Central Pennsylvania 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Typically one associates retirement with warmer states like Florida or Arizona. However, Pennsylvania is a very popular destination for retirement due to its retirement friendly taxes and close location many Northeastern states. Baby Boomers enjoy remaining close to family and friends as well as a convenient location near many opportunities for culture and recreation.

There are over 30 age-restricted communities in Central Pennsylvania. Homebuyers can find neighborhoods that offer new construction or previously owned homes for sale in a 55+ community in Central PA. Active adults can find a home near the Lancaster, Harrisburg, State College, Hanover, Gettysburg, Lebanon, and Shippensburg areas.

Climate & Geography

Pennsylvania offers a four-season climate where January is the coldest month and July is the warmest. Summer sees average high temperatures of about 80 degrees while the winter s average high temperature is in the mid 20s. Like all regions, temperature and geography vary by location.

Central Pennsylvania s geography includes the Dutch region to the south. There are many rural areas near the cities of Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg. The Lehigh Valley and Susquehanna River Valley are major metropolitan areas in Central Pennsylvania. There are many state parks and natural areas as well.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Active adult communities in Central Pennsylvania have an endless amount of options for entertainment and culture. The Susquehanna River Valley is home to many restaurants, shopping opportunities, events, and cultural attractions. Plenty of shopping ranges from antiques, clothiers, equestrian, furnishings, garden centers, farmers markets, malls, to wineries. Popular festivals include the Selinsgrove Market Street Festival, Beaver Community Fair, Shade Mountain harvest Festival, Warrior Run Fort Freeland Heritage Days, and Kohl s Stony Hill Tree Farm and Christmas Shoppe.

The city of Harrisburg is the state s capital and filled with historic attractions. Top historic and cultural attractions include the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the National Civil War Museum, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Downtown Harrisburg is a charming area with scenic architecture as well as bars and restaurants.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Active adult communities in Central Pennsylvania are extremely popular due to the lower cost of living compared to neighboring states. Compared to the national average, New York is 27 percent higher and New Jersey is 35 percent higher while Pennsylvania is just 1 percent higher. Pennsylvania is extremely tax-friendly toward retirees as they do not tax retirement income including pensions, social security, 401Ks, IRAs, etc. For those still working, the income tax rate is a flat 3.07 percent.

Healthcare

The top hospitals in Central Pennsylvania are typically found near the Harrisburg metropolitan area. There are about eleven healthcare facilities, of which three are high performing. Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey have ten high-performing specialties. The PinnacleHealth Hospitals in Harrisburg have two high-performing specialties in orthopedics and urology.