Where Is Pennsylvania? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Pennsylvania is home to many famous things including Heinz Ketchup, the Amish, and two of the United States’s most famous cities: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Philly, as it’s colloquially called, is the city of Brotherly Love. And that’s also true of Pennsylvanians, they are friendly people who will ensure your stay in the state is a good one. Besides being one of the first states admitted to the union, the state also has a long list of firsts, as well.

Located in the Eastern United States, most people know about Pennsylvania and the major cities in the state, especially Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. But the real question is, do people know where Pennsylvania is? Do people know about the states surrounding Pennsylvania? 

If you are wondering where Pennsylvania is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Pennsylvania’s bordering states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Pennsylvania, and other facts about the Keystone State.

Where Is Pennsylvania Located on the Map?

Pennsylvania is located on the eastern side of the United States. With an area of 46,055 square miles, it is the 33rd largest state in terms of size. But where is Pennsylvania on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Pennsylvania Officially Join the US?

Pennsylvania was inhabited by several Indigenous tribes like the Lenape, the Erie, the Seneca, the Oneida, and the Susquehannocks. European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1600s, but it was in the 1660s that England officially controlled the area.

In 1681, William Penn was the man who founded the colony. He was a Quaker who believed in religious freedom and therefore, ensured Pennsylvania was free from any religious prejudice. 

In 1775, angry at England for taxing them heavily without proper representation in Parliament, Pennsylvania banded together with the 12 other colonies. The second Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia and they all decided to declare war against Great Britain. After the Revolutionary War, Pennsylvania became the second state in the union on December 12, 1787. Pennsylvania is referred to officially as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Which States Border Pennsylvania?

Six states border Pennsylvania — Delaware to the southwest, West Virginia to the southwest, Maryland to the south, Ohio to the west, New York to the north, and New Jersey to the east. The state also shares a border with the Canadian province of Ontario and Lake Erie to the northwest, as well as the Delaware River to the east. Let’s take a look at the six states that border the Keystone State.

Delaware

Capital: Dover

Population: 1 million

Nickname: The First State

Admitted to Union: December 7, 1787 (1st)

Governor: John Carney (D)

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Population: 1.7 million

Nickname: Mountain State

Admitted to Union: June 20, 1863 (35th)

Governor: Jim Justice (R)

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Population: 6.1 million

Nickname: Old Line State

Admitted to Union: April 28, 1788 (7th)

Governor: Wes Moore (D)

Ohio

Capital: Columbus

Population: 11.7 million

Nickname: The Buckeye State

Admitted to Union: March 1, 1803 (17th)

Governor: Mike DeWine (R)

New York

Capital: Albany

Population: 19.6 million

Nickname: The Empire State

Admitted to Union: July 26, 1788 (11th)

Governor: Kathy Hochul (D)

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Population: 9.2 million

Nickname: The Garden State

Admitted to Union: December 18, 1787 (3rd)

Governor: Phil Murphy (D)

Is Pennsylvania a Good Place to Live?

Pennsylvania has a robust economy, which means there are a lot of jobs in the state, especially in the big cities. The big cities are also amazing foodie places, so you will be able to enjoy a diverse selection of cuisines.

Pennsylvania has a low cost of living compared to New York or California. Of course, if you go to the big cities, prices may be a little higher than the national average. Lastly, the big cities are great in having lots of public transit options, so you don’t have to rely on a car.

Unfortunately, to every pro, there are also cons. The winters are long, rough, and extremely cold. If you live in the more interior parts of the state or by Lake Erie, be prepared for extremely low temperatures and lots of snow. If you have a car in the big cities, be prepared to sit in traffic a lot. It’s best to use public transit as much as you can if you live in Philly or Pittsburgh.

Lastly, Pennsylvania is one of the few states that have a monopoly on the sale of liquor. And because of that, liquor stores may be closed on Sundays (or stay open shorter hours than Monday to Saturday). The state also limits the amount of beer you buy at supermarkets.

What Is the Climate in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a humid continental type of climate, however, the southern part of the state is more humid subtropical. The state mainly has very cold winters and humid and wet summers. The southern part especially is quite hot and humid.

The interior regions of the state are more mountainous, which means that they are colder and can experience lots of rain and snow. The state is also prone to tornadoes and many can occur in a single year. For example, in 2011, the state had a whopping 30 tornadoes. 

When it comes to record temperatures, the highest recorded temperature in Pennsylvania was 111 degrees Fahrenheit on July 9 and 10, 1936. The lowest recorded temperature in Pennsylvania was -42 degrees Fahrenheit on January 5, 1904.

What Is Pennsylvania Most Known For?

Pennsylvania is known for many things. First and foremost, it’s known for its deep history in the founding of the United States. From the Liberty Bell to the Second Continental Congress, Pennsylvania is a haven for history nerds.

Pennsylvania was also the site of many of the country’s steel, coal, railroad, and iron companies. It is also the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, which took place in Gettysburg, PA. The most famous cities in the state are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which are two of the most populous cities in the state and country.

When it comes to wildlife, the state is quite biodiverse. It is home to black bears, elk, white-tailed deer (which is the state animal), and red foxes. Also, if you are into bird watching, make sure you spot peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and even red-headed woodpeckers.

As for reptiles in the state, watch out for the venomous eastern massasauga rattlesnake! In terms of flora, forests are abundant in the state with red maples, eastern white pines, and more.

Fast Facts About Pennsylvania

• Capital: Harrisburg
• Population: 13 million
• Governor: Josh Shapiro (D)
• Lieutenant Governor: Austin Davis (D)
• State animal: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
• State bird: Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
• State flower: Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Conclusion

Pennsylvania is truly a beautiful state. Philadelphia has a rich and long history, especially since the founding of the United States. Pennsylvania is an affordable state that is a good place to live if you like harsh winters. Also, if you are keen on public transit, Pennsylvania is the state for you (if you choose to live in the state’s big cities). All in all, you will enjoy Pennsylvania and the culture of the state. After all, its motto is, “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.”

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alexrk2 / CC BY 3.0 – License / Original