best places to live.

If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Pennsylvania. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Camp Hill at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Summary: The Best Places In Pennsylvania

If you’re looking at areas in Pennsylvania with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.

The best places to live in Pennsylvania are Camp Hill, Collegeville, Swarthmore, Clarks Summit, Wyomissing, Canonsburg, Phoenixville, Mechanicsburg, Ridley Park, and Economy.

Camp Hill made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Pennsylvania for 2024.

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Pennsylvania according to the data:

  1. Duquesne (Pop. 5,241)
  2. Turtle Creek (Pop. 5,087)
  3. McKeesport (Pop. 17,749)

For more Pennsylvania reading, check out:

Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania Table

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value Median Income Rent Crime Per Capita
1 Camp Hill 8,133 2.6% $291,977 $104,959 $1,236 0.0095
2 Collegeville 5,172 7.2% $512,844 $99,271 $1,331 0.0043
3 Swarthmore 6,507 11.1% $405,622 $138,679 $1,376 0.0057
4 Clarks Summit 5,091 2.0% $305,379 $87,102 $1,075 0.0234
5 Wyomissing 11,067 3.6% $339,512 $86,786 $1,650 0.0230
6 Canonsburg 9,672 6.4% $328,096 $76,597 $889 0.0045
7 Phoenixville 18,723 3.5% $466,022 $91,593 $1,501 0.0056
8 Mechanicsburg 9,402 2.8% $356,612 $75,806 $1,008 0.0196
9 Ridley Park 7,152 5.5% $282,363 $90,842 $1,293 0.0088
10 Economy 9,063 3.3% $265,781 $86,983 $886 0.0030
11 Hatboro 8,176 4.6% $404,554 $106,318 $1,747 0.0072
12 New Cumberland 7,515 6.8% $259,360 $77,770 $947 0.0084
13 Perkasie 9,130 3.8% $464,524 $95,319 $1,107 0.0040
14 Lewisburg 5,284 1.6% $291,241 $42,302 $873 0.0080
15 Lititz 9,559 2.6% $393,606 $80,533 $1,144 0.0225
16 Kennett Square 5,982 4.7% $561,783 $70,903 $1,227 0.0056
17 West Chester 19,016 7.3% $582,975 $71,875 $1,517 0.0056
18 Conshohocken 9,182 3.5% $431,765 $114,523 $1,892 0.0297
19 State College 40,902 3.9% $377,914 $43,459 $1,181 0.0173
20 Hollidaysburg 5,630 2.7% $235,946 $65,142 $937 0.0257
21 Northampton 10,341 4.1% $299,547 $77,182 $1,172 0.0157
22 Ambler 6,775 5.0% $611,302 $84,303 $1,344 0.0297
23 Emmaus 11,644 4.0% $333,847 $80,625 $1,229 0.0308
24 Bellevue 8,236 3.7% $184,640 $60,778 $916 0.0125
25 Forest Hills 6,397 8.2% $194,399 $82,962 $991 0.0077
26 Schuylkill Haven 5,242 6.8% $198,394 $50,964 $718 0.0078
27 Lower Burrell 11,701 2.2% $189,351 $78,639 $790 0.0122
28 Old Forge 8,506 5.5% $189,084 $71,615 $851 0.0051
29 Media 5,860 6.1% $558,498 $85,951 $1,389 0.1069
30 Fox Chapel 5,299 3.2% $971,545 $250,001 $0 0.0606
31 Wilson 8,208 3.5% $194,286 $80,565 $1,228 0.0157
32 Palmyra 7,783 3.4% $304,233 $65,743 $1,052 0.0090
33 Lansdale 18,727 3.3% $455,524 $84,985 $1,372 0.0126
34 Brentwood 9,982 2.0% $165,365 $57,900 $805 0.0073
35 Bellefonte 6,071 1.1% $277,340 $56,008 $907 0.0173
36 Oakmont 6,734 4.9% $301,656 $82,012 $995 0.0606
37 Gettysburg 7,709 6.9% $316,650 $50,736 $945 0.0063
38 Bridgeport 5,000 4.8% $300,535 $79,887 $1,364 0.0297
39 Carlisle 20,846 4.1% $293,109 $55,756 $964 0.0158
40 Kingston 13,317 5.3% $190,124 $52,253 $927 0.0164
41 Nazareth 6,015 1.5% $384,744 $45,536 $1,149 0.0121
42 Carnegie 8,067 3.1% $208,311 $61,875 $825 0.0301
43 Coraopolis 5,510 5.0% $274,445 $55,714 $867 0.0127
44 Archbald 7,316 1.8% $217,444 $72,964 $897 0.0234
45 Bristol 9,862 5.8% $292,040 $67,176 $1,321 0.0040
46 Crafton 6,044 6.1% $204,534 $72,099 $996 0.0349
47 Souderton 7,169 4.4% $416,204 $77,342 $1,135 0.0297
48 Selinsgrove 5,710 1.5% $228,076 $56,295 $910 0.0296
49 Dormont 8,199 5.3% $211,309 $73,798 $1,028 0.0606
50 Dunmore 14,082 4.8% $210,287 $72,821 $878 0.0234
51 Franklin Park 15,305 4.3% $495,135 $158,052 $1,940 0.0606
52 Hermitage 16,216 5.1% $201,258 $66,922 $840 0.0186
53 Catasauqua 6,512 8.3% $241,843 $62,134 $995 0.0238
54 Plum 27,032 2.1% $225,948 $91,931 $1,078 0.0606
55 Somerset 6,030 4.1% $196,767 $44,519 $675 0.0014
56 Blakely 6,646 3.5% $188,158 $62,065 $966 0.0234
57 Pleasant Hills 8,456 4.6% $246,154 $88,893 $1,218 0.0606
58 Mount Joy 8,274 2.7% $253,752 $80,492 $1,072 0.0225
59 South Williamsport 6,246 6.4% $179,562 $60,020 $972 0.0214
60 Brookhaven 8,268 3.6% $240,312 $90,264 $1,555 0.1069
61 Easton 28,883 4.4% $319,568 $62,642 $1,211 0.0157
62 Lansdowne 11,051 6.6% $252,844 $70,283 $1,178 0.0278
63 Shippensburg 5,688 3.6% $174,313 $50,963 $898 0.0137
64 Waynesboro 11,009 3.4% $247,625 $56,413 $961 0.0146
65 Bloomsburg 12,836 5.4% $230,927 $46,019 $881 0.0147
66 Moosic 5,930 3.1% $210,038 $67,434 $879 0.0234
67 DuBois 7,509 4.7% $158,273 $55,580 $808 0.0174
68 Greenville 5,568 2.8% $139,814 $54,237 $656 0.0186
69 New Holland 5,734 2.6% $358,363 $59,553 $1,124 0.0225
70 West View 6,660 4.5% $217,210 $75,054 $957 0.0606
71 New Brighton 5,645 3.3% $135,008 $45,880 $762 0.0151
72 Castle Shannon 8,283 1.4% $189,973 $65,700 $971 0.0606
73 Sunbury 9,680 5.5% $145,691 $42,238 $712 0.0072
74 Swoyersville 5,021 3.6% $174,911 $64,397 $724 0.0303
75 Exeter 5,509 2.8% $208,115 $60,463 $916 0.0303
76 Jefferson Hills 12,296 4.0% $312,878 $108,245 $1,297 0.0606
77 Palmerton 5,602 1.8% $233,094 $66,358 $919 0.0189
78 Olyphant 5,372 3.9% $203,135 $60,120 $877 0.0234
79 West Mifflin 19,506 8.9% $148,759 $64,314 $681 0.0036
80 Warren 9,353 3.2% $140,726 $49,609 $735 0.0248
81 Bangor 5,172 5.6% $286,466 $51,578 $1,047 0.0122
82 Shillington 5,458 8.2% $226,975 $74,583 $1,157 0.0413
83 Berwick 10,318 4.0% $179,801 $46,505 $733 0.0147
84 Punxsutawney 5,730 5.3% $104,157 $43,160 $741 0.0000
85 Ephrata 13,738 3.2% $231,736 $62,590 $989 0.0225
86 Mount Carmel 5,723 7.1% $40,258 $46,375 $762 0.0100
87 Sayre 5,463 8.2% $174,815 $57,788 $871 0.0104
88 Monaca 5,587 7.2% $176,838 $62,125 $739 0.0151
89 Bradford 7,847 5.3% $79,099 $47,917 $735 0.0084
90 Baldwin 21,266 3.8% $199,620 $75,139 $979 0.0606
91 St. Marys 12,691 9.1% $158,992 $61,364 $725 0.0284
92 Duryea 5,047 5.6% $173,579 $68,790 $894 0.0303
93 Norwood 5,926 8.7% $260,832 $83,104 $1,177 0.1069
94 Birdsboro 5,106 6.1% $294,777 $73,798 $1,029 0.0413
95 Manheim 5,028 5.8% $240,588 $75,833 $947 0.0225
96 Columbia 10,203 4.2% $250,459 $50,309 $1,039 0.0225
97 Swissvale 8,588 6.6% $158,879 $56,594 $1,025 0.0227
98 Greensburg 14,876 6.5% $218,993 $58,001 $774 0.0380
99 Hanover 16,411 6.9% $256,890 $60,050 $1,028 0.0243
100 Huntingdon 6,904 3.9% $188,109 $59,364 $775 0.0284

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.