Photo courtesy of George Sheldon via Shutterstock
US News analyzed 150 metro areas in the country to find the best places to retire and eight cities from the commonwealth made the top 20.
Watch out Florida, Pennsylvania is coming for your retirees.
The Sunshine State may be a well-known retirement destination, but it was a city from the Keystone State that took the top spot on the most recent US News list of the Best Places to Retire in the country.
Lancaster landed the coveted No. 1 spot with Harrisburg coming in second. Pensacola and Tampa, Fla., came in third and fourth respectively and York rounded out the top five. Four other Pennsylvania cities made the top 20.
US News analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to retire based on how happy local residents were, the affordability of housing and property taxes, and the quality of healthcare.
Retirees are prioritizing housing affordability more and more as home prices rise, mortgage interest rates continue to increase, and recession fears persist.
Here are the eight places in the state that made the list of Best Places to Retire:
No. 1 – Lancaster
Lancaster tops the list thanks to the quality and proximity of its health care facilities. The area is also affordable compared with other major metro areas, and homes are less expensive than the national median home sale price. It was also noted that Lancaster residents appreciate the balance between natural and commercial spaces.
No. 2 – Harrisburg
The commonwealth’s capital city earned the second spot on the list thanks to its quality health care facilities and housing affordability. Harrisburg is also a great spot for active retirees as it boasts scenic trails along the Susquehanna River and is host to many annual festivals and events.
No. 5 – York
Ranking in the fifth spot, York may not have a towering skyline, but it does have plenty of health care options and affordable housing. This small metro area offers a litany of options for retirees, including numerous county parks, shopping centers, and historical landmarks.
No. 9 – Allentown
Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third-largest metro area, ranked ninth in the nation for Best Places to Retire. The area’s plentiful health care options and housing affordability helped secure its ranking. Many of the city’s closed mills and manufacturing buildings have been converted into modern looking apartments and lofts that offer appeal to retirees.
No. 10 – Reading
Coming in the tenth spot, Reading, like the other Pennsylvania places that made the list, was ranked as a good place to retire because of its housing affordability and numerous health care options. Retirees can stay active in Reading by visiting the trails along the Schuylkill River or at Antietam Lake Park while also enjoying cultural attractions and sporting events.
No. 17 – Scranton
Scranton ranked 17th in the nation for Best Places to Retire. Its close-knit neighborhoods around downtown give the city a strong, small-town appeal while still offering numerous quality health care options and affordable housing.
No. 19 – Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love ranked 19th for Best Places to Retire thanks to its numerous health care facilities within close proximity. Philadelphia also offers an array of art galleries, music venues, theaters, and public parks for a complete cultural experience for any retiree.
No. 20 – Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh was the last commonwealth city to make the list of Best Places to Retire, coming in at 20th. Housing costs less in Pittsburgh compared with other major cities, but the area did not score as high as other Pennsylvania cities when it came to health care quality. The city does boast more than 2,000 acres of parkland, making it a desirable place to live for active retirees.
READ MORE: Unforgettable Getaways: 8 Unique Vacation Rentals in Pennsylvania You Have to See to Believe
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