7 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the best states to retire in the United States. There are many advantages for retirees who choose to live in this northeastern state. It offers a great balance between urban, suburban, and rural living, where people of all preferences can find their sweet spot. Pennsylvania also has a lower cost of living, great access to healthcare, tax-exempt retirement plans, outdoor recreation, and abundant cultural attractions. While the major cities are excellent choices, you may wonder where to find the hidden gems. Check out these seven secretly amazing places to retire in Pennsylvania and learn why they’re perfect for retirees.

1. Shrewsbury

The borough of Shrewsbury is in York County in Southern Pennsylvania near the Maryland border. It has a population of 3,800 and offers residents a spread-out suburban feel. The area is popular among both retirees and young professionals who value excellent schools, plenty of amenities, abundant outdoor activities, and a great cost of living. The community is very connected and welcoming, and the streets and neighborhoods are safe. The median household income in Shrewsbury is $87,000 and the median home value is $270,000. Shrewsbury is one of the best places to retire in Pennsylvania.

2. Plymouth Meeting

This small town is in Montgomery County outside of Philadelphia, where it sits near Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships. Plymouth Meeting is the perfect mix of urban and suburban and is popular among both retirees and young professionals. The suburb contains more than 6,000 people and is highly rated for its excellent public schools, great job market, abundant outdoor recreation, and diverse community. It’s a safe and family-oriented area, with plenty of amenities, restaurants, and things to do. Home prices are a little steep, featuring an average home value of $385,000. But the median household income is also $115,000.

3. Camp Hill

Located in Cumberland County, Camp Hill is part of the Harrisburg-Carlisle metropolitan area in southeast Pennsylvania. It features a population of around 8,000 and offers residents a sparse suburban feel. Camp Hill is popular among retirees for its great housing options, outdoor activities, low crime rates, and low cost of living. The neighborhoods are quiet and peaceful, and the town is cozy and welcoming. Camp Hill has a high median household income of around $100,000 and low median home values of $237,000. Residents also benefit from plenty of amenities, while still being close to larger cities for cultural attractions.

4. Wyomissing

The borough of Wyomissing is in Berks County near Reading, Pennsylvania. This town has a population of 11,000 and is one of the best places to live in the state. It has a great urban-suburban mix, with many restaurants, parks, and shops. Wyomissing is highly rated for its schools, amenities, outdoor recreation, and access to health clubs. The town also has a decent housing and job market and a lower cost of living. The neighborhoods are safe, and the main center of town is always bustling. Residents earn an average annual income of $83,000 and homes sell for around $278,000.

5. Upper Makefield Township

This township in Bucks County sits outside of Trenton in eastern Pennsylvania. The population of Upper Makefield Township is around 8,500, and the area is considered a suburb of Philadelphia. It offers a rural feel and is very popular among retirees for its wide-open spaces, beautiful homes, and close-knit community. The outdoor recreation is excellent, and the area is close to many amenities, while offering seclusion. However, the cost of living is very high, with a median home value of $745,000. The median household income for Upper Makefield Township is $195,000.

6. Saxonburg

Saxonburg is a borough of Butler County and is part of the Pittsburg metropolitan area in western Pennsylvania. This small town only has a population of 1,300 and features a large percentage of people older than 65. Saxonburg is popular for its amenities, very low crime, cozy atmosphere, yearly events, and welcoming community. It’s a historic town that offers peace and quiet but is also near a large city filled with many attractions and dining options. This town has a great cost of living, with low median home values of $192,000. However, the average household income is $47,000, much lower than the national average.

7. Cornwall

The borough of Cornwall is in Lebanon County in southeast Pennsylvania. Cornwall has a population of 4,600 and offers retirees a sparse suburban feel. The community is close-knit and welcoming, and the town is quiet and safe. Cornwall has amenities within a short driving distance, while still being close to bigger cities like Harrisburg and Lancaster. This town also has an excellent cost of living. Median home values are around $240,000 and average annual incomes are $90,000, much higher than the national average.

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