10 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Pennsylvania
The Keystone State is an affordable retirement destination for many who are seeking a new home in retirement. Pennsylvania's median home price is $278,000, per Zillow.com. The state features a top-notch healthcare system, many historical sites, and an abundance of natural beauty. These 10 wallet-friendly retirement towns in Pennsylvania all offer median home prices below the state median. In addition to affordability, these small towns each have their own unique characteristics, advantages, and attractions for retirees considering making a move to Pennsylvania.
Altoona
Altoona, in Blair County, is attractive to many retirees for its median home price of $132,000, as well as for its lower cost of living. The town's unique railroad history combined with its access to natural landmarks are two additional reasons that many retirees are moving to Altoona.
The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona explores the town's history with the Pennsylvania Railroad and may attract history buffs. It is open Thursdays through Sundays, and is home to the Horseshoe Curve, a scenic stretch of curved railroad accessible by funicular, and a National Historic Landmark. Those who would rather spend time outdoors may enjoy Lakemont Park, built in 1894 and including miniature golf, sports and recreation facilities, food and drink vendors, and the world's oldest rollercoaster, Leap-the-Dips! Watch a live performance or film at Mishler Theatre, which has been in operation since the early 1900s.
Bloomsburg
The Susquehanna River town of Bloomsburg in Columbia County features homes with a median price of $246,000. Retirees are drawn to these lower home prices, as well as to the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, which hosts cultural productions such as concerts, theater, and dance.
Bloomsburg Town Park is ideal for retirees who enjoy recreation like its fitness trail, sports courts, and its bandshell, the Bicentennial Entertainment Pavilion. Each October, Bloomsburg hosts the Covered Bridge & Arts Festival at Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, one of the largest craft festivals on the East Coast. Every April, the town is home to the Renaissance Jamboree, a street festival celebrating art, culture, and food.
Jim Thorpe
The Carbon County town of Jim Thorpe is the "Gateway to the Poconos," the perfect setting for retirees who want to spend their golden years in the mountains. The median home price in Jim Thorpe is $275,000, so Jim Thorpe draws retirees who are interested in outdoor recreation and an active retirement.
With over 6,000 acres, Lehigh Gorge State Park includes the Lehigh River as well as activities like biking, hiking, and boating. Mauch Chunk Lake Park, another water-oriented park in Jim Thorpe, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and biking. One unique way to explore the Jim Thorpe area is to take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, a 70-minute narrated train ride following the Lehigh River. History lovers might prefer a guided tour of the Old Jail Museum, circa 1870, which elaborates on the town's haunted history.
Johnstown
In Cambria County, about 57 miles east of Pittsburgh, the town of Johnstown serves retirees the best of both worlds: low median home prices of $99,000, and proximity to the "big city." Despite Johnstown's nearness to Pittsburgh, it is its own small town, complete with a communal, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to retirees.
Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy and Dog Park, a park housing the resting places of both Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, includes a greenhouse and conservatory, an open-air performance venue, and a fenced dog park, and hosts events including wine festivals and craft shows throughout the year. Bicyclers may want to hit the Inclined Plane Trails, with downhill mountain biking trails from intermediate to expert levels, next to Johnstown's historic funicular. History lovers who want more information on the three historic Johnstown Floods may wish to visit the High Water Markings, featuring educational plaques on the corner of Johnstown's City Hall. Art lovers should check out the Art off the Rails Trail, a self-guided walking tour of Johnstown's downtown art venues.
Lebanon
Although homes in Lebanon, the county seat of Lebanon County, are just $2,000 under the state median price, at $276,000, the town has many other attributes that entice retirees to move there. Many enjoy the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and community vibe found throughout Lebanon, as well as its mixture of nature and culture.
Foodies won't want to miss stopping by Lebanon Farmers Market for a taste of the town's own Lebanon Bologna; and Wertz Candies, famous for its Opera Fudge. For a combination of nature and history, visit Union Canal Tunnel Park, a 110-acre recreational area surrounding the Union Canal Tunnel, the oldest existing water transportation tunnel in the US. The Lebanon County Choral Society features an adult chorus that musically-minded retirees may join, and puts on programs for the public throughout the year.
Lewistown
Along the Juniata River in Mifflin County, about 60 miles northwest of Harrisburg, you'll find the town of Lewistown, with median home prices at a comfortable $158,000. Some retirees move to Lewistown for its nearness to the state capital, while still maintaining a small-town atmosphere.
Lewistown's Monument Square Center was built in 1929 and is a National Historic Landmark. This Art Deco building houses offices and retail spaces today, as well as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, containing a stone from President Abraham Lincoln's tomb. As you walk through Lewistown's downtown area, you may notice the many Wild Goose Statues, each of which has been hand-painted by a local artist. Goose Day is celebrated in Lewistown each September 29, featuring a street festival and activities.
Mount Carmel
Northumberland County's small town of Mount Carmel, in the Susquehanna River Valley and Coal Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, entices retirees to move there with its median home price of just $52,000. It is just 70 miles northeast of the state capital, Harrisburg, which is another draw for retirees craving small-town life in the shadow of a big city.
The Mount Carmel Farmers Market attracts townsfolk and visitors each Saturday morning from June through November. Outdoor lovers relish the fact that Mount Carmel is just a half-hour's drive from Weiser State Forest, covering 30,000 acres and offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and skiing. Mount Carmel's own Historic District Walking Tour provides information on the region's coal heritage. Big Mine Run Geyser, the only geyser in Pennsylvania, is worth the short, 10-minute drive from Mount Carmel.
New Castle
The Lawrence County town of New Castle on the Shenango River features a special amount of ethnic and religious enclaves for a small city in Northwest Pennsylvania, adding a unique flavor to the small town spirit. Median home prices here are $137,000, and the fact that Pittsburgh is about an hour's drive away also drives many retirees to make the move to the smaller community of New Castle.
New Castle is also nicknamed the "Fireworks Capital of America," and this is evident in the summertime, particularly during the town's annual Fireworks Festival. Cascade Park is popular with hikers, fishers, and boaters, and also hosts the town's annual winter "Cascade of Lights." New Castle's Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting takes place in late November and brings the town's residents together. Another popular community event is the New Castle Farmers Market, held every Saturday from July through October.
Pottsville
Pottsville, on the Schuylkill River in Schuylkill County, boasts median home prices of $143,000. Its rich history as part of Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region, along with its attractive home prices, draws retirees to move to this small town.
One of Pottsville's most famous attractions is Yuengling Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in the US, which has been in operation since 1829. History buffs may wish to visit the historic Frank D. Yuengling Mansion, which hosts art exhibitions, live performances, and more throughout the year. Nostalgia lovers should check out Jerry's Classic Cars & Collectibles, with displays of classic cars and more than 20,000 collectible items from barbershop to drive-in theater memorabilia. Hope Hill Lavender Farm is a one-of-a-kind experience, a working farm where you may visit and purchase lavender products.
Williamsport
At the base of the Allegheny Mountains in Lycoming County is the town of Williamsport, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The median home price in Williamsport is $200,000, under the state median. Williamsport suits retirees who want to revel in the natural beauty of the mountains and the river, and who appreciate that the state capital of Harrisburg is just 85 miles away.
The Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society showcases the history of the Williamsport area through exhibits celebrating its heritage. Williamsport's Community Arts Center hosts theater, comedy, dance, and musical productions year-round. Baseball fans can attend a game of the Williamsport Crosscutters, members of Major League Baseball's Draft League. The Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail runs 4.2 miles along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and is perfect for bikers, hikers, and wheelchair-users.
Cost-Effective Communities in the Keystone State
These 10 Pennsylvania small towns are each considered wallet-friendly havens for retirees. The median home price of each town featured here is below the state average, and the cost of living in these communities is lower than that of other towns and cities in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania offers retirees economic, social, recreational, and natural advantages over other states. Check out these Pennsylvania towns for yourself, and you might discover your ideal retirement destination.
