7 Pennsylvania Cities Named Best Places to Retire List

Cities in Pennsylvania grabbed seven of the top 10 spots in U.S. News and World Report's 2024 Best Places to Retire ranking. What may be surprising is that no Florida or Arizona city makes the list’s top five.

The criteria U.S. News and World Report used in making its choices were affordability (including housing, utilities, and goods), happiness (including crime, well-being, and air quality), healthcare quality, retiree taxes, desirability, and the job market.

Its top pick, Harrisburg, Penn., was lauded for its lower cost of living and more affordable housing than other East Coast metro areas. In addition, it delivers an array of aging-friendly features like accessible biking and hiking. Plus, it's within easy reach of getaways like Amish Country and Gettysburg National Military Park and road-tripping opportunities to big cities: New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

Top 10 Retirement Spots

1. Harrisburg, PA

2. Reading, PA

3. Lancaster, PA

4. Scranton, PA

5. Allentown, PA

6. New York City, NY

7. York, PA

8. Daytona Beach, FL

9. Youngstown, OH

10. Pittsburgh, PA