Pennsylvania 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Pennsylvania is one of the most retirement-friendly states in the nation. Retirees and working active adults choose Pennsylvania for its affordable 55+ communities and tax-friendly retirement. The Keystone State offers a diverse range of real estate options for your retirement years, from smaller neighborhoods to communities with 500+ homes.

Pennsylvania Climate & Geography

The state of Pennsylvania is located in the Northeast of the U.S. The state has 51 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie and 57 miles along the Delaware Estuary. Also, the iconic Appalachian Mountains run throughout the middle of the state.

Here, you can expect cold winters and humid summers, but the varied landscape produces a variety of climates throughout the state. Most of Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate, while the greater Philadelphia area has a humid subtropical climate. Inland, closer to the mountains, the winter is noticeably colder, with cloudier days and more snowfall. Further west, near Lake Erie, sees about 100 inches of snowfall yearly.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie are the four most popular cities with many attractions and entertainment options.

As the home of many professional sports teams, there are games to watch throughout the year. For football, you have the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. For baseball, you’ve got the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. For hockey, there are the popular Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers.

As one of the first 13 states of the United States, Pennsylvania is rich with historic landmarks—165 to be exact! Here are some of the most popular destinations in the state:

• Gettysburg National Park
• Independence National Park
• Liberty Bell
• Hershey Park
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Andy Warhol Museum
• Valley Forge

Retirees can stay active with plenty of golf courses and ski resorts as well as kayaking, hiking, hunting, and fishing spots. Some popular destinations include the Pocono Mountains, Clarion River, Allegheny National Forest, and Moraine State Park.

Pennsylvania Cost of Living & Taxes

55+ communities in Pennsylvania are in demand because of the lower cost of living compared to neighboring states. Here’s a look at the cost of living in Pennsylvania and its bordering states compared to the national average according to Rent Cafe:

• West Virginia’s cost of living is 9% lower than the national average
• Ohio’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average
• Pennsylvania’s cost of living is 4% lower than the national average
• Delaware’s cost of living is 2% higher than the national average
• New Jersey’s cost of living is 11% higher than the national average
• Maryland’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average
• New York’s cost of living is 26% higher than the national average

While Pennsylvania’s cost of living compared to its border states is toward the middle of the pack, it’s extremely tax-friendly toward retirees. The state doesn’t tax retirement income including pensions, social security, 401(k)s, IRAs, etc. The income tax rate is a flat 3.07% for Pennsylvania residents still in the workforce.

Health Care in Pennsylvania

The state has over 250 hospitals, with 13 ranking nationally for specialties like cancer and cardiology. In Philadelphia, there’s the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

North of Philadelphia is the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. To the east, in Pittsburgh, is The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Steel City is known for its great hospitals and has been named one of the best U.S. cities for successful aging.

Retiring in Pennsylvania FAQs

What is the best place to retire in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has many good places to retire for any lifestyle. For retirees looking for cities to settle down in, 55+ communities in Harrisburg are popular.

What are the best small towns in Pennsylvania to retire in?

The following small towns are some of the most popular among Pennsylvania retirees:

• Doylestown
• New Hope
• Lititz
• Kennett Square
• Newtown
• Ephrata
• Langhorne
• Yardley

What are the best cities to retire in Pennsylvania?

Lancaster, Bethlehem, Easton, West Chester, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia are some of the most retirement-friendly areas in Pennsylvania.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Pennsylvania?

As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community in the U.S. is between a $1,500 to $4,000 monthly fee. This price can vary by HOA fees, amenities, security, and other expenses.