11 Four-Season Value Towns In Pennsylvania For Retirees
Many retirees are considering the benefits of moving to Pennsylvania. The state does not impose taxes on retirement income, has a relatively low cost of living compared to other states in the northeast, is filled with abundant natural beauty, and delivers quality healthcare. According to Zillow.com, the median home value for the state of Pennsylvania is $281,000. The towns featured here all have median home values below the state average, along with plenty of fun things to do year-round. You may notice that the most affordable housing is found in central, western, and northern Pennsylvania, and not so much in the Philadelphia region or on the east coast of the state. Here are 11 of the best four-season value towns in Pennsylvania for retirees.
Johnstown
About 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, the town of Johnstown offers retirees a welcoming community not far from a big city. Houses here average $107,000, which is also attractive to many retirees. The Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center is a popular attraction that includes an exhibition on immigration from a local perspective. The Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail runs for 3 miles on the east end of town, following the Stonycreek River, and makes for a scenic and accessible walk in any season. Meanwhile, the Johnstown Senior Center on Main Street is the ideal gathering place for senior citizens and offers a range of supportive programs. Also on Main Street is the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center - Lee Campus, a medical facility that offers comprehensive care, including emergency and specialized services.
Pottsville
Sitting on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, the town of Pottsville is in Pennsylvania's coal region. Homes here average $146,000, well below the state median. The Yuengling Brewery, established in 1829 and the oldest operating brewery in the US, is a must-see in Pottsville and still gives tours today. The Schuylkill River Trail, an extensive network that will run from Frackville to Philadelphia once complete, weaves for a few miles through Pottsville and is ideal for a stroll through nature. The Pottsville Senior Center on Centre Street welcomes area adults aged 60 and up for meals, classes, and social events, while Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill takes care of the medical needs of Pottsville area residents.
Lewistown
The Mifflin County town of Lewistown sits along the Juniata River, about 60 miles northwest of Harrisburg. Homes in this town of 8,500 average $162,000. Retirees are drawn to Lewistown for its community atmosphere, as well as for its proximity to the state capital and its amenities. The Mifflin County Historical Society in Lewistown relates the history and heritage of the area, including memorabilia of the McCoy family and rooms from the Victorian period at the McCoy House Museum. Victory Park on South Juniata Street contains a Veteran's Memorial as well as the S.H. Rothermel Walking Trail, a 3/4-mile walking path on the river. The Lewistown Senior Center hosts events and activities for older adults, and the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital is right in town when medical needs arise.
Meadville
Just 40 miles from the city of Erie on the Great Lakes and 90 miles from Pittsburgh, the town of Meadville in Crawford County beckons retirees looking for a mix of affordability and convenience, thanks to average home values of around $163,000. The Ernst Trail, which runs for 12 miles between Meadville and Conneaut Lake, is popular with walkers, bikers, and skiers and is also wheelchair-accessible. Erie National Wildlife Refuge is another haven for outdoor lovers, whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, or wildlife spotting. The Active Aging Center of Meadville is open weekdays and offers many amenities for seniors, such as an art room, gym equipment, library, and dance studio, while Meadville Medical Center on Liberty Street is convenient if medical issues come up.
Brentwood
The borough of Brentwood in Allegheny County is home to 10,000 residents and is considered a suburb of Pittsburgh, which is just seven miles away. Homes here average $172,000, so those who want to live near Pittsburgh but still maintain a suburban atmosphere may choose to relocate to Brentwood. Brentwood Park has a walking track, swimming pool, and athletic fields, catering to many of the needs and desires of the community, while Brentwood Towne Square, at the crossroads of Route 51 and Brownsville Road, is home to several shops and services, and is a community hub for festivals and special events. Brentwood's proximity to Pittsburgh gives residents a wealth of options when it comes to health care and support, and highly-rated assisted facilities such as Norbert Personal Care and Whitetail Springs are close at hand.
New Castle
The Lawrence County town of New Castle sits along the Shenango River at the mouth of Neshannock Creek. It lies about 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh near Ohio's border. This town of 22,000 offers homes averaging $139,000, which is attractive for those on a fixed income who still want access to urban amenities. For recreation, West Park Nature Center in New Castle is a 100-acre four-seasons park. It includes trails for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, as well as plenty of bird-watching opportunities. The Hoyt Center for the Arts hosts classes and workshops, art clubs, and resources for aspiring and seasoned artists, and the Scottish Rite Cathedral is a beloved venue for a wide variety of live performances. UPMC Jameson is New Castle's hospital, offering a full range of services and quality care.
Mount Carmel
The small town of Mount Carmel is home to 5,700 residents in Northumberland County, Central Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River Valley and Coal Heritage Region. This town is almost 90 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 70 miles northeast of Harrisburg, and one thing that attracts retirees to Mount Carmel is its highly affordable home values, which average just $54,000.
New residents of Mount Carmel may wish to take the self-guided Historic District Walking Tour to learn more about the town and the region's industrial background. On Saturday mornings from June through November, residents gather at the Mount Carmel Farmers Market to buy produce, plants, crafts, and baked goods. The Mount Carmel Adult Community Center on South Market Street is a source of support and community for adults aged 55 and over, and the Shamokin Area Community Hospital is conveniently located in Coal Township, just eight miles away.
Altoona
The Blair County town of Altoona lies approximately 100 miles east of Pittsburgh. This town of 44,000 residents features housing averaging $138,000, which is a draw for many retirees looking to save money. As Altoona is a former railroad town, its Railroaders Memorial Museum may be of interest, with interactive exhibits that share stories about the region's history. The museum also operates the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, which includes a funicular that takes guests from the visitor complex to the track level. The Allegheny Ridge Heritage and Recreation Corridor runs through Altoona and provides opportunities for seniors of all abilities, from paddling to hiking and biking. Meanwhile, Central Blair Senior Center serves lunch and hosts a range of activities for senior citizens, and UPMC Altoona is a highly-rated 380-bed community hospital.
Lebanon
Home to 26,800 and the county seat of Lebanon County, the town of Lebanon boasts median home values consistent with the state average. The town's Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, small-town atmosphere, and amenities entice many retirees to call Lebanon home. The Clarence Shock Memorial Park at the Governor Dick Environmental Center spans 1,100 acres of woods for biking, hiking, and enjoying nature. The Lebanon Farmers Market runs Thursdays through Saturdays, with vendors selling food and crafts, and the Maple Street Senior Community Center delivers supportive programming and engaging activities for area senior citizens.
Williamsport
The Lycoming County town of Williamsport is home to 27,700 residents and sits between the west branch of the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. Williamsport is also about 85 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg. The average home value is $200,000, so those who relocate to Williamsport enjoy the rural beauty of the area, balanced with a relatively low cost of living.
Baseball enthusiasts won't want to miss the World of Little League Museum, celebrating the heritage of Williamsport and its connection to America's game. The paved Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail stretches over 4 miles from Maynard Street to Chestnut Street and provides accessible space for wheelchairs, as well as for walking and biking. The South Williamsport Riverwalk Senior Center invites seniors to participate in healthy aging activities and socialization opportunities, while UPMC Williamsport is an acute care hospital and home to the first ICU in central Pennsylvania.
Bloomsburg
The town of Bloomsburg on the Susquehanna River is the county seat of Columbia County. It is home to about 13,000 people, and houses here average $250,000. Many retirees who move to Bloomsburg enjoy the youthful vibe of the town, bolstered by Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Bloomsburg Town Park includes a fitness trail, athletic fields, and the Bicentennial Entertainment Pavilion bandshell, which hosts a range of family-friendly entertainment. The Bloomsburg Senior Center serves nutritious midday meals and a range of activities and services to area seniors, and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital is right in town for any medical needs that may occur.
Worth a Look
These 11 four-season value Pennsylvania towns are worth considering if you are approaching, or in the midst of, your retirement years. Whether you want to live beside a river, in a town near a larger city, or in the foothills, these towns in the Keystone State can meet your needs. They are also wallet-friendly, ensuring value for your money. Check out the financial, social, recreational, and medical benefits of moving to Pennsylvania during your retirement.
