Pennsylvania has a retirement-friendly reputation because of its lower taxes. PA doesn’t tax retirement income like IRAs and social security. Also, the income tax rate is 3.07 percent, and the sales tax is six percent. This along with attractive home prices contributes to an affordable cost of living for residents.
Though you won’t find inexpensive homes in the wealthiest suburbs outside of Philadelphia, there are more than enough budget-friendly active adult communities in some of the smaller ones, plus elsewhere throughout PA.
Here are five must-see neighborhoods in Pennsylvania that all have homes for sale under $200k.
Red Hill Estates – Red Hill, PA
Below $100k – Mid $100s
Located just five miles from Macoby Run Golf Course, Red Hill Estates is a charming active adult neighborhood with just 260 resale single-family homes. The two affordable floor plans are sized at 1,120 and 1,493 feet and offer three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Some of these cozy homes feature rear decks, front patios, roomy master suites, gas fireplaces, and vaulted ceilings. Taxes are low, and homeowners also pay a reasonable monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) fee to cover exterior home maintenance and sidewalk repairs.
Red Hill Estates has a small community clubhouse for social gatherings, and there are walking and biking trails as well as natural space on the property. Green Lane Park and Reservoir is about five minutes away and has camping, boating, and fishing facilities. Allentown is about a 30-minute drive, and there’s a Redner’s Warehouse Market, a Walmart Supercenter, Weis Markets, plus hair salons, pet stores, restaurants, and everything else you might need.
Request more information about Red Hill Estates.
Park Plaza Condominiums – Philadelphia, PA
Below $100k – High $100s
Here’s another mid-sized condo community with no age restrictions, located less than 10 miles from the heart of Philadelphia. Park Plaza Condominiums is surprisingly affordable given its desirable location and the 20 floor plans range from 578 to 1,867 square feet with one to three bedrooms and one to two baths. The HOA fees include basic cable, fire insurance, and utilities.
Homeowners can take advantage of the fully-equipped gym, indoor and outdoor pools, and tennis court. There’s also a concierge, 24-hour on-site security, and a doorman, and each condo has a secure outdoor parking space (indoor parking may be available for an added fee).
Living at Park Place means close access to the best that Philly has to offer, including Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Art Museum, Jefferson University Hospital, and the Philadelphia Zoo. Outdoor attractions include Fairmount Park, Ridley Creek State Park, and Bala Avenue Park. If you are a golfer, the Walnut Lane Golf Club and Juniata Golf Club are not far away. You can walk to the Fresh Grocer, and within a mile of the property, there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Target, and an Acme.
Request more information about Park Plaza Condominiums.
Country Manor – Shippensburg, PA
Low $100s – Low $200s
Moving out towards the middle of PA, we find Country Manor, a friendly 55+ community of 130 resale single-family homes. The nine models range from 1,230 to 1,876 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two baths, front porches, spacious master suites, and attached garages. Country Manor’s private clubhouse has an exercise room, library, and a multi-purpose room with a catering kitchen. Outside, you’ll find the shuffleboard courts, a fully stocked fishing lake with a gazebo, and walking and biking trails.
This quiet, gated community is not far from Route 81, the two closest medical providers are Carlisle Regional Medical Center and Summit Health, and there are numerous shopping centers, houses of worship, restaurants, and golf courses (including Piney Apple) in the area.
Request more information about Country Manor.
Green Hill Condominium – Wynnewood, PA
Low $100s – Low $300s
A gated property with 543 resale condos, Green Hill Condominium is about 20 minutes from Center City. The condo units range from 910 to 1,910 square feet with one to three bedrooms and bathrooms. Look for desirable features like large bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, large closets, and galley kitchens in these modern units. The building offers 24/7 security, storage, and a shuttle service to local stores and public transportation. The property also has indoor and outdoor pools and private banquet rooms.
Green Hill’s HOA fee includes basic cable TV and utilities. There’s a GIANT Food Store, an ALDI, and a CVS in the area, and the two of the closest medical facilities are Bryn Mawr Hospital and Temple University Hospital.
