The 5 Most Beautiful Places to Live In Pennsylvania That Are Still Affordable

Pennsylvania is a picturesque state located in the Northeast region of the United States. It has a reputation for being a great place to raise a family, featuring safe towns, beautiful natural sights, and numerous things to do. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to live in Pennsylvania that’s also affordable, we’ve got you covered.

Northeastern states often have notoriously high costs of living. Boston, MA, for example, is one of the most expensive cities in the world. While Pennsylvania isn’t immune to expensive areas, some wonderful towns don’t come at such steep costs. We’re highlighting five of the best spots to live in Pennsylvania that are still affordable. From Reading to Erie, these spots are striking, feature several attractions, and won’t break the bank. Let’s take a look!

1. Johnstown

Johnstown is one of the most affordable cities in the state — and it’s still astonishingly beautiful. The city is located in the state’s southwest corner, less than two hours east of Pittsburgh. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is below the state average, as well as the country average. Housing costs in Johnstown are particularly reasonable; they’re 31% lower than the national average, in fact!

The city itself is charming, but parks and nature surround the area. Visit the Stackhouse Park, right in town, or head a few miles east to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail at Laurel Ridge State Park. Also within the city limits, you’ll find the Hinckston RD Waterfall, a scenic running waterfall along a stunning rocky cliff. Clearly, this spot is underrated!

2. Erie

Another beautiful — and affordable — area in Pennsylvania is the charming town of Erie. Like Johnstown, Erie’s cost of living is below the national and state averages. Housing is 34% cheaper than the national average, in fact. Utilities are slightly more expensive than the national average, and groceries are on par with the rest of the United States. But Erie boasts some attractions far better than other areas in the US: unblocked access to one of the country’s Great Lakes.

Erie sits right along Lake Erie, directly across from the Presque Isle State Park. That means, when you live in Erie, you’re only a short boat ride away from island life in the Great Lakes. If you enjoy golfing, the north and east sides of Erie are surrounded by courses, making it easy to get out on the green. Finally, just southeast of Erie is Picnicana Park, a small park perfect for a day out with little ones.

3. Lake City

Erie’s neighbor to the south is another fantastic, affordable Pennsylvania city to consider if you’re looking for natural beauty and affordable prices. Lake City also sits along Lake Erie, though it’s closer to the western border of the state. The cost of living in Lake City is 8% below the national average, with housing prices that are 24% lower. For a view like Lake Erie, that’s a steal!

Lake City has incredible proximity to Lake Erie. However, that’s not the only natural beauty nearby. In fact, just east of the city is the Erie Bluffs State Park. Take your family to this incredible protected land and enjoy the water and the greenery nearby. Also, if you’re a hunter, you’re in luck. Lake City is right by a portion of Pennsylvania’s state game lands. These game lands are also right along the water, making your hunting more picturesque than ever!

4. Portersville

One of the most beautiful areas in all of Pennsylvania is also one of the most affordable: Portersville. Portersville is a small town not far from Pittsburgh, surrounded by natural beauty. The cost of living in Portersville is slightly below the national average and just below Pennsylvania’s average. Housing costs in Portersville are a bit more expensive than some of the other spots on this list, but it’s totally worth it for the surrounding amenities.

One of the big selling points of Portersville is its proximity to Moraine State Park. Just a few miles north, Moraine State Park features a lake, hikes, and forests to explore. It’s a stunning spot to visit, and if you’re living in Portersville, it’ll be only a short walk away! There’s a campground just outside of town, too, so if you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, you won’t need to go far.

5. Warren

Finally, we’ll highlight a city located by one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful natural spots: Allegheny National Forest. Warren is on the northwest side of the National Forest, offering brilliant access to the state park. The Allegheny Reservoir is just west of the town, so there are many opportunities to enjoy the water flowing through Pennsylvania.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Pgiam from Getty Images Signature/ via Canva.com