The Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania

Over the years, this blog has repeatedly been asked about the best places to retire.  Of course, many people who are planning their retirement immediately jump to the conclusion that they should only consider sunbelt locations such as Arizona, Florida, or the states along the Gulf Coast.  However, not everyone wants to move far away from their loved ones and, in the Northeast, Pennsylvania has become a popular retirement destination, with a number of attractive small towns and retirement communities.

This week's guest post was submitted by a representative of one of those retirement communities, United Zion, and provides general information about why so many retirees are discovering that Pennsylvania can be an appealing retirement destination.  

If you are unfamiliar with all the attractions which Pennsylvania has to offer, you may also want to learn more about the wealth of activities in the state by reading "Backroads & Byways of Pennsylvania: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend Excursions." (Ad) After reading this book, you'll know why so many people have fallen in love with Pennsylvania!

The author's guest post is below:  

Pennsylvania is considered one of the top states for retirement in the US. With charming towns, breathtaking wildlife, and an active population, the Keystone State is one of the best states to consider when planning for your retirement.

Continue reading to discover the best places to retire in Pennsylvania.

Evaluating Where to Retire: Pennsylvania vs. Surrounding States

There are 50 states in the country. Each state has its own merits, which makes it worthy of consideration as a place to retire. However, some states are more conducive to the retirement stage than other states.

One of these states is Pennsylvania. This is not surprising, because the quality of life is commendable in some regions, especially for folks who wish to enjoy their golden years in a peaceful home.

The magazine, US News & World Report, awarded Lancaster, Pennsylvania the top spot in its "2019 Best Places to Retire" list. From scenic parks and walking trails, to the quaint shops along tree-lined historic city streets, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Lancaster when you're not hitting the putting green of your suburban community.

Two main reasons make Lancaster, PA, an ideal spot to settle down.

The first reason is the happy life of Lancaster residents. The second reason is the affordable prices of housing in the city.

Lancaster, PA, ranked first among the 100 places that made it to the list in 2019. The other top ten contenders were Fort Myers, FL, Sarasota, FL, Austin, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, Grand Rapids, MI, Nashville, TN, San Antonio, TX, Dallas–Fort Worth, TX, and Lakeland, FL.

Based on the more recent 2020-2021 list from US News & World Report, Lancaster is still considered one of the top five places to retire in the US. Other areas in Pennsylvania which made it to the top 100 include Harrisburg, Allentown, Philadelphia, and York.

You'll want to explore the state of Pennsylvania if you are planning on retiring in the US. The Keystone State offers a wide variety of options for retirees. You can choose to live in any of the state's larger cities, or slip away to the countryside where you can enjoy a simpler life in a small town with fresh air and beautiful, starry skies.

Location/Tax Rates in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is ideal as a retirement haven because it is a tax-friendly state.

According to tax information from SmartAsset, Pennsylvania has a total tax exemption for Social Security income. It does not collect state income taxes on pension income for senior citizens who are 60 years old and above.

On top of this, the state has tax exemption on payments from retirement accounts, including Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s.

Property tax rates in Pennsylvania are, indeed, higher than average. However, the state's average total sales tax rate is considered one of the 20 lowest in the US.

In general, Pennsylvania is a state where retirees can have the advantage of overall low state tax rates.

Areas in Pennsylvania

It's a practical idea to familiarize yourself with the different areas of Pennsylvania, if you are considering retiring in the state.

Susquehanna River Valley

Located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, you'll find the Susquehanna River Valley. Based on resources from Best-Place-To-Retire.com, the area is conveniently accessible by Interstates 80 and 81 and Routes 11, 15, 45, 192, 61.

The Susquehanna River Valley comprises three counties in Central Pennsylvania: Snyder, Union, and Northumberland Counties.

Hershey

Situated in Dauphin County, Hershey, Pennsylvania, has an estimated population of 14,411, according to statistics from Livability.

The average income in Hershey is $67,325. The standard home value is $292,552.

Lancaster

Located in the heart of Amish Country, you'll find Lancaster, PA. The city has an approximate population of 61,872, based on Livability information.

The standard income in Lancaster is $39,127. The average value of homes is $119,492.

Lititz

Lititz is situated in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. The town has an estimated population of 9,702, according to resources from Livability.

The average income in Lititz is $58,234. The standard home value is $191,253.

Community Life in Lititz, Pennsylvania

You may be asking yourself, "Is Lititz, PA a good place to live?"

Lititz, located in Lancaster County, is one of the best places to retire in Pennsylvania. Aside from the quality of life, low tax rates, and other factors mentioned above, it also showcases a warm, vibrant community.

Lititz was named the "coolest small town in America" by Budget Travel. It gained recognition because of its rich historical heritage, lively presence, and myriad of attractions like cultural landmarks, restaurants, galleries, shops, and events.

About our Community

If you are still looking for the best places to retire in Pennsylvania, we invite you to explore United Zion Retirement Community located in Lititz, PA.

United Zion is a compassionate, close-knit Life Planning Community in Lititz, PA. Our professional and warm staff, small community setting, and beautiful surroundings create an inviting, comfortable living environment. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care to each resident in a nurturing environment.

Staying in one of the residential living cottages and apartments in this retirement community will allow you to maximize your enjoyment of your golden years in Pennsylvania.

Call us at (717) 626-2071, or send us a message to learn more about our retirement community.

You can find gifts for retirees and others at my Etsy Store, DeborahDianGifts:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeborahDianGifts

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Photo provided by the Union Zion Community