8 Pennsylvania Cities Make 150 Best Places to Live List

Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, York, Reading, Allentown, Scranton and Philadelphia all made the 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022 List by U.S. News & World Report.

The commonwealth had strong representation on the list, with cities ranked from 61st place to 112th. Harrisburg nabbed top honors in the Keystone State, coming in the highest of any Pennsylvania towns, in 61st place. Harrisburg was mainly applauded for its value, the cost of living is quite affordable, especially the housing market, which is $50,000 less on average than the national average. The quality of life and job market were also positive attributes. The desirability of the area knocked Harrisburg down a few notches.

Pittsburgh followed Harrisburg, landing in 71st place, thanks to its affordability, especially in housing, as well as the quality of life. “It’s great to see Pittsburgh on another top places list,” said Bob Moncavage, president of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. “Pittsburgh checks so many boxes in the quality of life arena, including affordable housing, quality schools, available jobs, the emerging tech industry, dining and entertainment; Pittsburgh’s got all of that and more.”

Following Pittsburgh, Lancaster was named the 74th best place to live, specifically for the quality of life, particularly the wide range of lifestyles from Amish to a thriving downtown, as well as its value. “The quality of life in Lancaster is a big reason why people stay here and move here from outside the area. Our housing inventory offers a wide array of options at different price points and the median sales price is below the national average. The area also boasts some of the best restaurants in the mid-state and a park system that affords residents an assortment of different recreational opportunities,” said Tom Blefko, president of the Lancaster County Association of Realtors®.

Rounding out the top 100, York was named the 96th best place to live, primarily due to value and job market. Reading was named the 101st best place to live, thanks to the quality of life and the value. The average cost of housing in Reading is less than half of the average of the U.S. average, at $157,600 compared to $315,743. Allentown followed in 108th place, with the quality of life and value complimented. Scranton was next, in 110th place, with a strong scored in value and quality of life. Finally, Philadelphia rounded out the Pennsylvania towns represented, coming in 112th place, thanks to the job market and desirability.

Overall, Boulder was named the best place to live in 2021-2022, thanks to the job market and desirability.