10 Best Pennsylvania Towns For Retirees
Pennsylvania lets retirees keep their Social Security checks and most of their pension untaxed. That alone turns a fixed income into a longer leash. The savings stretch further in towns like Wellsboro, where gas street lamps still light a Hallmark-worthy Main Street. Gettysburg puts centuries of American history a short walk from your front porch. Milford sits beside Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state. These 10 towns pair small-town quiet with real hospitals and walkable downtowns.
Mechanicsburg
One of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing suburbs, Mechanicsburg is frequently ranked among the best places to retire in the United States. Thanks to its recent expansion, retirees can select from newer single-family homes in planned developments, low-maintenance townhomes, or smaller homes ideal for downsizing. Residents also enjoy quick access to Yellow Breeches Creek and the Appalachian Trail, and downtown Harrisburg is just 15 minutes away.
Mechanicsburg also brings residents together with celebrations and festivals throughout the year such as Earth Day Fest, Community Day, the Pennsylvania Tea Festival, the Art and Wine Walk, and Jubilee Day, the longest-running single-day street fair on the East Coast. Additionally, many neighborhoods were planned with convenience in mind, with grocery stores, medical offices, and essential services nearby.
Doylestown
If historic charm and an active neighborhood are your priorities, Doylestown is tough to beat. It’s known for its 55+ communities such as Mercer Hill and The Villages of Doylestown, both close to the dozens of dining and shopping options on Main and State Streets. Doylestown’s signature attractions include the Michener Art Museum, the Mercer Museum, and Fonthill Castle, built in the early 1900s by archaeologist and tile maker Henry Mercer.
The Central Bucks Senior Activity Center organizes outings and social events year-round, and you can always catch an independent film at the art deco-inspired County Theater. Medical care is a breeze thanks to Penn Medicine Doylestown Hospital, the former Doylestown Hospital. Moreover, Philadelphia is just 40 minutes away, giving residents access to multiple hospitals, an international airport, and virtually any shopping, cuisine, or entertainment they might desire.
Stroudsburg
Located in the heart of the majestic Pocono Mountains, Stroudsburg is a great fit for retirees who love the outdoors as well as history, arts, and culture. This small borough of just 6,000 people sits near the Levee Loop Trail and is a short drive from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offering endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. History buffs can explore 19th-century agricultural life at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, while lifelong learners can look into programs and events connected with East Stroudsburg University.
A lively local arts scene is on display at the Sherman Theater, and downtown Stroudsburg is filled with eclectic shops and restaurants that attract thousands of tourists each year. Health care needs can be easily met nearby at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono in East Stroudsburg, and nearby age-restricted communities include Shawnee Ridge at University Park in East Stroudsburg.
West Chester
West Chester is another tight-knit neighborhood that’s ideal for retirees who wish to stay active. Its youthful energy comes from West Chester University, one of the largest colleges in Pennsylvania. On a given day, you’ll find a mix of seniors and young adults strolling Gay Street and High Street, which are lined with craft breweries, wine bars, live music venues, acclaimed restaurants and art galleries.
West Chester also offers easy access to green spaces such as Natural Lands’ Stroud Preserve, with Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square and Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County adding more options nearby. Likewise, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is a short drive from downtown West Chester, and Brandywine Creek State Park in northern Delaware is also within reach for a longer outing. Additionally, Chester County is home to Chester County Hospital, a top-notch health care center that is part of the Penn Medicine network of hospitals.
Penn Wynne
Penn Wynne is considered particularly welcoming for retirees due to its notable 65+ population, plentiful green space, and easily navigable streets. Though it’s located just 30 minutes outside Philadelphia, Penn Wynne provides a quiet respite to the big city. Traffic is minimal on most blocks, community-oriented layout is ideal for walking or biking. Within walking or short driving distance are Wynnewood Valley Park, South Ardmore Park, Shortridge Park, and the 10-acre Penn Wynne Park, a popular spot for kids and adults alike.
Regular community events and fundraisers are organized by the Penn Wynne Civic Association, from the Fourth of July parade to Earth Day cleanups to 5K runs. Residents consistently praise Penn Wynne’s well-kept homes and friendly neighbors, hence the village’s appeal to families with young children. For dining, residents can look to nearby Main Line and suburban favorites such as Manorah in Bryn Mawr, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft in Ardmore, and Sophie’s BBQ at Four Birds in Havertown.
Gettysburg
One of Pennsylvania’s top tourist destinations, Gettysburg’s historical legacy is a major factor for retirees looking to settle down. Downtown Gettysburg is filled with museums, historical buildings, and quaint antique shops. Residents often say that walking around Gettysburg is like stepping back in time, with a healthy mix of modern conveniences like cozy cafes and locally owned restaurants. Cultural events related to American history are held throughout the year, including civil war reenactments. Retirees can traverse historic landmarks like Eisenhower National Historic Site with loved ones, or plan a picnic overlooking the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.
For those who enjoy hiking, biking, or exploring nature, Gettysburg National Military Park and Sachs Covered Bridge offer a plethora of spots to relax. High quality health care is available at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, and retirees have a variety of 55+ communities to choose from, like the highly coveted Amblebrook Gettysburg.
Camp Hill
Another neighborhood with a considerable senior citizen population, Camp Hill provides the affordability and small town atmosphere many retirees have in mind. With just over 8,000 residents, Camp Hill offers a relatively low violent-crime profile compared with many larger Pennsylvania communities.
The borough features a vibrant local shopping district with myriad locally-owned businesses, an award-winning library, and a farmer's market that runs from May until November. Outdoor enthusiasts have several options for hiking, biking, and walking such as Negley Park, Willow Park, or Seibert Park, which also contains a swimming pool, an arboretum, and lighted tennis courts. Health care needs are safely under control thanks to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and numerous highly rated senior living facilities such as the Woods at Cedar Run.
Carlisle
The county seat of Cumberland County, Carlisle offers the atmosphere and culture of a small town with the conveniences of a big city. Strolling through the town’s business district, retirees can browse four floors of antiques and collectibles at the Carlisle Antique Mall, shop for local goods at the Cumberland County Historical Society’s History on High shop, peruse vintage clothes at Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb, or find gifts for their loved ones at The Greatest Gift.
Carlisle is also known for its steady schedule of car shows at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, such as Ford Nationals in June, Truck Nationals in August, and Corvettes at Carlisle in late August. Other community traditions include Farmers on the Square and the Carlisle Summerfair, running since 1977. Essential health care can be accessed at UPMC Carlisle, and green spaces like Valley Meadows Park help retirees stay active. Many local retirees take part in programs at Carlisle Senior Action Center, where they can join fitness classes, social events, and volunteer programs.
Milford
Surrounded by forests in the Pocono Mountains, Milford is a small borough filled with scenic landscapes and historical sites. The Grey Towers National Historic Site is a beloved local attraction, featuring landscaped gardens and trails outside a French château style mansion. History buffs are also drawn to the Columns Museum of the Pike County Historical Society, which houses treasured artifacts and artwork in a neoclassical mansion built in 1904.
Milford’s location serves as a gateway for various outdoor destinations such as Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall, and Milford Beach, a picturesque spot along the Delaware River that’s perfect for swimming, boating, and picnics. Though it’s a town of just 1,200 residents or so, Milford has a bustling art scene anchored by the Milford Music Festival and the Black Bear Film Festival. Likewise, regional artists showcase their work at ARTery Gallery and Golden Fish Gallery, located in Milford’s thriving downtown area.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro’s Main Street is just as convenient as it is picturesque, featuring a grassy median, beautifully manicured trees, and real gas street lamps. It’s no surprise that Main Street is often described as Hallmark-like, with a look that recalls the backdrop of the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” On the first Saturday in December, Main Street holds its “Dickens of a Christmas Festival,” complete with caroling, street performers, and a tree-light ceremony.
Even more enticing, Wellsboro is a gateway to the Pine Creek Gorge, a.k.a. “the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” The bottom of the gorge contains a 62-mile trail for biking and hiking, and the two opposite sides of the gorge feature their own respective state parks: Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. Residents can also enjoy picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and birdwatching at Ives Run Campground and Hills Creek State Park. UPMC Wellsboro Hospital keeps quality health care close to home, and nearby senior living options include Country Terrace and Wellsboro Shared Homes.
Retirement is a New Beginning in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania clearly has no shortage when it comes to appropriate towns for retirees, especially those with special affinities for nature and history. These locations also check the most important boxes from a practical standpoint, such as reasonable living costs, reliable medical services, and safe, welcoming neighborhoods. So, if relaxing in gorgeous natural settings and walking through scenic towns seems like a fulfilling post-retirement lifestyle, Pennsylvania is an ideal choice, from the rural communities of the west to the less secluded areas of the southeast.
