9 Friendly Towns To Retire In Pennsylvania
Retiring never seems to cross people's minds during their career, and many start planning for when it's already too late. To avoid falling into this trap and messing up your golden years, Pennsylvania offers a wide range of friendly, welcoming towns that make the transition into retirement feel not only easy but genuinely enjoyable. With its blend of small-town charm, rich history, and access to nature, the state provides peaceful, affordable communities where neighbors welcome newcomers like long-lost friends.
From quaint boroughs with walkable downtowns to serene countryside escapes, Pennsylvania’s warm and inviting destinations cater to retirees seeking both comfort and connection. So, if you are ready to transition into this next chapter of life, here are friendly towns to retire in Pennsylvania.
Hermitage
Hermitage is a lively community in Mercer County, situated just over an hour northwest of Pittsburgh, where retirees can find a balance between rural living and city access. It features multiple green spaces ideal for outdoor relaxation, with activities such as picnicking, boating, camping, and fishing available at Shenango River Lake. On the other hand, the downtown district is teeming with entertainment and social venues that foster a sense of belonging. At Golden Star Theaters, residents come to watch showtime movies in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Olympic Fun Center provides roller skating, arcade games, rock climbing, and laser tagging opportunities for kids and adults alike. Hermitage crucially hosts the Shenango Valley Senior Community Center to improve the quality of life for local elders. Additionally, according to Zillow, the average home value in Hermitage is $213,601, which is below the Pennsylvania average of $278,018.
Ashland
2 hours from Philadelphia, Ashland is a peaceful borough in northeast Pennsylvania with a fascinating coal-mining and railway heritage. It welcomes incoming seniors to get familiar with the area's history at the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train, which offers insightful mine tours deep into the underground and a chance to ride on a vintage locomotive. The Big Mine Run Geyser is an accidental geyser that formed from the pressure of an abandoned mine, and has become a local sensation, with residents coming to witness the water gushing out from the ground.
Social retirees can also make time to catch up with peers in a quaint traditional watering hole like Ashland Grille, known for serving great cocktails and a laid-back vibe. The Ashland Old-Fashioned Christmas is a significant community event that brings everyone together in downtown Ashland to usher in the festive season as a family. With an average home value of $118,217, it is one of those friendly towns to retire in Pennsylvania worth considering.
Brentwood
Brentwood is a borough in Allegheny County and a Pittsburgh suburb, offering senior citizens an array of urbanized amenities without compromising their peace of mind. Its vibrant downtown area boasts luxuries such as the Brentwood Towne Square, where townsfolk can access all their grocery, shopping, and entertainment needs from a large mall with nationally acclaimed brands. Elsewhere, Brentwood Park is the heart of all recreational activities in the community, thanks to its diverse range of amenities, including a swimming pool, athletic fields, a walking track, and picnic areas.
Every summer, the Brentwood Community Day unites everyone together as a family to celebrate the gift of community through fun activities, including axe throwing, food trucks, a petting zoo, and bounce houses. Lastly, Brentwood Neighborhood Hospital is the primary health care provider in the region, while the average home value in the town is $172,246.
Carnegie
Carnegie is another Pittsburgh suburb with an active arts community that keeps pensioners entertained throughout the year. Along Main Street, you will encounter Off the WALL Performing Arts Center, a modest playhouse with a reputation for staging compelling productions by emerging talents from around the region. The venue is within walking distance of the Historical Society of Carnegie, where a vast display of books, photographs, memorabilia, and other artifacts documents the community's transformation through the years.
Senior citizens with outdoor inclinations can make the most of the serene green space to picnic and breathe fresh air at Carnegie Park. However, those who are too old to live independently can benefit from assisted living services at Lifespan Chartiers Senior Center. Also, Carnegie's average home value is $221,171.
Danville
Danville is a tight-knit community along the northern branch of the Susquehanna River, renowned for its historic downtown neighborhood and inviting outdoor areas. The town manages to maintain friendly associations between members through continued social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs at the Danville Area Community Center. Retirees can sustain an active lifestyle by frequently hiking or biking along the North Branch Canal Trail to exercise their legs.
Meanwhile, those who collect antiques can expand their collections by visiting and sorting through the offerings at Rising Sun Antiques. The Geisinger Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services in a modern, well-equipped 24-hour medical institution. Danville also boasts an average home value of $265,206, which is lower than the national average of $360,727.
Grove City
Grove City offers a suburban feel for seniors who prefer not to settle too far from the city, providing them with access to various urban conveniences. Grove City Premium Outlets is an excellent example, a premier shopping hub with over 100 national brands, including Michael Kors and The North Face. Residents have the unique opportunity to watch and interact with rare animal species at their discretion by visiting Keystone Safari. This modest sanctuary is home to llamas, giraffes, reindeer, and a variety of other wildlife.
Every September, the Fair Haven Farms Fall Festival serves as a uniting factor in the community, with families coming to enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a petting zoo to welcome the harvest season. Reliable medical services are accessible at AHN Grove City, and those who wish to acquire a property should remember that the average home value is $228,504.
Sunbury
This Susquehanna River town in Northumberland County entices old timers with its outdoor fun and compelling backstory. Sunbury offers ample recreational opportunities at Shikellamy State Park, which sits at the confluence of the Susquehanna River. Spanning about 130 acres, the serene environment is ideal for picnicking, sightseeing, and hiking, offering a delightful vantage point. The Northumberland County Historical Society provides valuable insight into the history of the community, documented through a vast collection of artifacts.
Additionally, the Sunbury Market House serves as a vital community hub, where people gather to purchase farm produce, handicrafts, baked goods, and other essential items. Critical assisted living institutions, such as Sunbury Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, are invaluable for vulnerable pensioners in the community, and the region's average home value is $174,509.
Scottdale
Scottdale methodically complements its rural atmosphere with easy access to a variety of city conveniences in nearby Pittsburgh. It is notably home to the Geyer Performing Arts Center, a premier cultural hub where locals have been watching thought-provoking theatrical shows for over a century. Families have adequate time and space to get outside and play at Chestnut Street Park. This adorable space features different recreational facilities, including a playground, pavilion, and basketball court.
A taste of local history awaits new residents at the Bullskin Township Historical Society, while Woodcrest Senior Living Community dedicates its services to fostering a conducive atmosphere for older adults to thrive. Finally, Scottdale offers retirees an average home value of $172,601.
Settling in Pennsylvania
These friendly towns to retire in Pennsylvania offer the ideal conditions, vibe, and amenities to guarantee senior citizens a comfortable lifestyle at the end of their careers. Whether planning to settle into a quiet community, enjoy vibrant cultural activities, or stay close to essential services, each destination provides unique benefits that support a fulfilling retirement. By settling in a town that aligns with your pace, priorities, and interests, you can look forward to a rewarding new chapter in the United States filled with comfort, connection, and a sense of peace of mind.
